Hi fearfulkid,
I am in the dental field and can offer you some help here.
First of all it's okay to feel apprehensive. Everyone feels that way about having a tooth removed. Yes, it can be a bit more difficult when the tooth is decayed and broken to the gum line. But there are special refined instruments that are used in cases like yours and the outcome will be okay.
Regarding the IV sedation for oral surgery... this will be SO quick and painless. The needle they use is very small and sometimes put into the back of the hand rather than the arm. But either way it is not anything like you are imaging it to be. You will immediately go in to a twilight sleep. You will wake up feeling pretty well and maybe just slightly groggy. The areas of extractions will be very numb for several hours... which is good. The time between the IV and when you are all done will feel like only seconds have passed.
On a side note... I too am very petite.... 5'2... under 100 lbs. So I understand what you are saying about medical things concerning you. The OS will take in to consideration your size and weight when the IV meds are administered so as to not give you more than necessary. If it makes you feel better.... remind him of your petite-ness
Regarding the financial aspect of this.....
I know dentistry is expensive... too expensive.... in fact way over priced! However, if you like the oral surgeon that you consulted and are not comfortable going to a new general dentist and then new OS.... feel free to call the OS (that you saw) and speak to the office manager about a financial arrangement. Ask her if the office offers a discount for paying cash at the time of the service and/or for people without insurance and/or a short term financial plan. People do this all the time... so give it a shot!
Regarding the use of a dental dam.... great idea by Jay... his cleverness amazes me sometimes
However, dental dams are not generally used for tooth extractions, especially when the teeth are broken to the gum. The assistant may or may not line the inside of your mouth with gauze too catch any falling pieces of tooth. You will be asleep so this will not bother you.
As for what you have read online about people aspirating an extracted tooth and dying from that event...... this is extremely rare and in my 35 yr career, I have never had that happen. I have had patients swallow their tooth... only to discover it later on that evening when it... passed. This is rare event is really not something to be concerned about as it will only cause you undue anxiety and stress.
A side note, it is best to have these teeth removed while you are on this antibiotic so to avoid having to take more of it later on.
Please let us know how you're doing... and if we can help you.
Bryanna
Quote:
Originally Posted by Fearfulkid
Bryanna and others that may be able to help,
I have two teeth that need to be extracted (1 lower left molar and 1 upper right premolar, I think). Both are decayed and broken to the gum line. I saw my dentist and he gave me 15 days of amoxicillin for the infection, twice a day 500mg each. The last dosage will be on august 26. He referred me to an oral surgeon to have the procedure done. Also, he said that the infection wasn't too severe, but he'd like the teeth out ASAP.
However, I am 26 years old and no longer in my parents insurance, so I opted for dental hmo plan which meant that I have to see a different dentist and have them refer me to a different oral surgeon. The insurance officially takes in effect on September 2.
I am completely scared because its a new set of professionals that are working with me. Plus I've read horror stories online about the oral surgeon accidentally losing grip of the extracted tooth and it falling into the open airways leading to death. Also, I'm terrified of the iv sedation (needle on arm, etc) even though I know for a fact that I can't do just local because I'm apprehensive about pain. Im scared that the infection would come back afterthe extraction.. so many fears :-(
Also, I'm quite small at 5'0/ 100lbs and everything medical frightens me
I know you've helped eased people's fears of the dentists here, I was hoping you may be able to do the same for me. Thank you soo much in advance. I'm literally crying every night because of this fear and stress.
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