Would you have a tooth extracted a few days before your due date?

[beatie]

I have a failed root canal that has become infected and needs to come out. I saw one emergency dentist who drilled it out and put in a temporary dressing. She told me to have it taken out after the baby is born.

My face swelled up chronically and I saw another emergency dentist today. She has upped my antibiotic dose (the first dentist wouldn't even give me antibiotics!) and says that will clear the swelling. She wants me to have the tooth out mid-week next week as soon as the swelling has gone down, as she says swelling makes the anaesthetic ineffective. I'm due next Saturday with my second baby.

I've never had a tooth extracted. What should I expect? What will the after-pain be like?

I'd be nervous about this dentist, frankly! My dentist refuses to do even a cleaning in the last month of a pregnancy, as he doesn't want to bring on labour as a surprise. I guess you don't mind if you go into labour that close to your due date ...

It is a bit sore afterwards, but nothign that a couple of paracetamol can't deal with. Personally I would get it done. You're going to be too busy to want to worry after, and if you are getting infections, that is prob more painful than the gap will be. I had an abcessed tooth when pg, and extration when I was thirty somethign weeks.

oh, beatie. are you still inloads of pain too?

I'd get it out - I had a tooth extracted when I was 6 months pg (not quite the same thing I know) but as it's so close to your due date I wouldn't be too concerned.........obvsiouly there's always the risk you'll go into labour BEFORE your appointment

The after pain was fine for me - and I'm a wuss when it comes to pain. I think it's be better to have the numbess and very slight pain after having a tooth extracted, than to be in real pain and discomfort in labour (well added pain IYKWIM)

Id be tempted to have one general anaesthetic for a caesarian and tooth removal in one!

seriously, I personally would risk the tooth removal before baby comes. Your baby could be 2 weeks late!

I had one full term labour brought on by an injury, baby was fine though.

Yes, I'd have it out.
I had a tooth out a few years ago, it was really quick and easy. Good luck.

Message withdrawn

me too yg
i have abscess at the mo and it won't go away, have been taking a-bs since tuesday

How miserable for you . The only thing I'd add is that if you have it extracted and there is still an infection the toxins released could make you feel c**p for a week or so afterwards. It shouldn't be too painful though.

Either way not an ideal start to life with a newborn. Good luck.

Thank you everyone for your helpful comments. I now feel much happier about having this tooth out before the baby is born.... provided baby waits at least another few days.

The swelling is slowly going down. There's not a lot of tooth left to extract. I'm sure it will be a quick procedure. It's really nice of this dentist to offer to do it one lunchtime at her practice. DH, DD and I are set to register there in November when they're taking new patients (we've recently moved to the area) but she has insisted I get in there this week and she'll remove the tooth. What a star!

i had a lot of dental work done while i was pg, no probs at all!
i have also had a tooth extracted and it was the best thing EVER!
it was weird after, you justh ave to be careful about not eating on that side, and you will probably find your tongue keeps wandering to the hole!
it didn'tt ake too long to heal though, and didn't hurt at all