Surgical Wisdom Tooth Extraction

euronorris

Hi there!

OK, I've had my top two wisdom teeth removed with ease and the bottom left was removed a couple of years ago, surgically, as it was impacted and causing too many problems.

Now, the bottom right is doing the same and I've been told to have it out by the dentist. It's 100% covered by my medical insurance and she's already provided a referral letter.

All great. My question is surrounding the recovery time. Last time, I was advised that 2 days should be sufficient. It wasn't. I ended up needing 2 weeks in total, thanks to an infection. But even without that, I still think that 2 days is not enough.

I'm quite nervous to be honest. Not for the extraction (I chose to be awake last time and that is the preferred option here, which I am fine with), but for the recovery. It was just completely knocked me for six.

So, this time, I would like to suggest a more reasonable amount of time to work so that they can also prepare adequately to cover my work. I'm thinking that a week should be enough, but wondering what others think (in particular ToothSmith if he/she's around?)?

I must do it soon, either way, befor the tooth becomes more problematic.

Cheers x

welshdent

Its really hard to say what will fit for people. I extracted my girlfriends partly erupted lower left wisdom tooth a few weeks ago and she was back in work the same day and had no ill effects. Its all down to the individual to be honest.

Toothsmith

welshdent wrote: »

I extracted my girlfriends partly erupted lower left wisdom tooth a few weeks ago

There's a brave man!!!

welshdent

LOL you may think that .... but I wasnt in the good books as me and my old man decided to try out his new soft tissue laser on her by seeing if an operculectomy would work .... it didnt!!! LOL. She was quite relieved to get it out in the end LOL. Although she insisted my dad was around as she didnt trust my forceps skills!!!! (clearly I save far too many teeth using this old fancy microscope )

euronorris

welshdent wrote: »

Its really hard to say what will fit for people. I extracted my girlfriends partly erupted lower left wisdom tooth a few weeks ago and she was back in work the same day and had no ill effects. Its all down to the individual to be honest.

Was it extracted surgically though?

The top two weren't and I was back at work the next day. But the bottom one required them to drill away a small portion of my jaw to get to it. It will be the same with this one.

What is operculectomy?

I've just mentioned it to my Manager and they seem happy with a week (the UK was p'ssed about 2 days, and even more so when it turned out to be 2 weeks). Now I just have to pluck up the courage to call the hospital and make an appointment. God! I'm not usually this much of a wimp!

welshdent

I find it doesnt really matter if its surgical or not .... yes hers was in the sense I am thinking but probably not in how you are thinking (we didnt need to take bone away) ... they may not need to in your case once they start. I did a surgical extraction on a gentleman 3 weeks ago and he has had absolutely no problems whereas someone could have a "normal" extraction and have problems. As I say its all to do with the individual. An operculectomy is where you have gum overlying a partially erupted teeth .. removing it basically. In some cases it can work but its more of a fingers crossed option in my experience.

euronorris

welshdent wrote: »

I find it doesnt really matter if its surgical or not .... yes hers was in the sense I am thinking but probably not in how you are thinking (we didnt need to take bone away) ... they may not need to in your case once they start. I did a surgical extraction on a gentleman 3 weeks ago and he has had absolutely no problems whereas someone could have a "normal" extraction and have problems. As I say its all to do with the individual. An operculectomy is where you have gum overlying a partially erupted teeth .. removing it basically. In some cases it can work but its more of a fingers crossed option in my experience.

Really? Surely have bone removed will take a little longer to recover from?

But anyway, I understand your point that everyone is different etc. Just have to wait and see I guess.

And thanks for answering the other question. I didn't realise there was a special name for that.

The saving grace here is that I know the actual procedure will all be over very quickly.

Must pluck up the courage, must pluck up the courage! lol

McKneff

Give over, you big girls blouse.

Couple of months ago, I had all my top teeth extracted, dentures straight in at 11am and was back at work at noon.

And Im a 60 year old pensioner. Up and at 'em is my ph.

Just because you had an infection last time doesnt mean youre going to have one this time.

Annie

(hello Toothsmith:D)

JonathonM

brave hate dentists....

euronorris

McKneff wrote: »

Give over, you big girls blouse.

Couple of months ago, I had all my top teeth extracted, dentures straight in at 11am and was back at work at noon.

And Im a 60 year old pensioner. Up and at 'em is my ph.

Just because you had an infection last time doesnt mean youre going to have one this time.

Annie

(hello Toothsmith:D)

Good for you, would you like a medal?

I had my top tooth extracted without any issues too. But having your gum cut open and your jaw drilled away, before the tooth is removed, is a lot more painful than just having a tooth pulled!

Maybe I won't have an infection this time, but I would like to be more prepared than last time for the possibility and just wanted to try and get a good idea of how much time I should tell work I would need.

I don't think there is anything wrong with being cautious and wanting to be prepared.

McKneff

Its not painful to have a tooth or teeth pulled any more than having your gum cut open etc. If youre dentist has done his job properly
you should not feel any pain at all. And as far as I remember it was about 6 teeth I had out, not 1.
No I dont want a medal. Youre thinking about it too much, just get on with it.