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So worried about tooth extraction tomorrow

Guest_1573
Community Member

Hi

I have to have an impacted wisdom tooth removed tomorrow. In a way I am hoping it is a good thing as I am in a lot of pain in the ear, throat and jaw region and the dentist thinks this tooth is the problem. It is half impacted and the OPG shows it is growing into my jaw!

I am very scared. The dentist has already warned me that she may not be able to get it out. In which case I will have to go to hospital and have it out under general.

I am also scared as even if she can get it out what if my symptoms remain? As per my other posts I have been suffering a lot of pain in the last few months and no doctor/chiro/physio can figure it out. I am feeling very down and very disillusioned with everything!

Thanks for reading .

19 Replies 19

Emmen
Champion Alumni
Champion Alumni

Dear Panicmerchant,

I'm sorry to hear that you've been in so much pain. There is a lot of uncertainty associated with this wisdom tooth removal - first, you aren't sure if the dentist can get it out, and second, you don't even know if that's the cause of your symptoms .

How about looking at it this way? You've already said this may be a good thing since you're in a lot of pain. The dentist has already confirmed that it's growing into your jaw, which already means that removing it may be a good idea. Even if this removal doesn't solve your pain problem, you'd have taken care of a potential future problem arising from this tooth. In the best case, your pain problem will disappear entirely. There's nothing to lose in getting that tooth removed.

You've also mentioned the dentist may not be able to get the tooth out. Unfortunately there's no way around that. If it comes to it, then worry about it then. In all honestly, if the dentist was sure there's no way she could get it out, she'd have suggested going to the hospital directly. The fact that she asked you come in tomorrow suggests there is a possibility she may be able to do it herself. So just hang in there (easier said than done, I know). But at least tomorrow, you'll get some answer to your problem - regardless of whether it's having your pain issue resolved, or preparing yourself to go to the hospital. It'll be better than being in a state of uncertainty.

Take care,
M

Guest_1573
Community Member

Dear M

Thankyou so much for your response. You are right...if she didn't think she could extract it she wouldn't attempt it. Unfortunately I suffer from many issues..right now being catastrophic thinking and health anxiety. I have been having a terrible time since November last year...endless visits to doctors/dentists/chiro/physios....awful pain pretty much all over my head, throat, ear, jaw, even neck and shoulders. I am beyond despair. As I am a panic merchant I worry sick that I have cancer. I used to drink and smoke a lot (to try to deal with my lifelong depression/anxiety/ptsd/borderline personality 😞 ). So at the end of the day if I do have cancer it is my own fault. I have become totally caught up in all of these symptoms and I guess worrying constantly makes them worse. To be honest I just want someone to explain all of my pain and plan treatment...be it cancer or otherwise. I have been suffering from these endless symptoms since September last year. I have had bloods, ultrasound and ct of neck and lymph glands...OPG from dentist...all state nothing unusual other than this impacted tooth.

I do fear that I have got myself into such a state that I will never feel free again. I wake every night and have to play calming music to try to get back to sleep. Everyday my symptoms are so awful I cry and worry more. All professionals state it is anxiety and possibly from the tooth and TMJD.

I am besides myself as I have a 16 year old son and I hide my fear and sadness from him but he is not stupid by any means. I did actually tell him before about what will be happening tomorrow. I met with my sister and mother today and told them and they said I shouldn't do it? Even though it is impacted and infected? That really upset me as they never validate anything I am going through.

Anyway sorry to rave on. I will be brave and go tomorrow. If things don't calm down I will request another MRI (which will cost me $600) but anything to have either peace of mind or know what to do! I have been in a state of uncertainty since October last year and it is truly driving me insane 😞

Hi Panicmerchant,

We're so sorry to hear that you are going through so much pain and anxiety.  It sounds like you are going through so much torment and that you just want answers as to how you could make things better for yourself physically, emotionally and mentally.  We can imagine it must be so difficult to have to look after your son, hide your feelings from him and also try to look after yourself.  You sound like a very strong person indeed to have to go through all this while putting your child first.  It must be scary for you to have many illnesses.  Please try to be gentle with yourself and placing blame on yourself regarding any illnesses you may have.  It seems like you wouldn't choose to be ill if you could help it.  Of course we do not want to speak out of turn and do not mean any disrespect.  

It can be quite invalidating when loved ones do not empathise and understand ones needs and viewpoint.  It sounds like you had a very hard decision to make and you wanted some support from your family.  We recognise that this may be hurtful.  Good luck tomorrow!

If you would like some help finding mental health support, we would recommend that you get in contact with the Beyond Blue Support Service. They are available 24/7 by phone on 1300 22 4636 or on Webchat 1pm-12am AEST on our website: www.beyondblue.org.au/getsupport One of our friendly counsellors will be able to talk through these feelings with you and can offer support, advice and referrals. 

This is a safe space is for you to discuss what your concerns are so please do continue to express and rant as much as you need to.  You are not alone and the community is here to support you.

Hi Panicmerchant

I understand your anxiety with wisdom tooth removal....I had the same feelings before my extractions too

You mentioned 'I am in a lot of pain in the ear, throat and jaw region and the dentist thinks this tooth is the problem'..Your dentist is spot on as an impacted wisdom tooth can display these symptoms

Just from my own experience....The lower wisdom teeth are often 'impacted'. As Emmen mentioned they will be able to remove it otherwise they wouldnt have booked you in...and referred you to a dental hospital which hasnt happened

any questions are always welcome. The forums are a rock solid safe and non judgmental place for you (and me!)

my kind thoughts

Paul

Thanks so much for your support. It means a lot! The dentist did end up saying it has to be done by an oral surgeon as she didn't want me in the chair for two hours trying to get it out. As the root is hooked into the jaw :). She did however check everything thoroughly and reassure me that this is all caused by the tooth. I am now on antibiotics and awaiting referral to oral surgeon. I am so glad to have you lovely people here to help me. xxx

Thanks Dear Paul

Turned out an oral surgeon will have to do it as it is too far in the jaw and my lovely dentist was upfront and said if she were to attempt it I could be in the chair for over two hours of trauma! She reassured me that everything else is fine other than I have TMJD from clenching and grinding teeth at night....which is a big cause of the weird symptoms also.

So I am now on antibiotics and awaiting the oral surgeon appointment. The difference with an OS is that they can give one sedation and still do it in the chair so to speak so luckily no hospital visit at this stage. I was worried sick about that as I have a 16 year old son and a darling doggy and do not want to leave them overnight. Thanks so much for caring. xxx

Hi Panicmerchant!

I'm jumping on here on the forums but I wanted to wish you the best of luck with everything. It sounds like your dentist is very caring and supportive of you which is so lovely to see.

Sending positive vibes to you!

Hello PM

I had the same treatment with an intravenous sedative with my lower wisdom teeth and it was great! I was in the chair for for over 1 1/2 hours ...it seemed like only 5 minutes 🙂

you are stronger than I was and good on you!

Paul

Thanks Paul!

I guess I just don't want to have to have it under general as that entails spending the night in hospital and I don't want to leave my dear boy and doggy alone! I have made bookings and at this stage can't even get a consult until April 20! Unless it gets very painful and swollen in which case they will get me in as an emergency. God knows what it will cost...I don't have private insurance anymore. Oh well them's the breaks! 🙂