Wisdom tooth woe - is extraction the only option and how do I go about it?

QuiteInterestin · 21-05-2010 11:22PM #1

Hello, I've had a fair bit of trouble with my jaw and ears recently, and the doctor said it may be my wisdom teeth to blame, and I'm inclined to agree. I haven't been to the dentist yet as I've only been able to partially open my mouth since this kicked off and I was hoping to hold off til it improved enough that I can actually open my mouth fully so he can give them a thorough exam that won't be too painful to me.

If it does transpire that I do need to have them removed under anaesthetic etc, does anyone know the steps involved in this process, i've seen a few other threads about it but they all seem to be from people already in the process of it.

Does the dentist refer you on to another dentist or can he refer you on for the procedure himself? If so, what would the waiting times be like (public system) compared to private? I do have health insurance (aviva) but I'm not sure what their coverage is in relation this type of procedure, what have other peoples experiences been?

Also, this is the first time mine have ever given me any bother, a recent throat infection seems to have set them off. What are the chances they'll calm down again and go back to normal?

goat2 · 21-05-2010 11:29PM

you will have to see a dentist
they will x ray and see how well sunk into the jaw they are,
if they have big roots, i suspect they have since you have pain, the x ray will show up this, and your dentist will be referring you on to a specialist,
you will see him on the first appointment, and he will be asking you to come to a hospital for extraction under anaestethic, hope you have vhi,
this thing costs, you would be going into the hospital in the morning and leaving in the evening, you will have to have another adult who drive you as you will be drowsy afterwards, they will not allow lyou to drive, i would not blame them

lizzie09 · 22-05-2010 08:30AM

I just wonder why back in the late 70s dentists seemed to routinely
take out wisdom teeth in their surgeries. I know ,because I had them removed.

I had a General Anaesthetic and was collected to go home,
Back in work the next day? I remember that I had no problem at all.

day dreamer · 22-05-2010 10:17AM

The first thing I would do is go to your dentist, the pain may not be your wisdom teeth at all, it could be something else so dont worry too much just yet.

If the tooth has to be removed your dentist may do it or refer you to a specialist surgeon. If you have insurance this will cover most of the cost of the surgery, you may have to pay for the consultation. There are many surgeons who will do the job, some will only operate under general anaesthetic, some will do it under sedation, it depends on the difficulty and the surgeon.

The recovery will be quicker if you are not put asleep. The surgeon/dentist will go through the risks and the before and aftercare.

Ah lizzie, the good old days of GA in the dental chair and then off you go to work afterwards. General anaesthetics are only done by anaesthetists these days in a hospital setting and rightly so. You must be made to stern stuff!

lizzie09 · 22-05-2010 10:52AM

Maybe it was strong sedation Daydreamer!!

I have a high pain threshold!

Wisdom tooth woe - is extraction the only option and how do I go about it?

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