Confused and a bit scared

[Louiser]

Hi I went to my appointmenttoday expecting to have a tooth removed it is a bottom front tooth which is loose when I say loose it’s not gonna drop out immediately and I cannot wobble it with my tongue or anything it’s just a bit loose has been for years after bitingon something. This.last few months I’ve been having issues with gum around the tooth my normal Dentist when I went two weeks ago said as I’m going on holiday in four weeks to leave it as it is and to leave the routine scale and polish as the tartar may be helping support it and scale and polish can make it feel looser . My brain will not leave this alone. So today I saw the other Dentist as mine is now on mat leave who said that to take the tooth out would not be the ideal situation as the two teeth beside it just at one side Ade also a little loose and it would be a domino effect so rather than remove one, it would have to remove two or even three and then it would be a denture for those not ideal before a holiday as he said this would be uncomfortable. 2nd choice would be a deep clean around those teeth the scares me to death! the deepest pocket I have is size 4. He also gave me a course of antibiotics. He said this was to Calm gums down prior to the cleaning however the next available appointment is actually while I’m away on holiday on the 2nd of September so I’ve had to book it for the 28th, which is three days after I get back. My question is as my gums are only a little bit sore. There’s no infection that I’m aware of I’m not in agony or even pain just a tad sore. I’m not having bleeding or any pus. Do I take these antibiotics now or should I start these a week or so before the cleaning or should I just take these on holiday with me as back up in case I do get an infection. I'm not sure if he wanted to do all this prior to holiday or not, I had to wait until his notes came through to reception to book in so I'm guessing it didn't say urgent. I go in 2 weeks so a weeks antibiotics first would have put me right before I go which is not ideal if I'm going to be suffering deep clean pain. I’m going to the USA and I know that the price is over there are not very cheap

 

[Gordon]

The effect of the antibiotics will last for around 6-8 weeks, (I honestly don't think they'll make a bit of difference to any discomfort you feel during the cleaning in any event) but you're probably OK to take them now.

 

[Louiser]

Thanks @Gordon . How long does discomfort last after deep clean root planning? I'll also have the wire to contend with too

 

[Gordon]

Wire? What wire? Is he going to splint the loose teeth?

The discomfort is mostly sensitivity to cold and sweet, the gums tend to shrink back to a more normal size afterwards which leaves a bit of root exposed, which can be sensitive. If you get your dentist to apply a liberal coat of desensitising gel and work some sensitive tooth toothpaste into the area, then it shouldn't be too bad at all.

 

[Louiser]

Yes he said he can put a wire at the back and it stablises them

 

[Gordon]

That's generally a good idea. You won't really notice it, it's a thin piece of orthodontic wire which is glued onto the other teeth. He'll make sure it's nice and smooth so it doesn't act as a tongue magnet