Failed molar filling or impacted wisdom tooth?

essex_grl

Thank you toothsmith.
it was an emergency consult and I was given the option of root canal or extraction of the molar. LR6 is what Im assuming is the first molar? I have one normal behind that and the impacted horizontal behind that.

My dentist said no infection pockets in the root, no cavities and thought if the filling on the nerve was the issue that it would have happened sooner but that root canal or extraction were my options.

The wisdom tooth was just something she showed me on X-ray but didn’t bring up as a possible problem. It’s only on looking it up since that the symptoms fit.

I have the extraction booked for Xmas eve. Will have to ask her then and make an on the spot decision. If I don’t extract then, I have a 2-3 month wait. I can’t handle this that long.

Brie

@Toothsmith sounds very wise and knowledgeable.  

I hope you manage to get it sorted out sooner rather than later but hopefully with as many teeth still in your mouth as possible.  And I hope it doesn't ruin your Christmas.

(I remember having all 4 impacted wisdom teeth out in one go.  Not fun.  And then I came home and my boyfriend decided we should go out with friends for ribs.  Everyone else enjoyed them and I had chips with lots of gravy on them as that's all I could manage to eat.)

essex_grl

I’ve just been poking around in my mouth and further back behind my molars, on my inside jaw is a hard and very painful lump. If I pushed on it enough I think something would come through.
That’s got to be the wisdom tooth. That area is so much more painful to touch. Not noticed it before as I can’t reach it with my tongue.

essex_grl

I’ve just been poking around in my mouth and further back behind my molars, on my inside jaw is a hard and very painful lump. If I pushed on it enough I think something would come through.
That’s got to be the wisdom tooth. That area is so much more painful to touch. Not noticed it before as I can’t reach it with my tongue.

Toothsmith

You just need to raise your concerns when you see the dentist again on Xmas Eve. 

Let her check out the things your saying about what you can feel, and then she can either revise her decision, or reassure you why the original treatment is still necessary.

This isn't unusual. Symptoms can 'develop' and become a bit more specific as time passes. This is why sometimes it's important not to jump in straight away if (as a dentist) you're not 100% sure of your diagnosis. This is often really difficult when you're faced with a patient in pain though, and you have limited time. 

Are the antibiotics calming things down yet? 

essex_grl

Thank you toothsmith. I am impatient at getting things fixed when I’m not feeling good.  I’m on tramadol for endometriosis so normal pain killers don’t touch me which doesn’t help.

the anitibiotics seem to have taken down the gum swelling but still very throbby in my jaw, back teeth and ear. My cheek is starting to look rather chipmunk like 🤦🏻‍♀️

Would you happen to know if I want private treatment whether or not I’d need a referral?
thank you x

Toothsmith

You can ring up and book in with a dentist offering private treatment without a referral.

if it's a specific specialist you want, like and endodontist (root filling specialist) or a specialist implant person - then it's often best to go on the recommendation of your general dentist and be referred by them, but there's nothing to stop you looking up and booking in with your own specialist either if you want. 

essex_grl

Thanks.. I’ve found a recommended private practice who do oral surgery in house should I need their services.

I appreciate your time in advising me.

essex_grl

Well I’ve ended up having root canal stage one on the molar.

dentist reckons it’s  more likely that tooth than wisdom but we can’t rule it out.
wait and see now.

Cabincrewcasey

I’ve had 3 root canals in the last month, dreading the bill lol

all 3 have helped massively, so def the right choice I think, hopefully your pain eases