Scared witless about surgical extraction and bone graft surgery

[melnick]

I had a badly perforated molar lower right #30 3 years ago. An attempt was made by another endodontist and it survived for 3 years. But now, I have an abscess and I need to get the tooth extracted. The surgeon has said that he has to do a surgical extraction by cutting my gums on the side and split the tooth in half, then do a bone graft, put a membrane and stitch it all up. I considered myself a fearless guy all my life - no horror movie or paranormal fears ever and can sleep alone anywhere . But all that changed by hearing about the above dental procedure. Have lost all sleep and scared sh itless that I don't recognize myself anymore. Reading only horror stories online about never ending post op pain, infections, complications, failing grafts and what not. Can someone please share with me any positive experience and words of encouragement ? I have a lot going on with my life and need frequent travel and hectic work schedule. Cannot afford to be debilitated, nor can I afford to carry around this abscess and broken tooth. I am not in any pain right now, perhaps that is also not motivating me to get this done. Surgery scheduled in a week from now.

 

[FearfulInMA]

Hi! I had a very similar experience. Root canal on #31 - the endo wasn’t able to reach the bottom of the root. Despite that, the root canal lasted about 5 yrs until I had pain. Had it retreated which lasted about 6 months probably because the root was punctured trying to complete the root canal. Had a surgical extraction in May with a graft. I was beyond terrified. I’ve had serious dental phobia forever, but over the last 10 years had managed to get so much better and had been through so many dental procedures, but the thought of the extraction sent me over the edge! However, I will say that all went well. The extraction was almost entirely pain-free (I am extremely difficult to numb for back bottom teeth so it went way better than I expected) and the extraction site with the graft healed very well. I have ridiculously long roots and even with this, it took about 45 minutes. I took ibuprofen for about a week, but didn’t need anything more than that. In September, I had the post for an implant placed. That was way quicker and easier than the extraction and the post-op was easier too. In the next couple of months I should get the crown for the implant and then the saga for this tooth will have a good ending.

The internet is full of scary stories and not full of so many good ones because people only tend to post things when they are upset. Please know that many people here have had by-the-book extraction experiences and recoveries and you more than likely will too. If you’re not in pain, you may be able to take your time finding an oral surgeon you trust and feel comfortable with. Just know that a tooth in that condition can go bad quickly and you could be in a lot of pain when it does so it’s best to get it sorted out before that happens.

Please let me know if you have questions or any other info I can provide.

 

[Anxious76]

I had a badly perforated molar lower right #30 3 years ago. An attempt was made by another endodontist and it survived for 3 years. But now, I have an abscess and I need to get the tooth extracted. The surgeon has said that he has to do a surgical extraction by cutting my gums on the side and split the tooth in half, then do a bone graft, put a membrane and stitch it all up. I considered myself a fearless guy all my life - no horror movie or paranormal fears ever and can sleep alone anywhere . But all that changed by hearing about the above dental procedure. Have lost all sleep and scared sh itless that I don't recognize myself anymore. Reading only horror stories online about never ending post op pain, infections, complications, failing grafts and what not. Can someone please share with me any positive experience and words of encouragement ? I have a lot going on with my life and need frequent travel and hectic work schedule. Cannot afford to be debilitated, nor can I afford to carry around this abscess and broken tooth. I am not in any pain right now, perhaps that is also not motivating me to get this done. Surgery scheduled in a week from now.

I have to tell you I know exactly how you’re feeling probably better than anyone on this site. I had ALL of my remaining teeth extracted in September and have bone grafting over my entire bottom jaw, membranes to cover and then a mouth full of stitches. I needed Valium just to get in the chair the day of my procedure and I had IV sedation during.
Like you I made the horrendous mistake of looking up horror stories and even watching a video of the actual procedure! It’s gory and horrific to someone with dental anxiety to begin with and I really wish I never saw it. I suggest to you not to look up any more stories or information on what you’re about to have done. Stick close to places you will get only positive and or realistic support such as this site. Watch your thoughts and try to stay present instead of turning to what if thinking.

You’re having grafting in one spot.
This means you will have some soreness and tenderness but ibuprofen and Tylenol will be a giant help and should manage it just fine. Ask the doc for
a few stronger pain killers if you would like to have them in case. Realistically you’ll probably only need them a day or two tops. Icing helps too. Your dentist will give you instructions and as long as
You follow them to the letter you should do just fine. As far as it failing goes it’s unlikely. Worst case scenario you will need to give it more time for the bone to take before you can have your implant. You will do just fine. In the meantime I’m here if you need additional support.

 

[kwilli7]

Like everyone else said, avoid the horror stories online!! This site helped calm me down and get advice with my anxiety. Two weeks ago I had my bottom furthest two molars that were previously root canals and were badly chipped and broken. My dentist had to cut them into pieces and removed but it wasn’t as bad as my anxiety led me to think it would be! My dentist was patient with me and at any sign of pain he made sure to numb me any more and keep me updated on how far along he was. I got a bone graft and stitches and was on my way. The worst pain was after the procedure when the local wore off but I was okay as long as I took the medicine prescribed and followed my dentists post op instructions. In two days I get my stitches out and am hoping all looks well by my dentist. I wish you the best of luck and try to relax (I know, easier said than done) before you know it you’ll be through and on the road to recovering!