Dental advice please

[Yorkiegirl]

I have been to the dentist today to be told that one of my wisdom teeth is so badly decayed that I have to have it removed. Now I am thinking that if it is so badly decayed that it needs to be removed then he should have noticed it at my check up 6 months ago. I have felt in the past that he leaves work until it needs major treatment instead of just a simple filling.
What to do.

[nutcracker]

Blimey Yorkie, I would say he definatly should have noticed 6 mths ago if it is that bad.

I had to have a very very tiny filling last week, but the dentist said he rather do it now than have me in there in 6mths with the whole tooth rotten.

[jabberwocky]

Wow, you would think so, wouldn't you? I guess the good thing is that many/most people have no wisdom teeth and so it's not like losing another one, but you wouldn't want that to happen again. I think I would seriously consider changing to another dentist, although it sounds as if it is too late for this tooth. However, you may want the removal done by a dentist that you have more confidence in.

[starlover]

not necessarily.... 6 months is a long time

[puff]

I know that my crowned tooth (also had had root canal treatment) was fine, but deteriorated badly over 6 months and had to be extracted.

If you have been unhappy with other treatment, then maybe there is an overall problem.

Incidentally, my dentist didn't charge me for the extraction of the tooth which I thought was very fair.

You've been having tooth problems on and off for ages (like me) Yorkie - it's a right PITA.

[Yorkiegirl]

the actual extraction will only cost me a tenner I think. At least it would have done when I had a tooth out when I was still on my freebie after DD2 was born.

[Aero]

I think wisdom teeth can decay fairly quickly. Mine did several years ago and it had to be removed. The relief was enormous.

I think though that if you're generally not happy overall with your dentist, then think about moving if you can. Not before questioning him about it though!

I've been humming and haaaaing over whether to have my root filled tooth removed, but am worried about the gap it will leave as it's the third one in from the back. It's never been right since it's been done despite my dentists best efforts. She has cleaned it out and filled it three times. Recently it's started to niggle me more again and throbs a bit if any pressure is put on it, but not sore at all otherwise. I really don't understand how a tooth with the nerve removed can still have feeling in it. If anyone can enlighten me, I'd be grateful. I'm seeing the dentist in a couple of weeks and will see what she thinks. Ideally I'd like to save the tooth, but am worried about ending up with toothache which is more than I could bear.

[Yorkiegirl]

chicagomum are you there?
Thanks everyone so far.

[angnz]

Hi Yorkiegirl
Prior to the birth of DD 22 days ago I was a dentist. I would have to say that teeth can decay quite quickly espcially wisdom teeth which can be very difficult to keep completely clean as they are often on difficult angles or partially covered with a flap of tissue (They are also extremely difficult to see at times due to thier positions and can be quite discoloured making decay more difficult to spot). It is often not worth trying to do fillings on them as they will often decay again around the fillings. Unless the tooth was in a perfect position and was easily cleanable then I would usually advise extraction of wisdom teeth if there is decay. Hope this helps and all the best.

[Yorkiegirl]

thanks angnz
that reassures me! Now to wait until 2nd May for the extraction!

[CHICagoMUM]

A tooth wouldn't go from ok to "end of life" in 6 months. Has this tooth been filled before, is it fully erupted, did he notice it in the mouth or on an x-ray?

[CHICagoMUM]

But I do second angnz post with regards to the benefit of filling an awkward tooth that is liable to decay again. Would also advocate the use of arnica to aid post extraction healing.

Quick hijack - congratulations angnz on the birth of your dd, hope you are enjoying motherhood. Are you planing on returning to work (and if so,in which field nhs/private in view of april's reforms - a good time to be out of it atm).

[Yorkiegirl]

it is fully erupted and has never had anything done to it before because it never needed it!

[angnz]

Hi Chicagomum. Am taking most of this year off and we are also heading back to New Zealand permanantly so back to private practice eventually. Definately glad to be watching from the sidelines at this time.

[CHICagoMUM]

Perhaps then it is as angnz suggested that rather than it can't be saved it isn't worthwhile saving because of the difficulty in treating it and the likelyhood of further decay and problems. If you aren't happy do consider getting a second opinion. Is it in the top jaw or bottom. If it is a top tooth I'd say just go for the extraction as it is prob. one of the easiest ones to have and then you are shot of the tooth (so no probs in the future).