Im stuck in a difficult place.

[PopMovies]

My dentist told me that I have a molar that needs a deep filling to save it - the x-rays were from November though, and she thinks it could even be that I need a root canal now.

She said last time though that she can't do either until I remove my wisdom tooth - it's grown horizontally and is pressing against the molar.

The specialist who removes wisdom teeth can only come in on certain Saturdays - whenever there's been a free date, I've been unavailable.

I'm just concerned that it's a ticking clock, but I can't get the wisdom tooth removal booked in (and I'm also terrified of doing it).

I've also had conflicting messages. The first private dentist I was with made no mention of removing the wisdom tooth, they said they'd do the filling and the wisdom tooth didn't even come into it.

The NHS dentist suggested that when I get issues with the molar I should just remove it, and the horizontal wisdom tooth would move along to replace it.

It feels like I've had 3 separate opinions and I'm just really confused. It feels like I need them to do this filling sooner rather than later but I can't do it until the wisdom tooth goes.

 

[Gordon]

What's the question?

 

[PopMovies]

What's the question?

I don't really know, I'm so sorry I feel stupid.

I guess my main question is why do I have to have the wisdom tooth removed - the other two dentists I went to didn't make reference to it at all.

And if they're telling me that it's likely Ill still lose the tooth regardless of filling or root canal, why get rid of the wisdom tooth at all, why not just remove this bad molar? Is it bad to leave a wisdom tooth in, if there's no real issue other than it growing sideways?

 

[Gordon]

I don't really know, I'm so sorry I feel stupid.

Not at all, I just couldn't work out what you wanted to know. Sometimes it's good just to write everything down, it's cathartic.

I guess my main question is why do I have to have the wisdom tooth removed - the other two dentists I went to didn't make reference to it at all.

I don't really know without seeing you and some x-rays. The NHS guidelines are not to remove them unless they're causing problems, but I can't tell if it's causing harm or not.

 

[PopMovies]

All sorted now.

Because I'm having trouble getting the wisdom tooth extraction booked in, she's going to put a temporary filling in to stop the decay on the molar.

She said I definitely need the wisdom tooth removed as otherwise it'll just keep pushing into my molar and causing more decay long term, but it's booked now for August so less pressure.