The pain has dropped from "I can't sit still, I have to move around, and I feel nauseated" to "I'm somewhat uncomfortable". However, on general principles, I did take a half a Lorcet this morning, because getting behind the pain curve = DO NOT WANT.
Everything has stopped seeping blood.
My right cheek feels swollen and puffy, and Dale confirms that I do look like half a chipmunk. (I don't look in mirrors.)
The stitches are mildly annoying but not hideously so.
I'm doing a pretty good job of not poking at things with my tongue.
I do want to call the dentist back with a couple of questions: I have prescription mouthwash to use twice a day, and I'm supposed to avoid brushing over the surgical site. So the questions are, can I use something like warm salt-water rinses during the day, like after I eat or drink; and for how long do I need to avoid brushing.
Also, the dentist called *me* yesterday evening to check on me, and mentioned that I have, quote, "very thick bones, almost publishable".
I'm going to say that's a good thing in the long run, even if it did make it harder for him to trim things down.
Now that I know how I react, I think I can plan to just take 2-3 days off work rather than a whole week for the remaining procedures.