Has anyone had a tooth pulled?

[mommyswenn]

I just found out today that one of my molars (lower left, second from back) needs to be removed. I guess it's starting to sink in, because I'm kind of freaking out.

I had my widsom teeth removed 15 years ago, but it was done under GA as I had all four removed at once. I don't imagine I'll be under for this one tooth, and that's what is scaring me -- I really don't know what to expect, and... I'm just really scared.

I'm going to phone my dentist tomorrow (I saw an endodontist today, he's the one who gave me the bad news about my tooth) so I know they will be able to answer all my questions... but I would really like a first-hand (or even second-hand account, if you know someone who has had a tooth pulled) account of what to expect before, during and after.

Thanks.

[Holiztic]

nak

in the same boat (same tooth even!) i am having it pulled on monday morning, i'll try to get back in here to tell you how it went.

[mommyswenn]

Hope it goes smoothly for you!

[verde]

It depends on the dentist. You may have no problems. I had to have a wisdom tooth pulled because it had a cracked filling. I was lucky in that it was one of the most PAINLESS dental procedures I ever had. My dentist called in a specialist (I think he was from Jamaica -- he had one of those lovely lyrical Island accents.) From the beginning to the end there was no pain. He used a topical anesthetic in my mouth so I didn't even feel the needle going in. I did feel some types of pressure and a sort of pulling-feeling but it was not painful. When he finished and my mouth was packed with gauze, I looked at him and said, "Tha wa gwayd -- I din feel anyding."

Good Luck! I wish you the same luck I had.

[MoonStarFalling]

DH had two molars and a wisdom tooth pulled recently. Local anesthetic. It went great, very fast. The bleeding stopped almost immediately with those little cotton tubes they give you to keep pressure on it and he only took one dose of tylenol after. I had him taking turmeric to avoid infection. He smokes so I was worried about healing but it healed up really fast regardless.

[momto l&a]

I had a molar pulled. It was fine, no pain just tugging feeling.

I cant handle the pain from drilling

[MCatLvrMom2A&X]

I have lost 2 top molars 2nd from the back both sides. The first one came out without a hitch the only thing I hate is the shots those hurt no matter what for me. The second one I was 13wks pg when I had it pulled and it didnt hurt but it took longer to get out because it broke apart.

Both didnt cause me any pain after they were out. Never even had to take anything with either. I was very careful about drinking and stuff NO straws because of the risk of dry socket. I had stitches with both and those fell out within a week. Kinda gross when they were dangling tho. But no pain.

[nicolelynn]

I am the opposite: I had one wisdom tooth pulled in Poland with local anesthesia injection...and now need the rest of my wisdom teeth out and am freaked out by the idea of GA! I am actually going to request local anesthesia, even if it means maybe making 2 appts and not taking them all out at once.

I, too found the extraction process easier to handle than 2 hr filling and root canal sessions. I was in an out of the oral surgeon's office in 20 minutes. It was just the mental anguish before hand that was hard to deal with, I understand...but it honestly was much easier than I expected. Ofcourse, they don't give you the luxury of a topical anesthetic in Poland...and the needle for the extraction was gigantic and gigantically painful. But topical anesthetics are routine here so you should be fine.

I didn't even get stitches, anti-biotics or special pain killers. I just took one dose of tylenol that day, one the next and was fine.

[Doodlebugsmom]

If you're really nervous, you may want to ask the dentist about some nitrous oxide (laughing gas). Most dentists have it readily available. Some will even offer it for general cleanings for those who have major anxiety.

[Holiztic]

I only have a minute as DS is fussy, but wanted to say it went very well. He used a topical first and then I hardly felt the needle! The procedure was painless, really it was just the mental side of it--thinking about what they were doing-- that bothered me. I highly recommend listening to a relaxing CD, my dentist had a personal cd player, but you may want to bring one if yours doesn't. I listened to DS's lullaby cd!

It really wasn't bad at all. I have something else to share (something really cool), but need more time. I'll be back!

[julielenore]

Just had a tooth pulled today, I didn't feel a thing, I was sitting there with my mouth still open because I couldn't believe that he was done !
I have no pain right now (2 hours later) but lots of extra saliva and a bit of nausea.