Please or to access all these features

Add post

Watch this thread

Save thread

Start a new thread

Flip thread

Hide thread

My feed

Active Unanswered threads

Getting started FAQ's

Unanswered threads Acronyms Talk guidelines

Hide shortcut buttons

Talk

AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Flip

1 2 3

Original poster

To cancel my wisdom tooth extraction because I am terrified?

55 replies

scareddddddd · 16/05/2023 21:18

I have a lower wisdom tooth which is impacted. It's grown in sideways but has never caused me any pain or issues. I had an x-ray at the dentist a few months ago which showed that the wisdom tooth had damaged my molar and as a result I needed a very large filling and was referred to have the wisdom tooth out. During the filling, my dentist had to file (?) away the wisdom tooth so he could access my molar to do the filling, so now the wisdom tooth doesn't touch the molar and there's a pretty big gap there for me to floss between. I was referred because I think the roots are near the nerve or something (can't remember what my dentist said).

My appointment to have the wisdom tooth out is in a few days. I'm terrified and don't want it removed. It's not causing me any issues or pain, it no longer touches the molar so can't damage it any further and whilst food does get trapped there I am very strict with my oral hygiene and floss everyday etc. I've only had one filling my life, which was the molar I mentioned above.

I've heard there are options with removing wisdom teeth but leaving the roots in - is that something the NHS dentist might suggest?

I'm never normally like this and am not usually scared of the dentist.

OP posts:

ringsaglitter · 16/05/2023 22:35

I had all 4 of mine out at the same time. It was absolutely fine - I couldn't eat for a couple days but then all okay. xx

Vintagecreamandcottagepie · 16/05/2023 22:38

I'm in the same boat as you op, and @billycorn

Was given similar percentages (a bit higher actually) of being left with permanent numbness when I was referred to hospital many years ago to have them removed.

Now both back molars in front of them have recently needed deep fillings, and one ended up having root canal and a crown. I was told that they should really have told me in stronger terms the risks of not having them removed sooner, as it would have been better to get them out.

I understand what you're saying op though, now that you have the gap to give the space a good clean. He's left a space between my molar with the crown on so I can clean it now. I am still unable to clean the one on the other side though, so will need it out sooner or later.

My dentist actually said he'd rather have the molar removed than have them attempt the wisdom tooth.

Horrible.

You need some clarification. I'd go to the appointment and discuss with the dentist before the procedure. Don't worry about wasting their time, that appointment is yours anyway.

lostinmaze · 16/05/2023 22:41

I had a bottom one removed that was causing infections due to being impacted, It was very close to my facial nerve so was done at the dental hospital under sedation. I was worried as I don't like having dental treatment but I don't remember a thing about it, could you ask for the sedation?

notteallyme · 16/05/2023 22:51

I had three removed at hospital fairly easily under local. The fourth was impacted but wasn't bothering me and was left for years but I did start to get issues. There was a floating dental surgeon who extracted it under local and it wasn't as simple as the first three but went okay. I did have dry root afterwards which was horrible as ordinary painkillers don't touch it but I still think it was worth doing. One less potential issue in the future.

thaisweetchill · 16/05/2023 22:56

I've had both my bottom wisdom tooth removed, both no problem at all.
First one I had done whilst put to sleep but the second I had done at the dentist and as I thought he was just preparing to take it out he'd already done the whole procedure it was incredibly quick. I was told my wisdom tooth was very close to a nerve which is why I got referred so I was concerned of problems but it was absolutely fine.

Recovery was very quick too.

You'll be fine OP.

BashfulClam · 16/05/2023 22:56

Had both bottom ones out 8 years ago. It was u set sedation (which is fantastic stuff by the way). Yes there was pain when the numbing wore off but it was bearable with otc painkillers and packs of frozen peas on my jaw. I got an infection and even then it wasn’t awful. It’s not the most fun I’ve ever had but I’ve suffered worse.

BashfulClam · 16/05/2023 23:02

notteallyme · 16/05/2023 22:51

I worried about dry socket which I read can be awful. I was told to rinse my mouth for the first 48 hours without swishing (just hold the salt water in your mouth then sort of ‘drop’ it by opening your mouth). Don’t smoke, don’t use a straw or do anything else that could dislodge the blood clot. The worst part was eating as I didn’t realise how far back I chew. Mashed potatoes, soup and yoghurt all helped for a few days (I hate mashed potatoes but needs must). Two weeks later I was happily eating a burger at a work lunch…

Budikka · 16/05/2023 23:08

I hesitate about giving advice, but if I were in your position, I would cancel... then, who knows, you might come round to the idea later by yourself. Or some pain might develop, in which case you would also actively want to have the operation.

Just you look after yourself, both physically AND mentally. You are not hurting anyone if you cancel. If you find it hard to give the reason, maybe "come down with a cold" or something like that...

middleager · 16/05/2023 23:36

I've had two uppers removed in recent years. One was under sedation at the dental hospital, which was great as I'm nervous. The second was done by my dentist last year, as she said hospital wait times were too long, and was fine. It's not pleasant, but not painful, and I'm a real baby, so if I can do it anyone can.

Now I've been told my bottom right is coming in at a ghastly angle and will need to come out by surgery at some point, great.

Saralyn · 16/05/2023 23:44

Are you mostly worried about the procedure itself? in that case, call ahead and tell them you need something to calm you down, like Diazepam. I have had three wisdom teeth out. When I had the tablet that made me relax, it was absolutely fine. I did not have a lot of pain afterwards, used paracetamol for a couple of days I think.

good luck! Hope it goes smoothly.

poetryandwine · 17/05/2023 00:34

So, OP, it sounds like you have several justifiable questions. You need more information. If you haven’t been given instructions about restricting food and drink ahead of this appointment, it won’t involve GA.

The procedure is likely being performed by a dental surgeon. I assume that like ordinary NHS dentists NHS dental surgeons are scarcer than unicorns, but I don’t know. However you are entitled to have your questions addressed ahead of any procedure.

FWIW:

If NHS dental surgeons are rare, your dentist presumably thinks this important. Worth keeping in mind as you decide.
I also had all my wisdom teeth removed in high school under GA and there really was nothing to it. It is a more common op in my home country and I have never heard of a complication there (or anywhere)

Best wishes

notteallyme · 17/05/2023 12:21

@BashfulClam I really thought I was being a baby until they confirmed it and packed it! I know it's not what op wants to hear but for me out is better. I know that tooth is not going to cause me any problems again.

Another reason for me wanting teeth dealt with and even out quickly other than the possibility of recurring infections is getting older and things being more difficult. Having seen my mother decline mentally and physically I want to be on top of my teeth and remove earlier rather than later.

sonjadog · 17/05/2023 12:25

I would give them a ring and explain you are worried and ask them to talk you through it. You may find a lot of your concerns disappear when you know more about what will be going on.

GreatBigBoots · 17/05/2023 12:43

I am very fearful of dental treatment (partly as a result of some very painful treatment and a horrible dentist in my teens) so for a few years I put up with periodic pain and swelling from an impacted lower wisdom tooth. When I eventually agreed to have it removed I was referred to an NHS clinic in another town. The entrance to the clinic was a small dingy looking door next to a community centre, some shops and a flat roofed pub in a rather deprived area which made me even more anxious when I arrived. I could not have been more wrong about what to expect. The dentist and all the other staff were really lovely and explained everything that was going to happen as well as how to look after the tooth site afterwards. They also gave me written instructions and some swabs etc incase I needed them and a note of what to look out for and when/how to seek help if things didn't heal properly afterwards. The procedure itself was so quick (with local anaesthetic) that when they told me that I could sit up afterwards I thought I was just taking a break. I felt a bit of pressure whilst they were removing the tooth but no real pain. I took paracetamol regularly for the first couple of days as advised but it was not particularly painful- just a bit awkward trying to eat. I wished I'd had it done years ago.

BashfulClam · 17/05/2023 13:43

@notteallyme I have been told dry socket is horrific. I avoided it but did get an infection.

Original poster

scareddddddd · 17/05/2023 21:04

My appointment is in the morning. I don't want to go.

OP posts:

poetryandwine · 17/05/2023 21:07

You have nothing to lose by showing up. You are in control. If you don’t like what you hear you are free to leave. And you may be pleasantly surprised.

Can you bring someone for moral support?

GrannyAchingsShepherdsHut · 17/05/2023 21:11

Absolutely go, hear what they have to say, what the plan is, and then decide if you're having it done or not. They can't do it if you don't consent, it's entirely your decision.

PinkButtercups · 17/05/2023 21:11

You will be fine.

It might not cause problems now but could in the future.

Take some headphones and listen to your music or a podcast or whatever helps you feel relaxed and calm.

Original poster

scareddddddd · 17/05/2023 22:01

I don't have anyone available to come with me unfortunately. I will go as I don't want to be a no show, but I'm 99% sure I'll end up telling them I'm not having it done

OP posts:

CeriB82 · 17/05/2023 22:14

Ive had 2 top ones out in the chair and the bottom out under GA as it was impacted. I’ll be honest, knock me out anytime!

i have to say the 2nd top one to be removed was the worst. I had horrible neuralgia after a filling in it and I complained and he decided there and then it had to come out. The tingling and headaches for 4 weeks was too much.

it had to be drilled in half as one root was straight and the other one crooked. It wasn’t pleasant but my god the relief after it! It was well worth it.

but the downside is i havent been back in 3 years as im shit scared now. I had never been scared of the dentist and now I refuse to go. Which is totally stupid of me.

but talk to the dentist.

LynetteScavo · 17/05/2023 22:14

I have had this done OP. I was not really worried about it. It did NOT hurt at all- but I am a huge baby and moaned and sobbed my way through it. But then I have been known to yell dramatically and groan when donating blood I won't even go into smear test weeping When I went for the 3D X-Ray the dentist said "This is Nast!" So I'm guessing mine really wasn't straight forward. There was some tugging and they stuffed a wad like a tampax in my mouth for a bit afterwards. Then I went home and had some swelling and bruising, which didn't hurt at all, but got me some sympathy and they sent me home when I turned up to work the next day I will need to have the other side done one day. Because I'm such a massive baby I might look into having some sort of sedation, more for the dentist's sake than mine. At no point was there any pain. It's just weird having people poke you around.

You need to have it done. Tooth ache is bloody awful, so you really need to avoid ever getting to that point.

LynetteScavo · 17/05/2023 22:15

Oh, and it's free, which not much is these days.

BlameItOnTheGoose · 17/05/2023 22:20

I had all 4 of mine - all impacted - removed when I was a teenager. I was completely knocked out and didn't feel a thing. Recovery was a bit annoying because I had a lot of swelling - I remember my face was the exact same shape as a rugby ball - but it was fine after a week.

I'm glad I got them removed. I've heard they can cause all sorts of problems...

Do speak with your dentist about the procedure and what exactly will happen, and what kind of anaesthetic you will get.

pilates · 17/05/2023 22:25

Not sure how old you are op but I would recommend getting it removed. I have had all four removed, the first time in the dentist chair and the second time in hospital. The surgeon said it’s good to get rid of them when you are on the younger side as they cause nothing but problems and it’s not a very nice op when you are older.

Flip

1 2 3

Swipe left for the next trending thread