I just wanted to jump in and tell you that I was under sedation (twilight sleep) when I got my wisdom teeth removed. I barely felt the needle going in and then poof, the whole process was over! I was able to follow the dentists instructions like "turn your head" but I felt no pain as I was just kind of blissed out. I hope your extraction goes well!

Hi Fearfulkid,

Ask as many questions as you want.... no worries.

The antibiotic is not going to cure the infection as long as the tooth is present because the tooth is the source of the infection. The antibiotic will stay in your system for maybe a day or two... possibly a bit longer after you have taken your last dose. But you could ask the pharmacist to be more exact.

The OS may prescribe another round of antibiotics after the extraction. Depends on what he sees at that time. You could call the OS office and see if they want you to continue your antibiotic until after the extraction.

Bryanna

Canmom,

Thank you for the reassurance it means a lot to me

Bryanna,

Ohh ok that makes sense. What I'm afraid of is do you think there's still a possibility that the infection (dentist said wasn't severe when he prescribed amox) can spread to my lungs, brain, heart, etc within those 2 weeks that I have before extraction? I'm scared of that because I heard it can get serious fast

My last day of antibiotics is on 8/25 after being on it for 15 days and the extraction won't be until around 2nd week of September for insurance to kick in.

Thank you in advance for your answer

Ok, I can't speak to the antibiotics, but wanted to pipe up regarding extraction. I've had 6 extractions, and then my 4 wisdom teeth (10 total). I've been asleep, twilight and awake. All 3 are totally doable! What is the most important is the recovery. Rest, take your medication, only eat soft foods, and follow your doctors instructions. And frankly, the first day, don't wait for it to hurt, just take your pain medication-that was the best advice given to me by an oral surgeon.

I promise you can totally do this!

Fearfulkid,

No one can say whether or not the infection could become systemic within that time frame or sooner or later. No one can determine that.

It is best to not worry yourself over that as you need to think positively about the outcome. If you notice any fever, pain, fatigue, night sweats, or other symptoms that indicate a systemic infection, call the OS and do not wait until your appointment date.

I know that's not too reassuring but that is really all you can do unless you have the tooth removed sooner.

Bryanna

I am the worlds worst dental patient. Freak out the whole nine yards. I sure understand your apprehension. It would be good if you could meet the dentist doing the extractions before your appointment. If you have a good meeting, and know the oral surgeon or dentist is competent, and cares, you will do just fine. After a life time of fear, I found a dentist I think is awesome. She had me relaxed right from the first meeting. I did have sedation, no issues, no pain, and I healed just fine. I think half the battle is finding the doctor who gives a hoot. Confidence in the person is the key to a good experience. I had three teeth removed last year. It really was not such a bad experience, and my fear was not justified. I am 61 and I spent my life in fear. It is gone now, and the dentist has become a fun experience! Meet the person first to discuss your fears, see how the person responds. Don't do it, if you don't feel confident, or your fears are brushed off. Find another if you don't feel good about it. This can be an OK event, when the right professional is found. ginnie

Socasusie and ginnie,

Thank you for your advice. I think I may go ahead and consider what you guys said and think positive about the extraction. Thank you

Bryanna,

Thank you for the honest response. Ahh I hope it doesn't become systemic before then I wonder if I was better off not taking the antibiotics until it was closer to my extraction days because I heard after antibiotics, the infection may come back ten times worse *terrified* ..... Gotta think positive, hopefully things will work out and the infection won't come back before the extraction date.

Are there any other symptoms I should watch out for beside the ones you already mentioned to figure out if the infection came back systemic?

Also, the dentist never mentioned an abscess... Is an infection the same thing? Even though he also said that it isn't a severe infection?

Should I rinse with salt water before the extraction date to prevent the infection from possibly returning? Would that help?

Thanks in advance Bryanna.

Fearfulkid,

I will re post your questions and answer in bold type.

<<<Are there any other symptoms I should watch out for beside the ones you already mentioned to figure out if the infection came back systemic? >>>

IF YOU FEEL UNWELL, THAT COULD BE A SIGN OF INFECTION.

<<<Also, the dentist never mentioned an abscess... Is an infection the same thing? Even though he also said that it isn't a severe infection?>>>

PERTAINING TO THE MOUTH, AN ABSCESS IS A SWOLLEN AREA THAT CONTAINS PUS. IT COULD BE A VISIBLE SWELLING OR IT COULD BE A SMALL OR LARGE CYST THAT HAS FORMED IN THE BONE. I HAVE NO IDEA IF YOU HAVE EITHER OF THOSE THINGS. I DON'T BELIEVE YOU POSTED AN X-RAY.

<<< Should I rinse with salt water before the extraction date to prevent the infection from possibly returning? Would that help? >>>

THE TOOTH IS THE SOURCE OF THE INFECTION. THE ANTIBIOTIC CANNOT CURE THE INFECTION IN THE TOOTH. THE ONLY WAY TO CURE IT IS TO REMOVE THE TOOTH. YOU CAN RINSE WITH SALT WATER AS A GENERAL RINSE BUT IT WILL NOT ALTER THE INFECTION INSIDE OF THE TOOTH.

I hope this information answers your questions
You could call the OS office and tell them to put you on a cancellation list as perhaps they could get you in sooner..??

Bryanna