You are not alone, we are thinking about you. All will be well. ginnie

Aww thank you so much, Ginnie! I'm soo so glad I found people like you guys who can offer support and encouragement without judgment. Thank you again.


I'll for sure write about what's going on as soon as I find out more about it myself in a few days time.


<3,

-FearfulKid

I totally get the fear thing, you'll do great! Dentists don't want you to be in pain. Because of the auto-immune disease I have, I'm a nightmare to get numb. Even then, dentists are very, very patient in making sure I'm comfortable. When I tell them I'm horrible to get numb, they give me a shot, wait for it to kick in, and then poke gently to test numbness before they even start working.

I always remind myself this what oral surgeons do all day, every day-they're good at it!

Deep breaths, and remember you'll do fabulous!

Hi guys,

I went for my initial check up today, since my insurance is now in effect.
The extractions that I mentioned still needs to be extracted. However, I found out that I have other cavities that I need to take care of 4 fillings and 1 root canal. On top of that, he suggested to remove my wisdom teeth as well... All four of them because apparently it'll be much harder to remove them later on since I'm already 26, clock's ticking.

Also, the infection is calm as of right now, so it's be the perfect time for extraction etc.

AND on top of alllll that, he found a dark little nodule type thing right under ,my lower /bottom tooth (next to a root canaled molar tooth) the panoramic x ray which he said needs to be referred to a specialist to find out if it's benign or malignant... Or it could just be a bone growth.

At this point, I'm trying to hold back tears (i cried my eyes out in the car parking lot) and in the process, I left out questions that I should've asked.

I wonder what are the chances of this thing being cancerous and what are the chances of it being just a normal bone growth, or maybe even a cyst?

I'm going to call the office tomorrow to ask these questions just to ease my mind. However, I was wondering if any of you had this type of predicament before? Or if Bryanna can shine some light my way?

Also, he said the most important course of action to be taken is to extract the teeth first. Does this mean the dark area or whatever isn't that serious? And my new dds is not very sympathetic as my childhood dds. I'm a crying mess. I just want all of it to be over.

You are overwhelmed. I understand that completely. I think you should take one step at a time, so you don't freak out OK? Bryanna will be here to help address all the issues you have more completely. Take care of the "bump" first. That would be a real relief to know that it isn't anything serious, then go from there. If you post your films, Bryanna can take a look.

Cavities can wait just a bit. However you need to re-consider this RC. Please read all the posts on the dental forum about Root Canals. This isn't the best course of action, as the infection will remain in the tooth, after this is done. The doctors do NOT tell you the truth. RC's are a money making adventure, and in the end a waste of money period.

Pulling the wisdom teeth is necessary when they shove other teeth over. Or crowd them out. Some people retain their wisdom teeth that are in good shape with no issues.

Please seek a second opinion about that. If they have severe disease, then removal is a viable option.

Take care the #1 issue first, and have the bump evaluated. Then you will be better emotionally to take care of the rest. One step at a time. Bryanna will be here and so will I to support you while you face these issues. You are not alone in this. I do care. ginnie

Hi Fearfulkid,

Although I don't have any dental advice to offer, I wanted to offer my empathy and support. I do understand how overwhelming it can be to have multiple problems going on in your mouth, and not knowing where to begin, or what is the most critical issue. It's very challenging, even for those of us who are twice your age, and sometimes the way dentists relate to patients can leave us even more in doubt of what the next step should be. It does sound like you have a good relationship with your childhood dentist. If that's the case, then maybe you could call him/her and ask for an opinion on how best to proceed? (Also, you could ask why they never suggested you get your wisdom teeth out.)

In any case, take a deep breath. It's a lot to deal with all at once, but although you feel like crying (we all do, at times), you've managed to walk through the steps to get yourself this far. Get yourself sightly more informed (hopefully Bryanna will show up!) so that you feel smart and strong enough to make the right decisions for yourself. And know that there are many people in very similar circumstances who wish you all the best.

Hi fearfulkid,

I know all of this information can be a bit consuming. But to stay in control, you need to be certain of the information you are given so you can discuss and mutually agree on a priority list of treatment with your dentist. Do not let anyone make you feel pressured in to something. I know you are insurance dependent, but please don't let that over ride all of your decisions.

Re the wisdom teeth extractions..... Are those teeth impacted? Are they partially covered with gum tissue? Are they difficult to clean resulting in an accumulation of plaque? Are they decayed? Is he referring you to an oral surgeon for the removal of them?

Re the cavities....if they are deep, they are a priority. Otherwise they can wait a short while.

Re the tooth that he recommends an root canal on..... What tooth is it and why is he recommending that procedure?

Re the dark area found on the xray near an rc tooth..... did the dentist actually say to have it checked for malignancy?? If he suspected cancer, he would have referred you to an oral surgeon right then and there.
Many people have anomalies in their mouths and most of the time it is not cancer.

You could consult with an oral surgeon about your wisdom teeth and that dark area. He could also take a look at your root canaled teeth, the infected tooth and the tooth that the dentist recommended rc procedure on. That may be the wisest place to start as then you would know what that dark area is.... and he could discuss these other teeth at the same time. Otherwise you are going to worry yourself sick over all of this.

Bryanna

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.

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