Wisdom tooth

[LaBellina]

A few days ago I felt excruciating pain in my upper jaw and gums, this pain has now gone away by itself and one of my wisdom teeth is very sensitive and painful. Dentist had a quick look today and made an X-ray, told me that the nerve has died and it would be best to extract the affected tooth.

He could also do a root canal treatment but I would have to wait 2 months until it can be done and it’s not a guarantee that the pain will be gone after it. My DH who has had several wisdom teeth removed told me that despite local anesthesia, removing wisdom teeth is still a painful procedure in itself. I have a trauma from removing another molar years ago where the dentist (another one then my current one who is very lovely and good at the job) couldn’t completely anesthetize the area due to an infection that went further then the root and it was so painful that I instinctively wanted to run and the receptionist literally had to restrain me from running as the dentist was extracting the affected tooth. I’m feeling really anxious now and looking for some advice here

Thanks @Catmummyof2, so if I understand you correctly, you did feel some pulling which was unpleasant obviously but not actual pain?

That makes me feel so much better.
Thanks a lot xxx

I had 3 out in one go under local anaesthetic about 30 years ago . I had infected gums and was in excruciating pain for about a week before I had the courage to go to the dentist.
I am terrible at the dentist but it wasn’t painful to have them removed, however I felt pretty rough for a week afterwards and was off work and couldn’t really eat.
I wouldn’t worry too much and from experience with a failed root canal would much sooner have a tooth removed, especially a tooth at the very back.

I had all four out at the same time under a general. It was very painful for few days but I soon recovered. Sorry I can't help with having an experience under local.

Good to hear from all the responses here that I shouldn’t have to worry too much. I have decided to indeed opt for the extraction. Thanks again xxx

I've had all my wisdom teeth out in the last few year, in 2 single and one double extraction.
I am scared of dentist work, but it was fine. I'm glad they're gone. AFAIK it makes it easier to keep the back molars clean and they're surplus to requirements.

Thanks @Catmummyof2.
I think I’m going to stock up on yoghurt, soups, noodles etc. The kind of stuff I had to eat years ago for 2 weeks after getting a tongue piercing is the same stuff I imagine I will need for this scenario 😭

Do take the advice and rest as much as you can for a couple of days and allow the healing process a chance.
Do not vape or smoke directly afterwards. I know that from bitter experience

I will try to schedule it for a friday. Fortunately I quit smoking years ago prior but I can imagine how hard it is if you’re still a smoker !

I had 3 out with just local anaesthetic, one was impacted but even with that extra complication it wasn't too bad. Second one was straightforward, no pain, just tiring keeping mouth open that long. 3rd one had to be broken apart in place and I admit that was not pleasant but it didn't hurt, just felt a lot of pressure as the dentist was tugging hard at the tooth for a long time before he gave up and broke it up.

I would take a painkiller before the appointment so it'll be working once the anaesthetic wears off, and tell your dentist your worries due to the previous extraction so they know to reassure you a bit extra if you start to get anxious.

Update. Went to the dentist for regular check up and cleaning and he asked me if I had made a decision on what to do about the affected wisdom tooth. I told him that I don’t think that the nerve has actually died, the horrific pain went away by itself but the tooth isn’t numb, I can still feel some sensitivity when I brush it or eat certain foods. Dentist did a couple of checks and also thinks it’s still alive. He gave me the choice : extract it or leave it as it is now, as it seems to have cured itself. The only risk is that the horrible pain might come back at some point and in that case he wants to extract it as a root canal treatment will be very painful with only a 50% chance of actually solving the issue.
So fingers crossed and hope for the best!
Will go back for a check up in May and I hope there won’t be any issues by then or in the meantime. Again thanks to everyone here for your replies and advice.

Is it an upper wisdom tooth? I had one out a few years ago due to infection in the gum round it, and it literally took seconds. My dentist asked if I could feel something sharp, no, then asked if I wanted to see the tooth. I couldn’t believe she had done it already. Apparently those teeth have short, cone shaped roots and are very easily extracted - it’s the bottom ones that tend to be trickier.

I had had antibiotics and the tooth/gum was actually fine, but I didn’t want to chance having it again. It healed up super fast and I was eating dinner normally a few hours after having the tooth out.

Yes @Judystilldreamsofhorses it’s my left upper wisdom tooth. It’s good to hear your experience was so positive, your dentist sounds great. I hope it won’t come back but if it does, my dentist is equally skilled.

That was the same tooth as me - I swear it was like opening a jam jar, twist and out!