Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Can someone reassure me please

13 replies

toothhurty22 · 30/05/2024 17:50

Posting here for traffic.
A few months ago I noticed a partially erupted wisdom tooth (that has never previously caused me any bother) was going brown/black on the exposed side. I wasn't too concerned because it wasn't painful and I figured it probably just needed a good clean.
I mentioned it at my latest check up a few weeks ago and the dentist seemed concerned and sent me off for X-rays.
It turns out that the wisdom tooth is horizontal and decaying. Worse still it's badly damaged and decayed the molar next to it despite there being no obvious signs of discolouration to that one.
I've been referred to have both the wisdom tooth and the molar removed but have been told it may take months as it will be done at the hospital due to the complexity of the wisdom tooth.
Well Sod's Law, in the last few weeks the pain has ramped up in this area. Initially I thought it might be all in my head because I'm now aware of it iyswim. But no it's definitely real. A dull throbbing pain that feels like it's deep in my gum and radiating around my jaw bone. Paracetamol and ibuprofen are keeping it in check but I feel very tired and have headaches often.
I've been looking online and seen all sorts of horror stories about dental infections and how once the infection reaches the pulp it can lead to some really nasty issues such as spreading to the brain, sepsis, heart issues etc. I'm really freaked out and unsure how I'm expected to wait so long for them to be removed when there are so many risks...surely things will only get worse?
So firstly can anyone offer any reassurance? Is it ok to wait while the pain is manageable at least? Would requesting antibiotics help with the pain? And will the extractions themselves be as horrible at they sound when they eventually come around?

OP posts:
DrJonesIpresume · 30/05/2024 17:52

You need some antibiotics to calm it down again. Speak to your dentist.

Original poster
toothhurty22 · 30/05/2024 17:56

Ok I'll try that. I wasn't sure if antibiotics would treat decay if that makes sense.

OP posts:
Original poster
toothhurty22 · 30/05/2024 19:21

Bumping

OP posts:
NeverEnoughPants · 30/05/2024 19:24

Clearly your situation has changed, so you need to get back in touch with your dentist.

I had an issue with one of my teeth, and the dentist said I could only get ac routine appointment, but if anything changed to let them know and they would bring it forward.

I would say that your situation qualifies.

Outnumbered83 · 30/05/2024 19:29

I had my wisdom tooth removed three weeks ago. I had to be referred due to the roots being C shaped. It was removed a week after the referral was made.
My tooth wasn’t decayed but I had an infection in the nerve which was treated with antibiotics. It was absolute agony prior to the antibiotics.
Ask your dentist for antibiotics as the nerve may be infected too. Hopefully you won’t have to wait to wait long for the extraction.

GoneFishingToday · 30/05/2024 19:31

Definitely go back to your dentist and tell them that things have got MUCH worse OP.

comedycentral · 30/05/2024 19:33

Back to the dentist, but frequent saltwater rinses for the next few weeks, too.

Original poster
toothhurty22 · 30/05/2024 19:44

I will speak to the dentist but I don't think there's much they can do to speed things up as the referral is at the hospital and there are just such long waiting times for this sort of thing. Hopefully antibiotics might help it in the short term but I don't know. I just feel rotten.

OP posts:
NeverEnoughPants · 30/05/2024 19:55

toothhurty22 · 30/05/2024 19:44

I will speak to the dentist but I don't think there's much they can do to speed things up as the referral is at the hospital and there are just such long waiting times for this sort of thing. Hopefully antibiotics might help it in the short term but I don't know. I just feel rotten.

a) hopefully they will be able to figure out why you are in pain and give you something to sort it
b) they may make you a higher priority for the treatment, which would bump you up the list a bit

You won't know until you speak to them

GoldenHorse · 30/05/2024 20:01

I had impacted wisdom teeth and had them removed under a GA at hospital. I had several bouts of infections that needed antibiotics before the surgery. It’s an awful pain so I hope your dentist can see you quickly but on the positive side, the removal was fine and so was the recovery.

savvy7 · 30/05/2024 20:08

I had a wisdom.tooth removed at dentist without any issues. Try.not.to.worry.x

Loopzy · 30/05/2024 20:14

My mum has been in this position and ended up having to pay privately to have the wisdom tooth removed, as there was a 2 year wait at our local hospital. The dentist told her that she had had to have had 2 infections before they would even refer her too, but another dentist who she saw said this wasn't true. After having the tooth removed, she found out that she could have been referred to a different hospital, where they had a shorter waiting time, so it could be worth exploring this option? I would do all you can to try and speed things up, and in the meantime, rinse your mouth with warm salt water.

Original poster
toothhurty22 · 30/05/2024 20:15

GoldenHorse · 30/05/2024 20:01

I had impacted wisdom teeth and had them removed under a GA at hospital. I had several bouts of infections that needed antibiotics before the surgery. It’s an awful pain so I hope your dentist can see you quickly but on the positive side, the removal was fine and so was the recovery.

Did the antibiotics clear it up prior to the surgery? I can't stand to feel like this for months.

OP posts:
New posts on this thread. Refresh page
Swipe left for the next trending thread