Wisdom tooth extraction - potential impact on bf?

[TeaandHobnobs]

Unfortunately I'm going to have an impacted wisdom tooth removed.

I'm currently BFing 18wo DS, and I was wondering if anyone else has had a dental operation while BFing and has any advice?

At least it is only local anaesthetic not general, but how long might the procedure take? Would I be apart from DS long enough to need to express?

And any advice on possible painkillers / other medication I might have to take afterwards?

Sorry, I really know nothing!

I had one taken out under local at a dental hospital my a maxillofacial surgeon (so about as serious as you get without going under GA) and I was very very shakey for the rest of that day (had it done early saturday morning) but ok the next day. I took paracetamol only.

Can you express enough to last him a day? does he take bottles? I don't think you'll be feeling well enough to feed him for quite a few hours after the proceedure.

I had my wisdom teeth out under a general when DS2 was about 5 months and exclusively BF.

I pumped loads before the op so there was lots in the freezer for DH to feed DS with. The op was in the afternoon and I was home at about 10pm, and I felt well enough to do the night feeds but I was pretty dozy so DH stayed awake to help/ keep an eye on me.

Talk to your dentist / surgeon about drugs. I had the op in a private hospital and had a little meeting with the consultant, anaesthetist and pharmacist to discuss what drugs were possible. I think there was one antibiotic not recommended and the anaesthetist said it would slightly change the mix of drugs he used, but it was all possible. I was warned that the antibiotics after the op would probably give DS an upset stomach but actually he was fine. Painkillers I alternated between paracetamol and ibuprofen. Try Kellymom for info on drugs and breast feeding.

Good luck!

This on dental work, this on painkillers, this on anti-biotics and this on day surgery will hopefully answer (most) of your questions.

Is there no way you can delay the operation? When I had my wisdom teeth out I couldn't look after myself for at least 3 days. My face was so bruised and swollen I couldn't eat, talk or sleep properly.

You may be treated more gently than I was, but if nothing else, please make sure DP or someone responsible can be home with you for a few days while you recover.

I had mine out under GA but I was very sore

Sorry, I meant to say that was pre DD and there is no way I could have looked Fter her, I was in bed for three days, and in fact collapsed the day after the op.

However. I had an op on my breast under local about two months ago and although DH did the night shift and I was a but sore I was ok in myself and could look after DD ok.

Wisdom tooth extraction under GA causes FAR more trauma - more bruising and swelling by far... due to you being unconscious (partly cause they have to manhandle you more and partly (i think) because they CAN manhandle you more). If you can bear it under local (it's not nice) then recovery is FAR FAR quicker and easier.

Thanks everyone - very helpful insights and links/information.

DS will take bottles of EBM so he will be fine for half a day or a bit longer. I guess I may need to express for comfort if I'm not back with him or feeling up to feeding him straight away, but I guess that shouldn't be too much of a problem.

I'll ask my mum to come look after me

The referral was only written today, so I imagine I won't get an appointment for a while. I'll read up about medication, etc.

Thanks again!