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Original poster

I could cry - my bloody teeth

198 replies

Thehouseisatip · 27/12/2024 14:29

Last night I started with toothache it was an intense throbbing and I knew something wasn't right. I managed to get some sleep and when I woke the pain was not so bad. My dentist is open today and I managed to get an appointment.
I've got an infection in a tooth that has previously had a root canal.

I've been prescribed anti biotics and I'm to go back next week for either, an extraction or root canal. Unfortunately I'm private and the cost of root canal is extortionate. Dentist did say antibiotics might work and I could leave it but infection is likely to return.

I could cry I am really dentist phobic and the thought of having my tooth extracted is freaking me out. It's a lower pre molar. I'm getting intermittent pain today and I've not needed painkillers until now all day. I've had upper molars removed that weren't too bad when being extracted.

I am gutted - about 8 years ago I got an abscess around the same time after Christmas and here I am again.

OP posts:
Intheoldendays · 01/01/2025 09:17

Checking in *thehouseisatip. How are you? I'm so much better, but I am going to take the erythromycin now as still have a tiny swelling (probably ott but belts n braces n all that!)

Original poster
Thehouseisatip · 01/01/2025 12:11

Intheoldendays · 01/01/2025 09:17

Checking in *thehouseisatip. How are you? I'm so much better, but I am going to take the erythromycin now as still have a tiny swelling (probably ott but belts n braces n all that!)

(touches wood ) it feels a little better today. I can still feel where it is swollen, it doesn't feel as painful though. I've finished the antibiotics now. I'm on countdown to Friday morning 😭

OP posts:
Mary46 · 01/01/2025 12:38

Hope you ok. I had endless issues with my teeth in 2024. Pain awful with it.

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Original poster
Thehouseisatip · 02/01/2025 16:30

I am now beginning to feel really nervous about tomorrow, I feel quite sick when I think about it.

The gumline along where the tooth needs removing is still sore and painful at times but not bad enough to need painkillers. There's also still some swelling - it's minor but still swollen.

OP posts:
Intheoldendays · 02/01/2025 16:53

Ohhh. I understand. I'm all sanguine at the moment as the pain is 98% gone and the swelling is minimal, butni know I'll be a sobbing wreck before I go in next week!
You will be fine I promise. They're quite good now!

Original poster
Thehouseisatip · 02/01/2025 17:41

It's the numbing that freaks me the most. My dentist uses a machine called the Quick sleeper that injects only into the tooth that needs to be numbed supposedly reducing numbness in lips and tongue. I actually have some weird fear of swallowing my tongue and the thought of it being numbed is just awful.

I'm also scared of it being hard to remove. It's previously been root canaled and has no nerve so I'm hoping that means it's easier to extract. I don't want to hear noises or know he's tugging at it to get it out.

I've a million things going through my head. I'm trying to not think about it because I am just wasting time being worried.

I was actually happy to be back at work today and not thinking about my tooth all day like I have been at home.

DH has told me to have a large glass of wine tonight to relax me and get me off to sleep.

OP posts:
Balloonhearts · 02/01/2025 18:09

There will be noises but if you wear earphones and turn your music up you don't hear anything.

They sort of rock it from side to side to loosen it so you do feel pressure as they push it but again it doesn't hurt.

Original poster
Thehouseisatip · 02/01/2025 20:05

Balloonhearts · 02/01/2025 18:09

There will be noises but if you wear earphones and turn your music up you don't hear anything.

They sort of rock it from side to side to loosen it so you do feel pressure as they push it but again it doesn't hurt.

I've had upper molars removed but the fact this is a lower one makes me more scared for some reason.

OP posts:
Intheoldendays · 02/01/2025 21:29

I've had two upper and one lower removed and I honestly can say there really wasn't a difference!!
I'm be thinking of you tomorrow. Do let us know how it goes

Original poster
Thehouseisatip · 02/01/2025 21:41

Intheoldendays · 02/01/2025 21:29

I've had two upper and one lower removed and I honestly can say there really wasn't a difference!!
I'm be thinking of you tomorrow. Do let us know how it goes

I'll definitely update tomorrow- I'm shattered but putting off going to bed because that means it will be the morning quicker if I go to bed.

I keep having a little cry because I'm so scared.

OP posts:
BringMeTea · 02/01/2025 21:50

You'll be reet. Also, as pp has said, dentists can give you a script for 2mg diazepam. My dh gets it and it really really helps with his anxiety. Soon be over. 💐

Original poster
Thehouseisatip · 02/01/2025 21:55

Appt is in the morning I think it's too late to get diazepam now.
My last two extractions I've driven myself there and back, this time I don't think I'd be able to do that.

OP posts:
3beesinmybonnet · 02/01/2025 22:16

It was a lower premolar I had out and honestly I didn't feel a thing, it felt completely numb, not like a filling. I could tell what he was doing but I'm not really sure how lol. It was a doddle, and such a relief. It literally took seconds.

Superdupersomeone · 02/01/2025 22:49

You'll be fine op, get it done. I get so nervous too and find I just end up closing my eyes for the whole procedure. I focus on deep calming breathing, keeping my shoulders relaxed and weirdly focusing my awareness on my feet. It seems to help with shutting everything else out and staying calm. I get in the zone and kind of disassociate probably as I dont really feel like it's happening to me but it works.

I had a root canal on a lower molar years back, sat through 3 sessions of torture which cost me about a grand and the bloody thing failed anyway. I had no end of stress and pain from it getting infected and eventually breaking so getting it extracted was such a relief. Way less uncomfortable (and less expensive!) than the root canal treatment.

Also had an infected wisdom tooth last year and the pain was absolutely the worst I've experienced in my life, more so than labour, broken bones and recovery from major surgery. Again, getting it extracted was a major bloody relief and it was out in a few minutes.

Good luck op, I know the anticipation can be awful and for me it's the worst part, but just think this time tomorrow it will all be done and dusted. You can do it 💪

Original poster
Thehouseisatip · 02/01/2025 22:56

Thankyou both, I'm trying to calm myself. I know in reality I don't have to have it done if I don't want to, no one is forcing me. Obviously it has to be done so I have no choice. I'm already deep breathing and trying to not focus on it as much.

OP posts:
Original poster
Thehouseisatip · 03/01/2025 08:13

My anxiety is through the roof. I'm trying to just put one foot in front other other this morning. I'm sweaty and clammy already. Appt is in 2 hours.

OP posts:
UpUpUpU · 03/01/2025 09:39

Good luck OP! You got this x

Original poster
Thehouseisatip · 03/01/2025 09:45

I'm just getting ready to go there now. This is awful, I really do not want to go.

OP posts:
Back21970 · 03/01/2025 09:58

Good Luck, hope it goes well.

Ive been following your thread with interest as have to get 3 teeth out next week due to ongoing infections - been putting it off for years so feel quite proud I’ve actually built up the courage to finally get it done.

Will then be starting my implant treatment, hoping by Easter it will be complete.

I hope it’s not as bad as you are anticipating- sending you hugs X

Original poster
Thehouseisatip · 03/01/2025 11:05

It's done. It wasn't pleasant but it wasn't the worst either.
It took about 10 mins all in all. I probably spent more time talking to him about how scared I was than him actually removing it.

OP posts:
Scutterbug · 03/01/2025 11:41

So glad it’s done. Rest up now and have a nap x

Original poster
Thehouseisatip · 03/01/2025 11:54

Thankyou I am now ravenous but daren't eat until the numbness has gone. I'm going to have soup or porridge I think later on.

I haven't even dared have a drink of water to take paracetamol.

I vape and I'm going to try to not vape for the at least 24 hours.

I'm a little worried about dry socket/infection as I still had infection in there. After he had extracted the tooth he gave the extraction site a good clean but warned me about looking out for signs of infection. I'm at more risk of infection because I've just had infection. He wouldn't prescribe me antibiotics for it just in case and I'm to call if I get severe pain/bad taste in my mouth.

OP posts:
Balloonhearts · 03/01/2025 12:48

To avoid dry socket, make sure you do not use a straw to drink, smoke or do anything else that creates suction or vacuum in the mouth. Avoid very hot or drink. Its a week of just warm coffee I'm afraid. You don't want anything to dislodge or dissolve the blood clot.

Don't brush that area tonight. I used toothpaste on a cotton bud to clean the adjacent teeth. Don't swish anything over it vigorously. When you start using salt rinse tomorrow just tilt your head to let it run over the socket then let it run out of your mouth rather than spit.

You will get a yellowish gunk over it very soon. Leave it there. You want it. Its granulation tissue and it forms to protect the blood clot and is a stage of healing.

Just seen that you vape. Try really hard to hold off, smoking and vaping is the biggest risk factor for dry socket. The vacuum created when you draw on it can dislodge the clot protecting the exposed bone in the socket.

It takes about 7 days for the bottom of the socket to heal over. If the clot comes out before that, you can get dry socket.

I'd stick the damn vape up my nose before risking dry socket, it's agonising.

Intheoldendays · 03/01/2025 13:07

Well done! So pleased you did it. It'll be fine if you take the dry socket advice.

Original poster
Thehouseisatip · 03/01/2025 13:15

Balloonhearts · 03/01/2025 12:48

To avoid dry socket, make sure you do not use a straw to drink, smoke or do anything else that creates suction or vacuum in the mouth. Avoid very hot or drink. Its a week of just warm coffee I'm afraid. You don't want anything to dislodge or dissolve the blood clot.

Don't brush that area tonight. I used toothpaste on a cotton bud to clean the adjacent teeth. Don't swish anything over it vigorously. When you start using salt rinse tomorrow just tilt your head to let it run over the socket then let it run out of your mouth rather than spit.

You will get a yellowish gunk over it very soon. Leave it there. You want it. Its granulation tissue and it forms to protect the blood clot and is a stage of healing.

Just seen that you vape. Try really hard to hold off, smoking and vaping is the biggest risk factor for dry socket. The vacuum created when you draw on it can dislodge the clot protecting the exposed bone in the socket.

It takes about 7 days for the bottom of the socket to heal over. If the clot comes out before that, you can get dry socket.

I'd stick the damn vape up my nose before risking dry socket, it's agonising.

Edited

I'm not vaping for at least 24 hours, longer if I can do it. I don't tend to drink many hot drinks- usually a tea in the morning then water/juice for the rest of the day. So I'll just let my morning cuppa go lukewarm tomorrow and the rest of the week.

DH has started to make me a carrot and coriander soup, he's bought me angel delight and yoghurt from the shops. I'm really fancying scrambled eggs with cheese right now so might attempt to eat something soon but I'm slightly scared of eating too.

Anaesthetic has worn off now and I'm in mild pain. I am scared to have a drink of water to take my paracetamol with!

OP posts: