I don't recall the actual surgery, it was just pretty miserable the first 24 hours or so afterwards (nothing as dignified as constantly drooling...) plus then I got the dry socket thing aguaaqi mentioned - and though they didn't dig around in there again, it was still really painful. But most people get through the surgery just fine and heal without any problems at all. Best to get it taken care of and hurt for a couple days than suffer for a long time! You will feel much better!
until you have the surgery, try making a paste of ground cloves/water, and spread around the painful gums. my wisdom teeth were impacted, and until i could have it taken care of, clove paste was the only thing that helped. definately get the gas!!
i had all four of mine removed and they put me to sleep. i didnt feel anything. i woke up during the procedure and it sounded like they were breaking my bones but i didnt feel a thing. but afterwards, wooo weeee doggy, talk about PAIN. if it wasnt for those pain killers, i would have DIED! I just know it. but on the upside, those pain killers make you feel real niccccccccccccccce.
oh yeah, because im scared of needles, i had to get laughing gas before they gave me the IV to put me to sleep. that was super nice too. if i were going to be a drug addict, i'd be a laughing gas head.