Tooth problem - and costs of private treatment

pboae

Just to give you all an update. She contacted Manchester Dental Hospital who gave her the details of a Dental Access Clinic, which is basically a dentist for people who don't have dentists. *Why* the PCT didn't tell her about it in the first place, I don't know!

She had now had anti-biotics and had the tooth removed. She's feeling pretty sorry for herself because they had a hard time getting the remnant of the tooth out, but at least it's sorted out.

domdent

alison999 wrote: »

they cant extract the tooth while theres unfection because it wont go numb. it wouldnt be THAT expensive to have the tooth out privatly, id GO IN to a few local practices and see what information you can get from them. can any of her friends or family recommened any dentists to her?

This is a myth any competent Dental surgeon should be able to numb and remove a painful tooth. Unless a patient has a raised temperature antibiotics are not indicated ,removal of the tooth or drainage is indicated is the 1st line of treatment.

alison999

domdent wrote: »

This is a myth any competent Dental surgeon should be able to numb and remove a painful tooth. Unless a patient has a raised temperature antibiotics are not indicated ,removal of the tooth or drainage is indicated is the 1st line of treatment.

im not a dentist and have never claimed to be, just trying to help thats all.

tirednewdad

domdent wrote: »

This is a myth any competent Dental surgeon should be able to numb and remove a painful tooth. Unless a patient has a raised temperature antibiotics are not indicated ,removal of the tooth or drainage is indicated is the 1st line of treatment.

Domdent, although you are correct in what you say, its important to note, that if your dentist cannot get the tooth numb due to the effect of the infection, it does not mean that they are incompetant.

Just think its important to point out. You are correct though in saying that antibiotics should be used sparingly in severe cases, and i agree with your dental philosophy.;)

marybishop

I had a tooth extracted last week that was infected, or rather the area around the roots rather than inside the tooth was infected, if that makes sense! It all went numb and I didn't feel a thing except for a lot of tugging! Unfortunately the 'hole' got infected so on Monday I went back to the dentist and he plugged it with some evil smelling gunk (like oil of cloves magnified!) and he gave me a prescription for antibiotics saying to go back if it hadn't improved within 3 days.

tirednewdad

marybishop wrote: »

I had a tooth extracted last week that was infected, or rather the area around the roots rather than inside the tooth was infected, if that makes sense! It all went numb and I didn't feel a thing except for a lot of tugging! Unfortunately the 'hole' got infected so on Monday I went back to the dentist and he plugged it with some evil smelling gunk (like oil of cloves magnified!) and he gave me a prescription for antibiotics saying to go back if it hadn't improved within 3 days.

Its called a dry socket and what you had seems about right. Some dentists prefer not to give the antibiotics though and just let the gunk do its work.

Olympika

^^ I had that after two of my wisdom teeth, it can be really painful (and mine were kinda smelly!) The gunk really does help though and your dentist can pack the socket more than once if it is still stubborn to heal (least he did with me). IIRC dry socket is something to do with the blood vessels dying?

tirednewdad

Olympika wrote: »

^^ I had that after two of my wisdom teeth, it can be really painful (and mine were kinda smelly!) The gunk really does help though and your dentist can pack the socket more than once if it is still stubborn to heal (least he did with me). IIRC dry socket is something to do with the blood vessels dying?

NOt quite, but your on the right track. A dry Socket is caused when the bone is exposed to the outside elements. When you have a tooth out, usually it bleeds and a clot forms. If the clot comes away then there is nothing to protect the bone and it becomes very sore.

You are at more of a risk of a dry socket if you smoke, are on the pill or if the extraction was difficult.

Olympika

Oh right, thanks. Mine were both difficult extractions, and I was on the pill... :rolleyes:

marybishop

Thanks Olympika & Tirednewdad - I took the last tablet at lunchtime. I'm not convinced it's completely better as it felt quite uncomfortable this morning but couldn't get an appt to have it checked until Tuesday. The stuff the dentist plugged the hole with is still in place - how long does it go on working for? Presumably it gets pushed out as it heals from underneath? Anyway at least I've got another appt if it still feels uncomfortable.