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Original poster

tooth extraction how painful Honestly!!

43 replies

noddyholder · 14/03/2006 18:33

I am due to have a broken failed root canal tooth out tomorrow as it is unsaveable(is that a word?)Terrified at the best of times is it really bad and how long does it take?

OP posts:
Blu · 14/03/2006 18:38

It takes very little time, and you should feel absolutely nothing!

The worst part is the injection - which takes a long time to go in, but your dentist should spray your gum first. Because they use a lot of aneasthetic, it can take a while...a few seconds..my dentist squeezes injections in v slowly, as it's better that way, for some reason.

The extraction should be REALLY quick. The dentist will actually push into the tooth, rather tna pull, and then just remove it with tweezers. You might be able to hear it loosening for a brief split second - a little noise like fingers on sandpaper.

The dentist will pack the tooth area with a swab.

If you take a couple of paracetamol or nurofen before the aneasthetic wears off, it won't even be painful later.

the idea of the whole thing is much worse than the event.

But i do sympathise. i had a big tooth out a couple of months ago.

Good luck

Blu · 14/03/2006 18:39

Oh, and it's FAR LESS traumatic than root canal treatment!

chicagomum · 14/03/2006 18:40

Oh noddy I can't believe you are still suffering. But just think after tomorrow it will all be over. Firstly get yourself some arnica tablets tomorrow and take them over the next few days to help with the healing. In theory an extraction shouldn't be painful - the anaesthetic will remove sensation of pain (the only occasion when it doesn't is in the presence of infection when it may be prevented from working properly). You are still aware of the tooth being removed - by that I mean feelings of pushing and pressure. The amount of time it takes is a difficult question to answer, it depends of the size and shape of the roots and the condition of the tooth - by that I mean is it a nice sound tooth to be able to "get hold of", or is it decayed and broken down so it crumbles away as you try to remove it. In general most extraction appointments I do the patient is in and out in 20 mins (MAX) (from injection to checking the bleeding has stopped).

HTH and good luck for tommorow.

Yorkiegirl · 14/03/2006 18:41

It will be ok.
I had a tooth out before Christmas. It was less painful than root canal. I am having another tooth out in May.
Honestly, you have been through the worst now, having it out will be a walk in the park. You will feel instantly better!

spidermama · 14/03/2006 18:42

Good luck tomorrow noddy.
I hope you can move on from this tooth trauma after tomorrow. x

chicagomum · 14/03/2006 18:42

The reason a slow injection is less painful than a quick one is that as you "push" the injected fluid in it causes the tissues to stretch (a bit like filling a balloon with water). If this is done slowly it is less painful than if they are extended rapidly iyswim.

Original poster
noddyholder · 14/03/2006 18:43

I still have pain on biting and I hate the anaesthetic as it makes my heart go really fast and I have a heart condition so am doubly scared.I am on a second lot of metronidazole but it hasn't worked yet I think I am having the tooth out regardless of infection as he is fed up with me I think

OP posts:
philippat · 14/03/2006 18:43

i had one of these. didn't actually hurt - injection had done its job.

Did however really very odd as they pulled it out - literally a lot of pulling, took maybe a minute in total, but about 10 mins for injection to take hold enough

JoolsToo · 14/03/2006 18:44

if you have a good dentist - it will be painless. My dentist is excellent, don't feel the injection even. The worst bit, I think, is the hole afterwards Shock

by the by noddy re HPC - at the bottom of the page their is a link to 'testamonials' at Amazon - there are some good reads on there!

chicagomum · 14/03/2006 18:46

Its probably the adrenaline in the anaesthetic that is having that effect noddy, ask your dentist if he/she has an alternative you can be given that doesn't have any adrenaline. Also make sure you have eaten before your appointment so you don't risk low blood sugar which can make you feel dizzy/loghtheaded combined with the anxiety and anaesthetic.

Kelly1978 · 14/03/2006 18:46

agree with blu, it really isn't that bad. I have had about 5 removed by now, and it is surprising how quick it is over with. It is a lot less painful that what you would be haivng at the moment. I have crap teeth and have had loads of root canals done, and problems.

Blu · 14/03/2006 18:47

nh - CM will be the expert on this, but I have adrenalin-free injections, as I can't stand being jittery and hyped up for the rest of the day.
Maybe this would be better for you?

Adreb=nalin is in the usual mix because it helps speed up the effect, but you can have it wthout.

Blu · 14/03/2006 18:48

x-posted!

FioFio · 14/03/2006 18:49

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted

Blu · 14/03/2006 18:49

Have you told your dentist about your heart condition?

Original poster
noddyholder · 14/03/2006 18:50

I will ask re the no adrenalin ones.The saving grace is that I know nothing could be worse than what i have suffered the last 3 weeks I have literally had no life and can't enjoy anything Dp is wondering if he might get a sh*g when the tooth is out as I have been out of action in all ways(the selfish git)although I may keep up the pain for a while as I have enjoyed the peace!Thanks for all your comments I really am a chicken

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chicagomum · 14/03/2006 18:51

If you don't have any medical conditions or are on medication to thin your blood it shouldn't bleed very much. It may seem like a lot because it mixes with saliva, but once the initial bleeding has been stemmed it shouldn't bleed again as long as you treat it carefully and follow the instructions given by your dentist.

chicagomum · 14/03/2006 18:52

And I second blu's comment re heart condition, make sure your dentist is fully aware of any medical issues/presciption (and self prescribed) medication etc.

Original poster
noddyholder · 14/03/2006 18:56

Thanks he knows about my heart but has never mentioned an alternative anaesthetic

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louise35 · 14/03/2006 19:17

I had both my wisdom teeth out with a local aneasthetic and actual extraction was completely painless. The worst bit is the injections, they can sting a little especially if they have to inject the roof of your mouth like they had to do with me but it all depends on where the tooth is as to where they will inject you. To be honest the stinging of the injection is very brief. Your dentist will probably push on the tooth a bit and you may hear a bit of a scraping, crunching noise but believe me if the tooth has been hurting you and giving you grief then it will feel such a relief to get it out. You may have an aching jaw for a day or so. I was really panicking when I had to have the teeth out as it was a first for me but trust me its really not as bad as you might think. Take care, Louise.

angnz · 14/03/2006 19:26

Hi noddyholder. Pre DD I was a dentist so form my point of view it never hurt at all!!. The dentist will make sure that the area is completely numb prior to starting so you will not feel it at the time. Usually a racing heart is caused by the adrenaline in the local anasethetic and it is possible to use a local that does not have adrenaline. Let the dentist know and they can try another type of local. If there is infection sometimes the local anaesthetic is not as effective. It is very important that you let the dentist know if you can feel anything so that they can put more in if necessary. You will hear noises usually squelching and cracking sounds as we need to loosen the tooth prior to taking it out. Afterwards if you take neurofen or paracetamol before the local wears off you will usually be fine. Everyone is different and some people need to take pain killers for a couple of days whereas others take no pain killers. Keep taking painkillers if you need them!!! Every tooth is differnt in how long it takes to get it out. It is a case of gentle persuasion is better the brute force so don't worry. I would always allow 30 mins for an extraction from the time you came into the room until you left again and often I would have time to grab a quick cup of tea prior to the next patient. Good luck for tomorrow but be reassured that it will feel so much better then it does now when the tooth is gone. (Just think - if you can give birth you can do anything)

angnz · 14/03/2006 19:30

Forgot to say - sometimes the tooth or teeth next to the one to be extracted can be a bit bruised for a couple of days afterwards so don't panic if they are slightly tender to chew on.

All the best

Original poster
noddyholder · 14/03/2006 19:31

Will my dentist definitely have the no adrenaline anaesthetic?Is it a common thing as I have real problems with a racingheart after it and I don't think I would have feared the dentist all these years if i had been offered it

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Blu · 14/03/2006 19:34

NH - I know how you feel. My dentist suggested it after I asked him to do quite a complicated procedure without an aneasthetic, and explained i'd put up with pain rather than have an injection, with it's after-effects!
What time is your appointment tomorrow? Maybe you caould call first thing and ask - and they could get it, somehow?
My dentist seems to keep it as standard.

Original poster
noddyholder · 14/03/2006 19:35

My appt is first thing at 8.45 so if he hasn't got it I'm not going to let him do it without as i think it is too risky as I have cardiomyopathy and spend my life trying to keep my heart beat slow!

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