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Original poster

What do do about this? Tooth extraction

33 replies

holybaloni · 23/05/2024 19:45

I'm on the waiting list to have a wisdom tooth removed and also the tooth next to it. The wisdom tooth isn't decayed but apparently it has caused the decay of the molar next to it. The dentist has advised I'll have a long wait of up to a year before I can get these surgically removed at the hospital.
It's been mostly fine since referral a few months ago but recently I've started to feel a bit of pressure in my jaw area and I've been getting headaches. I have sensitivity on that side when chewing crunchy things too.
I'm aware it's probably the tooth getting worse but I really don't know what to do. Is it worth having antibiotics? It seems such a long time to wait for something that can turn very painful very quickly.

OP posts:
KreedKafer · 24/05/2024 11:38

If you're experiencing pain that you weren't experiencing before, you should go back to the dentist - they can check for infection, potentially prescribe you antibiotics if it's infected, check to see if the decay has progressed etc.

I'm guessing your dentist mentioned the waiting list because at the time, your tooth wasn't actually causing you discomfort, so wasn't a priority case. But if the decay is causing infection then it would be more urgent.

It might just be standard, mildly annoying wisdom tooth pain - I have one that plays up about every six months. There's no infection but it just seems to flare up as it tries to push through a bit more, and it's uncomfortable and my jaw feels stiff for a few days.

Original poster
holybaloni · 24/05/2024 11:34

@10kgcookies I'm no expert but I think when it gets past a certain point there is no saving the tooth. Root canal might help a bit in the short term but ultimately if the damage is bad enough it will end up coming out anyway. I'd just get it taken out, save yourself the additional pain and expense.
I'm baffled as to how there can be such long waiting lists for things that can be so painful, debilitating and potentially dangerous if left untreated. I'm getting by with paracetamol at the minute but the dentist said it could flare up badly at any time which is really worrying, we have abroad holidays coming up and I can't think of anything worse than getting a severe tooth infection while out of the country and unable to see a dentist quickly. It's really playing on my mind.

OP posts:
10kgcookies · 24/05/2024 11:07

I have a similar issue only it isn’t wisdom teeth. It’s a molar that was cracked so finely that the dentist can’t see it on the X Ray and yet I can feel it & pressure on the gum too. It aches constantly.

I’m on a private waiting list for root canal which is 16-24 weeks even though Ill have to pay approx £1k for the privilege and I’m tempted to have it out instead as I have read up on this and RCT can fail!

It was infected a few months ago and I had antibiotics but my dentist is still convinced it’ll heal and get better anyway. How will a crack heal itself? Especially if I can feel it hurt when I bite down.

£1k for a RCT! And still weeks to wait. It’s ridiculous 😭

PancakesWithLemonSugar · 24/05/2024 11:03

I have got a partially erupted wisdom tooth. It is so annoying as every couple of months it gets infected and my cheek swells up and I look like a hamster! I brush it more vigorously when I feel it start to flare and up and use corsodyl mouthwash a few times a day. This seems to help and I have managed to avoid antibiotics so far, though on occasion do take ibuprofen.

theelectricnorth · 23/05/2024 20:01

If it is partially erupted there is a chance it could be pericoronitis which is when the gum becomes infected, normally due to food getting trapped. This can cause the area to become inflamed which could be causing the sense of pressure. However, if the pain is just a bit niggly then it is unlikely to be that as it is normally quite painful. I would just keep an eye on it for now and see what happens. If needed, you can get an emergency dentist appointment or attend the dental hospital. Also, keep in mind that lots of things in the head can cause referred pain so it may not be to do with your teeth at all and the source could be your ear.

Original poster
holybaloni · 23/05/2024 19:53

The wisdom tooth is partially erupted. I've had an x ray which showed that that tooth next to it is the one that's decayed.
The pain isn't horrific, more niggly. But it's making me worry how bad things might get before I get a date through to have them out.

OP posts:
catlovingdoctor · 23/05/2024 19:51

The dentist won't, or at least shouldn't, prescribe antibiotics unless there is an active infection. I personally don't prescribe unless a patient has fever and/ or trouble opening their mouths with ongoing bad pain.
A sensible way to manage the sensitivity might be to avoid letting the decay in the next-door tooth progress. Make sure you're keeping all surfaces fully clean, and not letting food get stuck between them as this can drive decay.

theelectricnorth · 23/05/2024 19:49

I would advise going back to your dentist and getting them to have a look at it. Is your wisdom tooth fully erupted into your mouth or is it still erupting or cannot manage to fully erupt so has stopped part way through?