What do do about this? Tooth extraction

[holybaloni]

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.

@holybaloni it did but it did flare up several times and made him feel rotten with raised temperature. Each time it got a little worse but he only had the antibiotics the last time and stronger painkillers from the GP, the earlier times he managed with paracetomol and ibruphren. He wasn't given any option but to wait for the general anaesthetic at the hospital although he did ring the hospital department up to try to expedite it a couple of times as he works in the same hospital. Worth a try and offer to take any cancellations that come up. These types of extractions are too complex for a normal dentist, apparently they sometimes have to take bone from the jaw to get them out , not trying to frighten you as he was absolutely fine having it done, he had the other side taken out too at the same time as that was impacted also, although the tooth next to that one was OK. He needed a few days off work after it.

Can they not pull the molar under local anesthetic? Same time is preferable from their pov as saves time and money but if its hurting you then I think they may be able to. Ask them. Don't wait till it becomes a bigger problem.

Sorry to resurrect the thread but just noticed the molar actually feels a little bit wobbly. Freaked me out a bit.
I'm taking 2 paracetamol 2-3 times a day and it's keeping the dull ache under control but I can't believe people are actually expected to live like this for up to a year while more issues can develop.
I have spoken to my dentist again and they've agreed to send another referral through to a sister surgery in a different city who may be able to do it much sooner but it all feels really up in the air at the moment.

The long waiting lists is because the hospitals do it for free on the NHS and there are simply not enough oral surgeons to cope with the NHS demand. If the sister surgery can't do it then the alternative is to have it done privately if you can afford it. My DD had all four wisdoms out within a few weeks of referral (two were growing completely horizontal) but of course it wasn't cheap.

I am actually starting to consider exploring private options. I can't afford it but the worry is getting me down. I've been a bit unwell this week with a sore throat, headache, very tired etc and while I'm sure it's probably just a standard virus I keep wondering if it's anything to do with the tooth. It's a horrid feeling knowing that something is decaying in your mouth and possibly causing infection and deeper issues. The pain is still there as a dull ache. Not unmanageable but I can only see it getting worse.
I have decided to give it a week and see if a referral date for the sister surgery comes through and if not I'll start looking into private dentists. I really want it removing and recovered by the time we go abroad in late July.
It doesn't help that I've been reading horror stories on google about all the possible complications.

@holybaloni my husband had his four wisdom teeth out privately, including one with stitches, two were at bad angles and black and broken into bits and it cost around £400. This was with local anaesthetic and was with a dental surgery that had a dental surgeon. A lot cheaper than a private hospital.

I had all four wisdoms out at once at the dentist in my teens. Was in the chair all of half an hour. So I'm confused as to why they're saying you have to wait a year.

Can you afford to pay privately, just to get it done? If so, you'll likely be able to have your extraction(s) next week... and likely by the same dentist.

My DH has recently had a whole lot of dental work (root canal, crown etc) done which, all in, has cost us the best part of £2k - part NHS/part private - but all work carried out by the same dentist, who's basically admitted to doing the best job 'we' can afford. As opposed to THE best job.

At this point, I'm convinced dentists just see the ££££s!

£400 is actually cheaper than I'd thought for something like this. I think the sister dental surgery is a Bupa that offers both private and NHS dentistry. I'm going to ring them if a referral hasn't arrived by the end of the week.
Thankfully I do have savings that would cover this if really necessary but how bloody unfair for people who can't afford it to have to wait over a year with such pain and health complications.