I made an appointment, and I need help.

[thisisme]

Also strangely enough, the hygienist said go ahead and eat a candy bar when you get home. You earned it. All those lectures about no sweets, and here she is acknowledging that it’s a very normal thing to do. I then told her that I’d brush my teeth after, and she smiled. I really can’t wait to get that wisdom tooth out. I didn’t realize how sensitive it was, and I NEVER want to feel that pain again. I’m so glad he said he could do that for me.

 

[kitkat]

Wow! What a huge success! People on this forum are on a roll lately! So many victories to celebrate recently! That is minimal work considering the amount of time that you have been away from the dentist. With the impacted wisdom teeth, depending on your age, if they are producing symptoms, how the nerves run, etc, the oral surgeon may recommend to do nothing and leave them alone. After a certain age, it can become risky to take them out. My dad was referred to an oral surgeon as an adult for impacted wisdom teeth and the surgeon said that as long as they weren’t bothering him to leave them alone because the way the nerves had matured, he could risk facial paralysis/numbness by messing with them. If the teeth are already erupted they are easier to remove and usually have issues when left in because they are hard to care for and often there just isn’t enough room for them. Once you build up your confidence with the next few appointments, you may feel better about seeing an oral surgeon. Just take things one visit at a time.

 

[thisisme]

Wow! What a huge success! People on this forum are on a roll lately! So many victories to celebrate recently! That is minimal work considering the amount of time that you have been away from the dentist. With the impacted wisdom teeth, depending on your age, if they are producing symptoms, how the nerves run, etc, the oral surgeon may recommend to do nothing and leave them alone. After a certain age, it can become risky to take them out. My dad was referred to an oral surgeon as an adult for impacted wisdom teeth and the surgeon said that as long as they weren’t bothering him to leave them alone because the way the nerves had matured, he could risk facial paralysis/numbness by messing with them. If the teeth are already erupted they are easier to remove and usually have issues when left in because they are hard to care for and often there just isn’t enough room for them. Once you build up your confidence with the next few appointments, you may feel better about seeing an oral surgeon. Just take things one visit at a time.

Should I be concerned with my dentist taking out an erupted decayed wisdom tooth? He seemed dead set against it at first, but when I told him my fear, he took a look again and said he could do it. He just couldn’t do the impacted ones and any of the lower ones. I trust him and like him, but I hope he’s not going way outside his element because I looked like a sad scared puppy dog. He also told the receptionist “let’s book an hour for that one,” as if he’s anticipating it taking awhile. I need to trust him because I want it out, and I am not ready to visit another office quite yet.

That makes me feel better that an oral surgeon might not want to do anything, but I need to be prepare for the situation where he/she would, and I’m just not quite there. Baby steps, I guess. The dentist did say because of my age, they might not do them all, but he would refer me anyway.

 

[kitkat]

Should I be concerned with my dentist taking out an erupted decayed wisdom tooth? He seemed dead set against it at first, but when I told him my fear, he took a look again and said he could do it. He just couldn’t do the impacted ones and any of the lower ones. I trust him and like him, but I hope he’s not going way outside his element because I looked like a sad scared puppy dog. He also told the receptionist “let’s book an hour for that one,” as if he’s anticipating it taking awhile. I need to trust him because I want it out, and I am not ready to visit another office quite yet.

That makes me feel better that an oral surgeon might not want to do anything, but I need to be prepare for the situation where he/she would, and I’m just not quite there. Baby steps, I guess. The dentist did say because of my age, they might not do them all, but he would refer me anyway.

I don’t think so. I would trust his judgment and if he really felt like he couldn’t do it, he would say so as he did with the other teeth. I’m not a dentist but I think erupted top teeth are easier to remove. I think being decayed, the tooth could break which may be why he wants extra time...I think if all goes smoothly it should only take 5-10 minutes? You could always see the oral surgeon just to see what they say...no matter what they recommend, it’s ultimately up to you and you don’t have to go through with anything or you can move forward with treatment but at your pace. It’s your body and your choice. You can also choose not to go now and wait til your ready.

 

[BoxerMom]

So proud of you, thisisme!! I had a realization when I read your post, about why you’re more bothered by “are you ok?” than “is it ok?”. It’s because when someone asks you if you’re ok, they’re basically implying “can YOU handle this and if YOU can’t then there must be something wrong with YOU”. When someone asks if it’s ok, the weight is shifted to whatever “it” is, and not your ability to deal with “it”. Ah dang, all that therapy is finally paying off!! Seriously though, great job! You got this. You are in control at all times, just try to remember that.

 

[thisisme]

So proud of you, thisisme!! I had a realization when I read your post, about why you’re more bothered by “are you ok?” than “is it ok?”. It’s because when someone asks you if you’re ok, they’re basically implying “can YOU handle this and if YOU can’t then there must be something wrong with YOU”. When someone asks if it’s ok, the weight is shifted to whatever “it” is, and not your ability to deal with “it”. Ah dang, all that therapy is finally paying off!! Seriously though, great job! You got this. You are in control at all times, just try to remember that.

YES! You are right. I am much more likely to comply and pretend I am okay, but is it okay? I like it. I can work with “is it okay.” I am scared about my wisdom tooth extraction but need it out before my next cleaning. I felt so bad, but it was so sensitive, and by sensitive, I mean, I don’t want anyone to go near it with a ten foot pole! You better numb me up 40 times over if you want to even LOOK at it. Ah, the horror!!! I’m so glad that’s the only tooth that hurts that bad, and I hope the extraction goes well. We are doing it first because I expressed concerns on work being done by nearby teeth. Just knowing how sensitive it is, I think I’ll feel better if it goes first. I hope.

And I love being in control... but I hate it. I know I should see the oral surgeon, but I need to go at my own pace. This is a lot to take in, but I know it could have been a lot more. So, I am thankful but also a little overwhelmed.

 

[krlovesherkids777]

This sounds like a huge victory.. I know one step at a time, and you have some things yet to walk through as do all of us.. but you did amazing and sounds like this appt went as well as could be. and a good solid plan with a kind good team! So glad for you!!!

 

[thisisme]

One thing I was dreading was seeing pictures, and honestly, that wasn’t that bad either. My teeth look normal besides not being straight. I hate my high eye teeth (I have seen much higher, which is comforting...), but I know they can be brought down once I get my other issues fixed and get braver. One step at a time, I guess.

Only four new cavities after 16 years. That is just mind blowing, considering the last time I saw a dentist he said I had 3 and filled them all. Keep in mind only 6 months had passed. I definitely psyched myself up a lot and probably will for the next appointments as well, but I am feeling like I can do this. At least the cavities... the extraction I’m going to be a mess.

Does anyone know if I’ll be able to work the next day after an upper wisdom tooth extraction?

 

[Enarete]

Congrats and well done! Glad to read all went well and how lovely it is from your dentist to take that one wisdom tooth out for you. I know wisdom teeth sound scary, but they really do not have to be. Uppers are much easier to be taken out than lowers and even then - my wisdom teeth were all out in 5 minutes back then, it was definitely easier than a filling. I was working on the next day after having all four out so I am sure the one won‘t be a problem for you.

But for now, give yourself a huge pat on your back and hope you have a nice way to reward yourself for this achievment!

 

[frostgirl]

Well done, thisisme!

I'm glad to hear it went well and your office sounds nice.

 

[thisisme]

Thank you, everyone! Still can’t believe I did it!

I woke up remembering that I had brought and used a fidget cube during the appointment to keep my hands busy. I think it helped and will probably keep bringing it! One thing people don’t tell you about your return to dentistry is what the heck you’re supposed to do with your hands! ?

Amazon.com: Antsy Labs Fidget Cube (Colors Vary): Toys & Games

Amazon.com: Antsy Labs Fidget Cube (Colors Vary): Toys & Games

www.amazon.com

 

[Enarete]

Thank you, everyone! Still can’t believe I did it!

I woke up remembering that I had brought and used a fidget cube during the appointment to keep my hands busy. I think it helped and will probably keep bringing it! One thing people don’t tell you about your return to dentistry is what the heck you’re supposed to do with your hands! ?

Amazon.com: Antsy Labs Fidget Cube (Colors Vary): Toys & Games

Amazon.com: Antsy Labs Fidget Cube (Colors Vary): Toys & Games

www.amazon.com

Wow, this is interesting. I had no idea a thing like this exists. I know some offices who offer little balls to squeeze and play with or stuff like that, but what you just posted looks like a great distraction

 

[frostgirl]

One thing people don’t tell you about your return to dentistry is what the heck you’re supposed to do with your hands! ?

I know, this is what I had a issue with yesterday, where do I put my hands? I ended up having one resting on my stomach and one on the arm rest ?

 

[thisisme]

Can we just mention how great there is that there is no spit bowl anymore?! I always dreaded that. Also, never having to see the tools ever, and also never seeing anyone with a mask on because they always talk to me without it. Honestly, I don’t know where they keep it because it’s not even around their necks. I’m sure they put it on when they are in there, but I just keep my eyes closed. The only part of a cleaning I remembered after having one again was the polishing tool. I don’t remember the ultrasonic/hand tools or flossing, but I was young. Maybe all they did was polish? I prefer that over the ultrasonic, but I think it’s just because there were areas of build up after 16 years, hahaha, so it took a little longer. I’m sure the cleaning next time will be easier because all my cavities will be filled and the decayed wisdom tooth will be no more.

I need the extraction to go well, but I am so worried because that tooth hurts really bad if you even touch it with a tool. You can touch it with a finger as long as that finger isn’t cold, haha. I was told the cavity wraps along the side. I just hope they can numb it up without getting so close to it. I know they’ll probably have to, but it hurts so bad. I’m so lucky it doesn’t bother me daily, but do not, I repeat, do not put a metal pokey stick on it or I will hurt you! I fear I got too loud at one point because it hurt so bad. I even had them move the cavities to after the extraction because I don’t want anyone getting anywhere near that tooth.

Stupid wisdom teeth.

 

[Enarete]

I need the extraction to go well, but I am so worried because that tooth hurts really bad if you even touch it with a tool. You can touch it with a finger as long as that finger isn’t cold, haha. I was told the cavity wraps along the side. I just hope they can numb it up without getting so close to it. I know they’ll probably have to, but it hurts so bad. I’m so lucky it doesn’t bother me daily, but do not, I repeat, do not put a metal pokey stick on it or I will hurt you! I fear I got too loud at one point because it hurt so bad. I even had them move the cavities to after the extraction because I don’t want anyone getting anywhere near that tooth.

This sounds very painful. Luckily dentist doesn't need to touch the tooth itself to numb it up so you are on the safe side here. The good thing about having such a painful tooth is that checking whether you are properly numb will be fairly easy - as the tooth just stops hurting!

 

[thisisme]

This sounds very painful. Luckily dentist doesn't need to touch the tooth itself to numb it up so you are on the safe side here. The good thing about having such a painful tooth is that checking whether you are properly numb will be fairly easy - as the tooth just stops hurting!

This is good to know! I feel so fortunate it’s a wisdom tooth and I don’t use it for chewing. Every once is awhile if something cold touched it, it would hurt, but other than that, it’s pretty painless. Well, until you try to scrape build up off the side of it. I can touch it with my tongue no problem but a metal tool scrapping against it. It’ll probably give me nightmares, haha. I’ll be so happy it’ll be out by my next cleaning, so I won’t tense up every time she approaches that section.

 

[thisisme]

Alright, so I don’t like blood and that’s really freaking me out about the extraction. Like the sight of blood causes extreme lightheadedness. I’ve almost passed out from bad paper cuts. I just picture blood pouring out of my mouth and I can’t get that sight out of my mind. I know it’s still 2.5 weeks away but help!

 

[Enarete]

Your dental nurse is responsible for suctioning any blood away so you won‘t see it and shouldn‘t taste it. If you let your dental team know, they will be able to be extra careful about this. Once it‘s done you will get something to bite onto and that was it. No blood pouring out.

 

[thisisme]

Your dental nurse is responsible for suctioning any blood away so you won‘t see it and shouldn‘t taste it. If you let your dental team know, they will be able to be extra careful about this. Once it‘s done you will get something to bite onto and that was it. No blood pouring out.

This makes me feel so much better! In my head, we live in the dark ages where they rip that sucker out and blood is pouring out your mouth and you walk away with blood still pouring out of your mouth and on your clothes. I try to keep reminding myself that things are better now but if I actual believed it, I guess you wouldn’t be able to call me a phobic!

 

[Enarete]

This makes me feel so much better! In my head, we live in the dark ages where they rip that sucker out and blood is pouring out your mouth and you walk away with blood still pouring out of your mouth and on your clothes. I try to keep reminding myself that things are better now but if I actual believed it, I guess you wouldn’t be able to call me a phobic!

Well, with such an image I would be pretty scared too and this is why getting some accurate information about how stuff works helps. These days it‘s all about hygiene and about protecting you and your dental team so anything that would pur out is to be avoided. I bet it will be quick and you won‘t even realize it‘s over until your dentist tells you.