Wisdom teeth: dentist or hospital?

[mrmellors]

After years of suffering with an impacted wisdom tooth, finally saw a dentist who was prepared to discuss it and not just give it a poke and say "come back in 6 months if it bothers you ...."

Anyway, the damn thing has to come out - it's partially erupted and a bit of a mess. Dentist says he won't touch it due to the potential of nerve damage (he said was quite a risk if tooth is impacted). So he said he'll refer me for nhs or I can pay privately to have it out under GA in hospital.

Anyone else had this? I've only had a GA once and it was grim.

I had all four of my wisdoms out at once, as did both my sisters. Two of us had them out under GA and it was painful afterwards but we were ok after a few days, the other one had them out in the chair and was in excrutiating pain for a week or more. GA's aren't brill, but after seeing my sister whimpering in pain for days on the sofa, it was a no-brainer for me.

Good luck with it!

I had no afterpain or swelling but they had to leave a tiny bit behind which proceeded to 'grow' it's way directly out of my gum, gross!

I don't know how long ago you last had a GA, mrmellors? I had 3 wisdom teeth out several decades ago under GA, & felt like shit for days afterwards; have had 2 or 3 GAs quite recently & woke up feeling completely fine

The wisdom tooth op may take a bit longer than my recent ones, but as long as you have properly fasted before the anaesthetic you should wake up feeling fine (apart from the sore gum, obv)

Somehow I ended up with no sedation (didn't think it would be too hard a job, ha!) and a harrased NHS oral surgeon hacking an impacted wisdom tooth out in hospital. It was on the nerve and I had some smashing bruises for a week.He was very good but it was a pretty grim 30 mins while he tried to get it out, he even called me at home in the evening as I think he was worried if I was ok.

If I need it done again (all the other buggers are impacted but they are reluctant to do it as they are also on a nerve and impacted into my sinuses ) then I will neck few valium beforehand.

But, its lovely now its gone. No pain or pressure in that area of my mouth.

You will be fine, once they're out its done and dusted.

(My GA was in hospital as a day case btw - not in a dental surgery)

I had two out at the dentist's, and I think they gave me something like rohipnol (sp?). Anyway, it was a drug which meant that you totally conscious throughout, but didn't remember anything about it. Worked a treat as I don't like GA either. Felt fine the next day.

if I ever need another out its GA all the way.

The dentist said it looked like a simple extraction....

...but almost an hour later & 3 rounds of local anaesthetic, 15 stitches and a huge hole in the back of my mouth the damn thing was finally out (He was was virtually kneeling on my chest to pull it out ) I'm normally fine at the dentist but spent the last 20 minutes repeating in my head "please let it be over, please let it be over..."

The next day I looked like I'd gone 5 rounds with Mike Tyson (not just a bruised/swollen cheek but a black eye too) and I couldn't manage anything but luke warm liquids for a week.

NEVER AGAIN

Last time I had a GA was a couple of years ago for an emergency cs, I'd had no pain relief for the birth so when things went t.u. I got rushed into theatre and was under a GA within less than 2 minutes. I remember nothing for the next 12 hours so I'm really keen to avoid a GA. But then maybe in that situation they gave me some super-knock-out version, because I was out for the count for a couple of days.

I've got private cover (not sure if it covers teeth but could check) - sure it would be quicker, but I'm guessing the process itself wouldn't be different.

After reading all your posts I'm now determined this bugger has to go. Enough!

Enough of the tooth btw not your lovely posts ....

HOSPITAL, HOSPITAL, HOSPITAL!!

I have three impacted wisdom teeth which don't cause me any pain but are impacting my bite by pushing other teeth (long story but DP sorting out with invisalign)

DP is a dentist and if/when the day comes that I need them out, I am going to the hospital all the way.

DP not keen on GA's and could sedate me and take them out, if he was comfortable re the nerve issue. There is NO WAY, I would agree to that as hate needles but know from others that having your wisdom teeth out is quite traumatic and horrible (lots of tugging etc) so I want GA all the way!

I had all 4 out; 2 at a time and a week apart in hospital - done under local. Not a walk in the park and lots of strong tugging and crunching and several injections for each tooth. I looked like a bruised hamster for a few days afterwards. This was 16 years ago and I still remember it vividly. But rather out than in.

Had mine out at hosp with a local. Very quick and easy.

Jasper - you sound like my DP! However, I want a GA - I am a total wimp and I honestly think I would freak out at the needle in the hand for the sedation etc as I hate needles and just the thought of lying in the chair - although he assures me I wouldn't remember anything.

He keeps telling me how dangerous elective GAs are etc etc and says he wont refer me but I don't care. It is a real bone of contention between us and actually probably a very good example of why it is not a good idea to treat your family no doubt.

No No No Bunny you misunderstand me!
My comment about no need for GA was to the OP who did not WANT one

I am completely in favour of GA if that is what you want .

Remember you will get a needle in the hand for that too though

Sorry Jasper - am slightly pissed

He has mentioned the needle in the hand too! Do not want to hijack the post but that is what pisses me off with DP [not you!]. Every other patient has the options/risks explained and is allowed to chose what treatment they want but not MEEEEEEEEEEEEEE.

I need a new dentist!