Why they are called "wisdom" teeth is a little beyond me.  Of course, the answer is because they usually appear in the late teens/early twenties and so you are supposed to possess more wisdom than you did in your adolescent years. 
And perhaps, they call them that because when you see your other teeth coming out of alignment (after your parents spent thousands of $$$$ on braces straightening them so you would grow up being able to flash that beautiful smile!) because the "wisdom" teeth are coming in at an angle (also known as "impacted") you are wise enough to have them removed.  

For whatever reason, when they have to be removed, it is brutal.  I remember going through it myself over Christmas break from college in my sophomore year.  I actually think it's worse than the pain of childbirth.  And with childbirth, you have this amazing blessing that has you totally mesmerized while you are going through the healing process. 

There is no such trade off while healing from the effects of wisdom teeth removal.  I now have experienced the flip side of this procedure in the role of caregiver.  Parker and Evan had to have all 4 extracted on Thursday.  They came through with flying colors.  The surgery was preformed at Central Mass Oral Surgery where they were wonderful!  It was an efficient, fun and relaxing atmosphere.  They made the boys feel completely at ease and it was a pretty quick process.

Getting them home, settled, re-medicated and fed, in addition to a million other little things, I have been working full time since Thursday.  From the vivid memory I carry from many years ago, it seems as though not much has changed in the healing process.  I think today, I will get a little break from the last few and it should continue to get easier from here. 

Wish me luck, and in the meantime, don't over do it while you are out shoveling or snow blowing the effects from yet another snow fall.  Just remember, we will be seeing crocuses in no time ... keep telling yourself that!