A few questions about bad cavities?

Question

I went to the dentist a while ago with a really bad toothache, and he had to do a root canal because the tooth was badly decayed. Anyway, at that time he told me I needed two wisdom teeth extracted because they had large cavities in them, and that I had another two cavities which would need fillings.

Anyway, things happened and I didn't go back for any of the other treatment after the root canal. Now one of the wisdom teeth is really painful and the cavity has got a LOT worse. One of my friends said it's really difficult to extract teeth that are so badly decayed because they tend to break off, and that I might need to have it surgically extracted now.

Is that true? And if I do have to have surgery to extract that tooth, can they do the work on the others while I'm under anaesthetic anyway? Because I'm pretty scared of going back to the dentist after the root canal, and I'm worried that I'll need more than fillings because I've left it so long.

Answer 1

Yes, it's true. Broken down teeth are usually harder to remove.

You are not likely to find someone to put you to sleep for the extraction who also does regular dental treatment. Most of the time, someone who wants to be put to sleep for extractions is sent to an oral surgeon and they don't do fillings and so on.

There ARE some general dentists who use general anesthesia in the office, although not many, and you may be able to find one in your area who would do the extraction along with any other work you need.

An alternate would be to visit the dental department of a teaching hospital near you, if there is one, and inquire about being put to sleep for routine dental care along with the extraction.

Answer 2

Any kind of extraction is considered surgery. If you do have the tooth extracted by an oral surgeon you may have the choice of sedation or a local anesthetic. Some general dentists will do wisdom teeth extractions if they are not too complicated. In this case you would probably recieve just a local.

I haven't seen your tooth, so I don't know how deep your decay is. Your friend is right that a decayed tooth can break during an extraction. In this case the tooth will be extracted in sections to make sure the whole tooth is extracted to prevent further complications.

An oral surgeon will not restore teeth. A general dentist will restore your teeth. It is possible to have your other work done after the extraction, but usually you will need seperate appointments for this treatment. It all really depends on the Dr.

I am a certified dental assistant.

Answer 3

First of all, I'm not a dentist, so anything I say is just opinion and based on my own experiences.

The wisdom tooth that's badly decayed......yes, there probably is a possibility that you'll need it removed surgically, but no-one can really say that without examining it. One thing's for sure - the longer you leave it, the more likely it is you'll need surgery on it!

If they were going to put you under anaesthetic to extract one wisdom tooth, I'd imagine they'd extract the other one at the same time. But I don't think they would do root canals or fillings at that time. And again, no-one can know whether you now need root canals instead of filling without examining you......

So please.......just bite the bullet and go back to the dentist!!! Good luck, I know needing a lot of work done is horrible and scary, I've just finished getting major work done - a root canal, a couple of extractions and fillings in practically every other tooth. But now that it's done and I'm not in pain anymore, it's SO worth it!

Answer 4

First off, yes, your friend is correct. Teeth do tend to fracture and badly decay but the Dr. can still usually pull them. If they can't they will be surgically extracted. You may need more shots but all the teeth can be worked on at the same visit. If you're apprehensive of going to the Dentist. Look for a dentist who can administer anesthesia rather than just a local. That way, you won't even remember the procedure after its done. Its great!! My brother in law does it all the time on patients and they love it! Good luck!

Answer 5

The diagnosis is probably correct. Do you feel comfortable with the dentist? If you do, then you should go ahead with the treatment. If you're still unsure about whether or not there are that many cavities, then have your dentist show you where they are and what they look like. Your mouth won't look like a battlefield afterwards, but it may feel different with new fillings in your mouth. At any rate, if you let the decay continue, then it will look like a battlefield no matter what. The parts of the teeth with decay in them are already "destroyed" parts of the teeth anyway. I went to the dentist last year after two and half years of dental neglect on my part. Boy, did I ever pay the price. From now on, it's flossing and brushing twice a day with a good electric toothbrush, and visits to the dentist every three months.

Answer 6

Your friend is correct. Rotten teeth are harder to remove because they break easily, and also, as they are wisdom teeth they are even harder to remove because there is a risk that the dentist might break your jaw. Just deal with one at a time because just having one tooth out is painful enough. If you had them all done at the same time you'd be in absolute agony. You may need stiches as well which is quite painful! Trust me, i know what im talking about! I've had so many wisdom teeth removed its unbelievable! They keep growing back. Crowded mouth. Next time, don't leave it so long. Toothache is the worst thing in the world! In the meantime, take double strength ibuprofen and a couple of paracetamol, this should ease the pain.

Hope you get it sorted!

Answer 7

No need to worry the dentists put you in caring hands

Hope for the best -casey