Tooth Extraction With Diazepam

[MyNameIsTerry]

I think I would want some guidance from the dentist on the best course of action here. Usually treating the infection first is the bets way because the site is enclosed and removing the tooth means letting the infection out of that area which can cause other problems. Thats what my dentist told me and why she wanted to treat my infection with antibiotics before performing the extraction.

Perhaps the question is the level of pain and whether you can cope with it and wait until you finish the new course? If you can, then a more routine extraction seems a good way to deal with it as there is less chance of the infection spreading BUT I really think that is something the dentist is best placed to advise you on as he will understand the impact of that far more than any of us will.

I agree with ricardo about the pain not subsiding under anesthetic. I know we are more sensitised to pain when anxious but I can't see that being able to override a strong anesthetic which cuts off all sensation. Your 2nd dentist's explanation sounds more plausible. Many people are anxious when they go to the dentist. For the first time in having a tooth out I needed a second injection but it numbed up fine then and I was severe in terms of my anxiety back then.

I know what you mean about the hospital. I was faced with that prospect as very little of my wisdom tooth was still above the gumline so I was praying he could grip it enough to extract it as I didn't want to wait months.

My infection pain reduced after a few days but then a few days after the course finished, it came back. I was due to see my GP anyway so asked him and he just gave me a longer course of the same one which did the trick. The pain with the infection was worse than the tooth alone but I've had worse. Like ricardo says, it's usually afterv 48 hours that you see improvement as antibiotics halt the infection first and then reduce it so you find the pain seems to rapidly drop off.

[ricardo]

This is slightly confusing,Chandler.

Of course you are naturally stressed but more importantly in pain. If these anti biotics are stronger,again you will need at least 48 hours to feel the effect and if they lessen the pain you have the option to have a normal extraction or still possibly need sedation, but 400.00 is a lot of money.I would at least start these new anti biotics.

If you call 111 out of hours you may well get an emergency dentist at no cost, it's worth a try.

[Chandler]

Thanks all,

Got a 2nd opinion today and she said she can defiantly numb the area even if it means numbing from the back of the jaw meaning the entire side of my face will be numb. She also said they have a specialist as their lead dentist there who deals only with extractions and other dentists in the area refer to him he is that good. She said if she can't numb it he will. I go back on Monday for the work to be completed. Failing that, I have the expensive sedation booked for the 9th December so if anything happens with the NHS dentist next week at least I have options to have it sorted within the next couple of weeks.

In the meantime, I have just taken the first Clindamycin and despite having it before, I am feeling really shaky, tired and getting heartburn with it. Not sure if it is the side effects or my anxiety. I also noticed my pupils seemed to be dilated a bit as well. Oh to be free of this constant health anxiety and worst case scenario obsession!

[Chandler]

Tooth is out on 2nd attempt! It was a bit of a traumatic experience as they couldn't 100% numb me due to the infection and it took a good 20 minutes of pulling and tugging side to side but it's out and I'm so glad about that. Thank you all for your advice and kind words.

[Magic]

Hi there, so glad everything went well Chandler.
I had an extraction two months ago. Took some getting out.
May take a while for your gum to heal. Take care xx

[Chandler]

Hi All,

4 days post extraction now as still in a lot of throbbing pain in my gum and jaw around the tooth. No fever or swelling but dentist says it is infection and not dry socket. I've been back twice for him to clean and pack it with clove covered gauze and he's put me on amoxicillin.

I'm really worried about antibiotic resistant bacteria as I've been on so many sets of different antibiotics before it came out and they didn't help at all. Has anyone here experienced severe pain several days after extraction and can advise what I should do?

Thank you!

[Magic]

Hi Chandler, My extraction was straight forward. no infection or dry socket.
The gum took ages for it to heel though.
It seems like you are having good care from your dentist.
Just will take a while for the antibiotics to work.
Sorry I cannot help you with more advice

[Chandler]

Thank you, Magic.

I know it's my OCD and GAD affecting me, anyone else would be "oh this is taking a while to heal, will keep an eye on it" but I can't stop thinking worse case scenario like the infection won't get better and spreads etc.

But thank you for your kind words

[Magic]

Hi again Chandler, I have just had a look on my calendar. I had a lower jaw molar extracted September 24th, it has taken until the beginning of December for the gum to heal properly. I did not stop me from eating though..
Sorry about the pain you are having

[Chandler]

Still in pain today so went back to the dentist and been told I have dry socket. She has packed up the tooth and feeling a little less pain but more importantly feel relieved I know what it is and that it isn't a nasty infection!