Hi guys,

Thank you guys so much for your ongoing support with my dental ordeal. Your encouraging words helped me beyond what I can describe here on text, I cried and smiled simultaneously because I felt that you guys truly did care about what I was going through... It's very comforting to know forsure.



Update on my predicament:

I had a bad experience with my dental hmo dentist, so I thought about it and just decided to go with my fiancé's dentist and pay out of pocket in exchange for a more comfortable dental procedure/experience. First thing I asked was about the abnormal dark area on X-ray. The dentist said that if its not bothering me, all is well. He said to just keep an eye on it for growth, pain, tenderness, etc. but he thinks that might have been there since birth and at worst it could be an osteomyelitis. I feel better about that.

Next, the wisdom teeth extractions. He said only one needs to come out because it's colliding next to a molar. Two are already out, and he said that's fine. The other one is still under the bone but looks like its coming out just fine. I'm sorry I can't post X-rays, I don't have a working computer right now (just mobile and iPad).

I also have some cavities that need to be filled, need to have my teeth cleaned, and fix a previous root canal crown that was recemented years ago and now has a gap. He said these are not of immediate concern.

Lastly, this coming Tuesday (9/10 at 1pm), I am going to have my upper #3 extracted and #18 root canaled... Both at the same appointment. I was also given 2 pills (.25 each) Halcion (?) to be taken an hour before my appointment, with Vicodin (every six hours as needed)and amoxicillin (500mg 3x a day) for after the procedure.

Guys, I feel more comfortable now. I just wanna know because I forgot to ask and the office is now closed...

1. at what time do i start taking the Vicodin and amoxicillin after the procedure? A day after?
2. Are there any interactions between the three different drugs that I'm taking? I read online that I shouldn't take vicodin for at least 8 hours after I took halcion. If that's the case, I'm nervous about the possible pain I might have?
3. How long will I have the effects of halcion in my system?
4. Will I be able to remember to ask the dentist for a doctors note for work before my procedure or would I be too sleepy already.
5. I read online (yeah not too reliable lol) that .25 mg of halcion is usually enough, but I was given two of these... Concerning my height and weight, I'm assuming the dentist was aware of this and .50mg is safe for me right?

Again, thank you guys so much for any advice, words of encouragement you might have for me. I'm closer and closer to having this burden done and over with. Yay! Lol


Thank you,
-FearfulKid

I'm glad you're comfortable with the dentist-that's so important! I'm sure you'll get answers soon....here's my thoughts.

1. Usually when you get home from the dentist, but before it hurts. You'll still be numb when you get home.
2. I don't know-when in doubt about prescriptions, call your pharmacist. They are so good at drug interactions! Explain you're getting the halicion for dental anxiety, and the pain killer for post extraction pain. They will be able to tell you.
3. In my experience, it's directly related to your anxiety level. The more anxious the faster your body metabolizes it.
4. You might be a little stoned, so have whoever is driving you remember to ask for it. Call the dentist ahead of time and say you'll need the note.
5. Double check with the pharmacist, but with how anxious you are, it's probably why you got the higher dose. Your body will need more to keep you calm.

I'm so proud of you! Dental anxiety is so hard, and you're tackling it and taking it on. You'll do great. One other suggestion is have the soft food lined up ahead of time, so you don't have to get some to the grocery store for you.

Socasusie,

Thank you for your kind words and for answering my questions based on your experience. It means a lot :)

I have to go in tomorrow ... Ahhh so nervous! I'm taking the Halcion (two .50mg) an hour before my procedure. The procedure is from 1-3pm because I have the upper molar extraction and also the planned root canal... If that fails once he gets a better judgment, my dentist said he'll go ahead and go for the extraction. Personally, I want the root canal. I wanna save the tooth, or at least try.

I have a few questions, if you don't mind :) when you had your extractions, how long did you wait to brush your teeth, rinse with salt water, eat/drink, take antibiotics? The following day? Or 24 hours? Oh and is it safe to ice the area right away? Also, is it ok to shower the day after the extraction?

I'm kinda apprehensive to take vicodin as well because I heard it can make you nauseous and I really don't wanna vomit so I can avoid dry sockets, etc. In your experience, was either Motrin or Tylenol OTC sufficient? I'm also hoping that the effects of halcion doesn't linger too long in my system.

Anyway, I should get some sleep. I will update as soon as I feel coherent enough to do so haha.

Thanks again for any help/advice you may have for me :)

Praying and wishing for the best outcome :)

Hi fearfulkid,

A couple of things to think about concerning the medications that your dentist has prescribed for you. Have you ever taken Halcion or Vicodin before? Do you routinely take pain meds for other problems or is this your first time with these meds? People who have never taken these meds or who have taken them on a rare occasion may have a more profound reaction to them compared to those who habitually use them or who have already used them. Your pharmacist may be able to guide you with this. Your weight should also be considered when determining the dosage.

<<<1. at what time do i start taking the Vicodin and amoxicillin after the procedure? A day after?>>

YOU NEED TO ASK THE DENTIST ABOUT STARTING THE AMOXICILLIN AS HE MAY WANT YOU TO START THAT PRIOR TO THE EXTRACTION. ALSO YOU WILL NEED TO EAT WHEN YOU TAKE THESE MEDS TO AVOID UPSETTING YOUR STOMACH. SO PLEASE HAVE SOFT FOODS AVAILABLE FOR YOU PRIOR TO THE APPOINTMENT SO YOU DON'T HAVE TO THINK ABOUT ANY OF THAT LATER ON.

<<<2. Are there any interactions between the three different drugs that I'm taking? I read online that I shouldn't take vicodin for at least 8 hours after I took halcion. If that's the case, I'm nervous about the possible pain I might have? >>>

YES THERE ARE SOME NEGATIVE INTERACTIONS THAT YOUR PHARMACIST CAN EXPLAIN TO YOU. ASK HIM SPECIFICALLY HOW LONG TO WAIT TO TAKE THE VICODIN AFTER THE HALCION. ALSO, IF YOU HAVE NEVER TAKEN THESE MEDS YOU WILL PROBABLY DO FINE WITH THE LOWEST DOSE... PLEASE DON'T THINK THAT TAKING A HIGHER DOSAGE WILL KEEP YOU MORE COMFORTABLE AS THAT IS JUST NOT THE CASE IN PEOPLE WHO DO NOT ROUTINELY TAKE THESE MEDS AS THEY HAVE NOT BUILT UP ANY TOLERANCE TO THEM.

<<<3. How long will I have the effects of halcion in my system? >>>

IN SOMEONE WHO HAS NEVER TAKEN IT.. THE EFFECTS COULD SLOWLY DISSIPATE OVER THE COURSE OF SEVERAL HOURS. ASK THE PHARMACIST AS THERE ARE MANY FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN TAKING A DRUG LIKE THIS.

<<4. Will I be able to remember to ask the dentist for a doctors note for work before my procedure or would I be too sleepy already.>>>

CALL THE OFFICE PRIOR TO THE APPOINTMENT AND ASK THEM TO HAVE THE WORK EXCUSE READY FOR YOU.

<<<5. I read online (yeah not too reliable lol) that .25 mg of halcion is usually enough, but I was given two of these... Concerning my height and weight, I'm assuming the dentist was aware of this and .50mg is safe for me right?>>>

YOUR WEIGHT IS A FACTOR AS WELL AS IF YOU HAVE EVER TAKEN IT BEFORE. NEVER ASSUME THE DENTIST KNOWS WHAT THE PROPER DOSAGE IS... SPEAK TO THE PHARMACIST.

Bryanna

Bryanna,

Thank you for the reply. I did ask the pharmacist about the dosage etc and she said that perhaps the dentist prescribed the max dosage former because they want me to be in a certain state of mind, especially if I'm anxious. I hope that's true.

I've never taken any of these medication before, except for the amoxicillin. I'm hoping for a positive outcome.

Also, the pharmacist said that its ok to take the vicodin with halcion. I'm not really too confident in that but I suppose she knows better than I do.


Is there a substitute painkiller that I can take instead? Like OTC Motrin, or Tylenol? If so what are the typical dosage. My sister is going to ask the dentist today as well, but I just wanna compare.

According to the dentist and the pharmacist information, I am going to take the two tablets of .50mg total of halcion today at 12 before my appointment at 1. I'm scared, but I'm hoping for the best.


Thank you.

Well guys, I did it!

I had the root canal and the extraction just fine :)


I'm a bit groggy but I ate half a yogurt to take my vicodin and amox with water as well and the extraction site started hurting. This was an hour after the procedure. Is this normal? Or do I have dry sockets. Also can I keep changing my gauze everyn30-45 minutes?

HI fearful kid
 

Just take it easy tonight. cool drinks, not hot or cold. No you don't have dry socket yet. That is when the healing doesn't go right. Don't even think like that. You are going to heal just fine. Salt water rinses, later on tomorrow, change gauze as directed. Lay low. You did fine. ginnie:hug:

Ginnie,

Thank you for your ongoing support with me :)

I'm still really numb right now, well except for the extraction site. But hopefully, I can have a speedy and positive healing and recovery.

Oh in your experience, how often did you change your gauze pad? Every hour or less? Thank you.

Also, the halcion helped a lot! Also. For the root canal, they only put a temporary filling, no crown or cap until my next appointment on the 23rd (2 weeks from now) ... I hope that's ok.


I'll keep posting along with my recovery... I hope I don't annoy some people lol
I'm just starting to feel more positive than I've ever felt before :)

Hi fearful
 

No worries. This posting is what NT is all about. To support each other as we go through our issues. I had two removed at once, changed gauze for only about 5 hours, and then it was just pink. No problems in healing. You will be OK. Hang out here while you heal. ginnie:hug:

Hi guys,

Just an update. I took the vicodin and amoxicillin together around 4pm... Wasn't nauseous at all, just drowsy. It's now been 4 hours after my procedure and my lip is still numb and there's still quite a bit of bleeding. Are both of these normal?

Thank you :)!

Can I start eating even if my mouth is still bleeding and numb?