Failed wisdom tooth extraction, can I have general anaesthetic?

[bikkmjjjnfh]

I had an attempted wisdom tooth extraction this morning. However, despite probably 10ish injections of local anaesthetic I could still feel everything. It was awful, and so we couldn’t proceed and they have referred me to hospital.

the whole experience was really traumatic for me, and I’m in pain now when I wasn’t before my appointment (I’ve never experienced tooth ache before now). I feel really upset and shaken up, which I know is pathetic but it was so awful.

Is it likely that I will be given general anaesthetic? It’s an impacted wisdom tooth, and I think the molar next to it will need removing too.

Unless sedation was discussed you're probably just being referred for a surgical extraction. Phone today and check before the referral is sent.

I had a general to have mine removed but had to go private.

You have my sympathy. I had a root canal done on a lower molar a few years ago. I must have had about 7 injections but still wasn't numb. I ended up crying and having a full blown panic attack in the chair. Poor dentist didn't know what to do. He did manage to quickly finish the procedure and it's been fine since but I am terrified of going to a dentist again because of what happened. I would call and find out if you can, I'm not sure if it's something you can request but worth a try.

If they couldn’t get it out under a local anaesthetic they’ll often give you a general, or sedation, for the next attempt. That’s what happened to me - I’m not squeamish and I wasn’t in pain but the tooth was so high up in my face that the dentist just couldn’t get to it safely while I was awake. But you should definitely check what’s planned, as it’s not a given.

I think if a patient is very scared or nervous they will sometimes offer sedation (different from a general anaesthetic but similar) for that reason so it would be worth explaining that your last experience has left you very worried.

What is likely to happen depends on what is said at your hospital consultation. If this experience has made you anxious and you don't think you can attempt it again just with local anaesthetic, then tell them that at the consult. IV sedation (dentist operator/ sedationist) can be a possibility but it isn't possible for everyone, very much depends on your medical history.
Adult GA does still happen for dental extractions but it's not available freely and alternatives will be carefully considered first.
Why did the local anaesthetic fail do you know? Was there local infection in the area? Do you have something like Ehlors Danlos syndrome? Or, were you extremely anxious and unable to perceive the difference between pain and pressure? Pressure during forceps and elevator application is unavoidable unfortunately, despite successful local anaesthetic.

Is this upper or lower tooth?

I am frightened of the Dentist after an extraction went wrong as a Teenager. But I needed a tooth out last year. It was removed at the Hospital under Sedation. I never in a Million years thought I would cope with it. But I was that relaxed I actually nodded off for a minute and they had to wake me up with a splash of water.

It’s for a lower wisdom tooth, and I think I also need the molar next to it removed too. The dentist thinks the local anaesthetic failed due to an infection, although I had a routine checkup last week and it wasn’t picked up and I’ve not had any pain from it.

the dentist prodded my gums with a sharp tool and I could feel it right at the back of my mouth behind the wisdom tooth. I think now even the sensation of pressure will make me panic. I’m usually fine at the dentist but I felt so vulnerable and panicked, it was awful

Your next appointment will be to presumably discuss options - those could potentially be gas sedation (nose mask), IV sedation or general anaesthesia. I've had wisdom teeth extracted under a general (3 teeth) and also a standard 1 tooth extraction with IV sedation. IV sedation would be my preferred choice. I also had an extraction with just standard numbing as a child and it was not pleasant. Good luck!

I'm surprised your dentist attempted to remove an an impacted wisdom tooth. I thought it was always a surgical procedure. I had an impacted one removed and it took a Consultant Max-fax surgeon an hour to remove under general anaesthesia. They didn't even discuss sedation.

I had it done on NHS, but they won't do it without a good reason. For me that was frequent pain requiring opioids and recurrent gum inflammation/infection. A single infection likely won't be enough for them to consider removing it.

@Miiaaoow
There are degrees of impactions lower 8s and varying degrees of difficulty. The term 'impaction' on it's own, gives no useful information to a dentist.
The OP's general dentist certainly hasn't done anything erroneous in attempting to remove an 'impacted' tooth. For all we know, it was soft-tissue impacted.

I had all 4 of my impacted wisdom teeth removed at hospital under a general anaesthetic.

It’s a mesial impaction so the tooth is out the jaw but is growing into molar. I’ve had no pain or issues, it was only when I had my first xray in years it showed that my molar had a huge area of decay caused by the wisdom tooth

I was referred to a specialist dentist, it wasn’t my usual dentist.

I think they will probably offer you sedation first as the dentist you saw thought they could get it out with just injections. I've had teeth removed under sedation and GA. Frankly, I would recommend sedation if it's possible as it's a much easier experience all around.

However, I was offered GA for the removal of tooth I had removed under sedation due to extreme anxiety. YMMV

I had 2 upper wisdom teeth and another that was broken next to it out under general anaesthetic.
I hate needles and asked for referral to dental hospital to be put out. No issues with referral and no one tried to get me to try local only or sedation. So general anaesthetic it was with gas.
waited a couple of months for it to be done. Nhs dentist.

I can't comment on your situation but I did have a molar taken out by sedation and I was totally oblivious to the procedure while it took place. If they offer that then you likely won't be aware of the extraction.

I feel so upset by today I can't stop crying. My jaw is in a lot of pain, it hurts to swallow and I can barely open my mouth. My wisdom tooth has been cut into and feels so uncomfortable, but I can't really see what it looks like as I can't open my mouth wide enough to see. I feel really anxious like I can't get away from the discomfort and pain, and the idea of having to put myself through the procedure again terrifies me. It feels like a horrible bad dream.

I haven't eaten or drunk anything since this morning as I'm so nervous to. I know I'm being ridiculous but I feel so anxious

I had a lower impacted wisdom tooth removed privately last sept. Similar to yours it was completely horizontal but hadn't yet hit my next molar. I was offered general but declined due to my daughter being only 12 months and I was BF so didn't want to be out the game long plus I've never had a general and that alone made me anxious. I had a local ( still all done in operating theatre) and it took about 8-10 local injections before I let the surgeon proceed as could still feel a wee niggle little. I hope you get it sorted soon and are offered sedation or a GA.

They didn't say how close the nerves were in your jaw to the tooth if it s a lower tooth? This was a risk with mine but the surgeon was confident I wouldn't end up with numbness. Again that didn't have a bearing on pain options.

Two of my wisdom teeth popped through root up 😵
General anaesthetic was the only way to get them out. Quick and simple, home after a couple of hours. Bu
Annoyingly, during the extract they cracked the next molar along on the bottom. Went back to the dentist with recurring toothache and had a similar experience with the local anaesthetic not working. It was horrendous so you have my sympathy. I then had that one out under sedation at the local hospital.
You just need to ask if you have a preference. I felt nothing with either extraction, but if you're feeling anxious, GA is probably the way to go.

Thank you all, I'm feeling better today and nearly all of the pain and swelling has gone. I'm nervous about eating on that side in case the temporary filling comes out, but hopefully it will be ok.

I definitely would like to have GA if possible, I think the whole experience has really scared me

@bikkmjjjnfh how did it go did you get it removed I have mine on thurday but I have horrid pain