Wisdom tooth extraction

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Bobcat - 17 May 2006 11:56 GMT

I'm new to this group so I'm afraid this question may be stale here.
Yesterday on a referral from my dentist I phoned the office of a dental
surgeon to make an appointment to have one of wisdom teeth extracted.
The person who answered asked me if I preferred a local anesthetic, or
to be put right out. I wasn't ready for this, so I said I'd opt for the
local, but I'm having second thoughts. I have until June 6th to change
my decision. May I have some input from you who've had wisdom tooth
extraction, please? I'd really appreciate it.
Bobcat

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Steven Bornfeld - 17 May 2006 13:57 GMT

> I'm new to this group so I'm afraid this question may be stale here.
> Yesterday on a referral from my dentist I phoned the office of a dental
[quoted text clipped - 5 lines]
> extraction, please? I'd really appreciate it.
> Bobcat

    In the end, the decision is yours. If you're really anxious, I'd
consider GA. You will have to not have anything to eat or dring for a
minimum of 6-8 hrs. beforehand, and will need to go with someone who can
take you home.
    Remember that some wisdom teeth are erupted and straightforward
extractions; some are complicated and deeply impacted.
    If you're not a nervous type, and can understand that with the local
anesthetic you will still feel pressure and hear strange noises, opt for
local. If thinking about the procedure is going to keep you up nights
until June 6, decide to have a general and forget about it.

Steve

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Bobcat - 17 May 2006 15:08 GMT

> In the end, the decision is yours. If you're really anxious, I'd
> consider GA. You will have to not have anything to eat or drink for a
[quoted text clipped - 7 lines]
> until June 6, decide to have a general and forget about it.
> Steve

Thanks for your help, Steve. Based partly on what you and my SO say,
I've decided to have the local. I've never had a wisdom tooth out,
which I know can be rough, but I've had other major dental work
including numerous root canals and crowns under local anesthetic, and
had no problems.

One other thing: you say someone should drive me home if I have a GA,
which makes sense. Unfortunately there no one's available at the time
of the appointment, and I don't feel like springing for a cab. So,
local it is. Thanks again.

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Mark & Steven Bornfeld - 17 May 2006 15:48 GMT

>> In the end, the decision is yours. If you're really anxious, I'd
>>consider GA. You will have to not have anything to eat or drink for a
[quoted text clipped - 18 lines]
> of the appointment, and I don't feel like springing for a cab. So,
> local it is. Thanks again.

If the wisdom tooth is not infected, and esp. if it isn't acutely
infected, it should be possible to get good local anesthesia, and you
should insist on it. You WILL feel pressure during work, but shouldn't
feel pain. Of course, your postop course will depend on how difficult
an extraction it is. Make sure you get adequate postop. pain meds and
full postop. instructions from the oral surgeon.

Good luck,
Steve

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Mark & Steven Bornfeld DDS
http://www.dentaltwins.com
Brooklyn, NY
718-258-5001

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Bobcat - 17 May 2006 18:08 GMT

> If the wisdom tooth is not infected, and esp. if it isn't acutely
> infected, it should be possible to get good local anesthesia, and you
[quoted text clipped - 4 lines]
> Good luck,
> Steve

Thanks for the advice, Steve, and the encouragement.
Bobcat

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