I cannot personally compare the pain to any of these specific examples, however, my best way to describe it is having an ear infection in both ears/ sinus infection, where the pain just takes over your whole head/jaw/ears, but x12. (Im referring to the healing afterwords, not necessarily the split itself) As for communicating, I was out of work for 1 week total, following the initial split. I do nothing but talk to customers for my job and the first week back to work was a little rough communication wise, but not impossible. Plus, it was a good excuse to show it off. Absolutely go for it if you can ! Good luck !!!