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Original poster

Wisdom tooth repeat infections.

102 replies

SwanShaped · 21/07/2021 19:28

I keep getting infections in my lower wisdom tooth gum. But I’m very scared of having it out because I hate the dentist. Anyone else had this, and is it worth going through extraction? What’s the sedative like? I don’t want gruesome horror stories, please.

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Wjevtvha · 21/07/2021 19:34

I’ve had two wisdom teeth out and it was fine, I just had the area numbed and took paracetamol for a few days after and just ate soft food which was the biggest annoyance. I asked the GP to prescribe me some diazepam so that I was less nervous on the day

OchonAgusOchonOh · 21/07/2021 19:35

I had mine out recently as it has been giving me problems for the past year. Turns out there was a massive cyst under one of them that could have caused major problems of it hadn't been dealt with.

I had 2 taken out under GA (one was partially impacted so not an option to get the dentist to do it). It was absolutely fine. The only issue I had afterwards was a bit of stiffness and aching in my jaw. I took 2 paracetamol each night for about 4 days and was fine. I kept waiting for the pain people talk about but it never happened. I ate only soft food (yoghurt, smoothies etc) for 2 or 3 days and then back to normal, although I would say be careful about eating small bitty things that might get stuck in the cavity.

Original poster
SwanShaped · 21/07/2021 19:37

That’s good to hear. Sounds like it wasn’t too bad. It’s the process that I’m scared of. I hate lying there with my mouth open and then staring in with sharp things. And any awful noises. I don’t even mind the injections to numb it. It’s the noise and the vulnerability that I hate. But repeat infections isn’t good either. This one is currently bleeding.

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Onewomanbadtan · 21/07/2021 19:41

Really straightforward actually. Numbed up well, no noises or anything as I had a massive ulcer so it came out fairly easily. Was well worth it for the relief from that tooth.

Hen2018 · 21/07/2021 19:42

I had mine taken out under sedation (it has cracked in half so they thought it would be more troublesome than it was).

I felt a bit knocked around for 2-3 days although that could have been the sedation. No pain, just a bruised feeling.

curiouscatgotkilled · 21/07/2021 19:43

I had one out the other week, I wasn't expecting the dentist to do it but it was causing an issue so he said he can get it out there and then.

The numbing injections aren't nice but they are very quick, then it is a weird, very firm pulling sensation until the tooth is out. I was a bit shakey after but I get like that, I sat in reception for 20 mins and then was fine to drive home. I went to bed when I got in because... it was an opportunity to go to bed Grin
Paracetamol for a few days and the hole closes up really quickly.
The whole thing is definitely worth it compared to the nasty infections.

TalesOfDrunkennessAndCruelty · 21/07/2021 19:44

I had the same problem. After a few years of putting it off (and a lot of antibiotics) I had all four wisdom teeth out. Because it was going to be a difficult extraction, it was done in hospital under general anaesthetic, which in many ways was a blessing because I went to sleep with impacted wisdom teeth and woke up without them.

Original poster
SwanShaped · 21/07/2021 19:44

Ok, this is all positive. Did you all go to a dental hospital? And did you get an assessment there first, or did they go straight for it? Every time I get an infection, I tell myself that I’ll ring dentist to ask them to make a referral to hospital. And then I chicken out.

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wendz86 · 21/07/2021 19:45

I have had one wisdom tooth out and was much quicker etc than fillings . Didn’t cause me any problems just a swollen face after for a while .

pink1173 · 21/07/2021 19:45

I am a dentist wimp but unfortunately I always have loads of dental work to do. I do mindfulness exercises to calm me and wear earbuds and listen to music or an audio book. I am so much better than I used to be.

Original poster
SwanShaped · 21/07/2021 19:45

Also, my dentist said they might have to saw into my jawbone to get it out, which kind of put me off the idea.

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Original poster
SwanShaped · 21/07/2021 19:47

I cried during my last filling coz I was so scared.

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TalesOfDrunkennessAndCruelty · 21/07/2021 19:49

My dentist referred me to a general hospital. It all went a bit Pete Tong there (prepped for surgery, waited all day, never called for surgery) so the surgeon took my notes to his other hospital and I had the operation there soon after.

TalesOfDrunkennessAndCruelty · 21/07/2021 19:50

Just seen your last post. That was exactly why I was referred to the hospital for it to be done under GA. Ask your dentist.

Anna783426 · 21/07/2021 19:50

I had both of mine taken out with the numbing injections. It was fine, I just closed my eyes and let them crack on.

I also suffered repeat infections, one of which got into the nerve along my jaw which was much, much worse than the procedure to take them out. They've not caused me any bother since!

Snorkelface · 21/07/2021 19:51

Has your dentist told you it can actually be extracted in the chair or would it be a hospital job? Some have to be done in hospital. I had GA/hospital for mine, also had repeat infections, not a good thing to keep having and they were getting worse and worse, face like a football in the end. I had all 4 out on the Friday morning, was back home in the afternoon and was all prepared for time off work but was back at my desk after the weekend like nothing had happened. I only needed two painkillers for a bit of dull jaw ache on the first night. I'd get it taken out if I were you OP. Swishing hot salty water round your mouth is good for the infection in the meantime.

Original poster
SwanShaped · 21/07/2021 19:52

Ok. Lots of brave people out there. I wish I could just magic them out without having to be brave

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Original poster
SwanShaped · 21/07/2021 19:53

I’ve been told I’ll need to be referred to dental hospital. So they can saw into my jaw to get them out.

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Original poster
SwanShaped · 21/07/2021 19:53

But with sedative not GA.

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TalesOfDrunkennessAndCruelty · 21/07/2021 19:55

I was very apprehensive, too, but I’d reached the point where I couldn’t deal with the recurrent infections. MN will hold your hand here!

Original poster
SwanShaped · 21/07/2021 19:58

I think I might be there. Maybe I’ll just at least ring my dentist tomorrow and ask for referral. And then take it from there. I can always chicken out. This infection is now making my gland hurt in my neck. And my throat.

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Snorkelface · 21/07/2021 19:59

I was referred to the dental department of my local hospital. I think I went there for an X-ray first, then turned up on the day for the op and there was a follow up appointment (for 2 seconds) a couple of weeks after. 2 of mine had cut the gum and were easy to get out, 2 hadn't cut the gum and were retrieved by whatever means - I was unconscious and had been in so much pain prior to the extraction I wouldn't have cared if they'd put dynamite int here to get them out.

Original poster
SwanShaped · 21/07/2021 20:02

So the ones that are the problem are nearly through my gum. And aren’t impacted. They’re coming through straight. But the bit of gum that still covers them just gets infected. One infection was so painful I said it was worse than my caesarean pain.

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Original poster
SwanShaped · 21/07/2021 20:02

Fear is so illogical.

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Original poster
SwanShaped · 21/07/2021 20:03

lol at dynamite.

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