Hi Bryanna! Thank you so much for the reassurance and new information regarding the procedure. I feel a bit better now that I know more about it... you definitely eased some of my worries, especially since you're petite as well!
I get my dental hmo plan officially on sept 1. I'm hoping that I can get referred to an OS on the 2nd, and hopefully schedule the consultation/extraction the following week. Do you think this would be ok since I'll be finished with my antibiotics on August 26. Is it possible for the infection to recur within those couple weeks before extraction?
Regarding the infection, what are the chances of it recurring after the extraction, even with prescribed antibiotics before and after? Also, I have a partially erupted wisdom tooth next to the #18 extraction... I was wondering if this should be extracted as well, if so can these extractions all be done at one go? I'd rather get it all done and healed up altogether.
I'm hoping this is irrelevant to the tooth infection, but last night before bed, I started having left side neck/shoulder pain. I can lift my arms just fine, only hurts when I move forward or do circular motions with my shoulder. Perhaps I just unknowingly pulled/strained a muscle? I hope so :/
Oh and I called the surgeon that I initially wanted and asked about payment plans, especially paying it in cash etc. and unfortunately they don't do that at their practice
Again, thank you so much for your time and effort to answer questions on here. It's such a relief that I can have someone in the field to talk to
I'm sorry this post is so long.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bryanna
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 |