Should I go back to the dentist?

Question

I had a tooth out last Friday (nightmare) the dentist started panicing as he couldn't get it out - I'd got an abscess he kept drilling - giving me more anaesthetic - drilling - pushing for over an hour. I was terrified enough without him saying how it wouldn't come and he'd have to try something else - he was sweating profusely, complaining his hand was hurting and getting bad tempered as the phone kept ringing. It was awful...if I thought I was dreading the experience before I got there, now I swear I can't go thru such a thing again. My face is badly bruised, but I've got toothache in the opposite side of my mouth and in my lower jaw...I've also got something sharp sticking out of my gum. He did tell me, he'd had to leave some root in, saying it would make its way out, perhaps taking a couple of years. I've lost faith in him as a dentist, but didn't know if I should go and see another one for a second opinion.
Do I need to go back regarding the sharp object and toothache though

Answer 1

Yes, you need to go and see a dentist, but it doesn't have to be the same one. In the UK you are entitled to simply visit another dentist without even informing the previous one or giving a reason. If you have trouble locating another dentist near to you you can use the NHS Dentist Search facility www.nhs.uk/England/Dentists/Default.aspx or ring your local Primary Care Trust (PCT - in the phone book) for a list. Alternatively ask friends and family for a recommendation.

To clarify though, it is relatively common practice for very small fragments of root to be left behind provided they are smaller than about 2-3mm in, well below the surface in bone and that digging around to take the fragment out would cause more trauma than simply leaving it. Yes, there is a small risk of infection but there is also good evidence that the majority of these roots cause no problems. A large percentage will work themselves out over a period of time.

Since, however, your dentist had so much trouble with getting the piece out, it is unlikely to have come loose enough now by itself to work to the surface. The sharp fragment you describe is actually more likely to be a piece of bone which has broken off, a common occurrence following extraction of molars. They can usually be removed very easily.

The pain in your jaw is unsurprising given the difficulty of this extraction. You obviously had your mouth stretched open for a long period of time, and considerable pressure placed on the muscles. These will heal, but will take several days. Taking painkillers and using either an ice pack, or a warm pack - whichever you fnd most soothing - can help.

The "toothache" you describe could be related to muscle spasm and bruising rather than actual toothache, but it would be best to get this checked out at a early stage. Early toothache can often be successfully treated without needing to extract the tooth, and I'm sure you want to avoid another extraction!

Only examination by a dentist can confirm all these things, or find out what the actual problem is. I hope it all gets sorted out for you.

Answer 2

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Answer 3

Yes, you need to be seen by a dentist for the toothache and the bone fragment removal, but not this dentist. Most answers you have here are correct. My concern is the piece of root tip left behind; the nerve of a tooth is at the apex or end of the root tip. If this root tip with nerve tissue is left behind you will experience a painful toothache. I would not return to this dentist since you had such a bad experience along with the lack of professionalism displayed by him. Do pick up any x rays that were taken of this tooth. This dentist should have realized from the x rays the difficulty involved with the extraction of this tooth, cases like this are referred to an Oral Surgeon for the comfort of the patient. Be sure to have another dentist evaluate and treat this problem as soon as possible. It will be better to take care of this now while the area is still open. He will also be able to remove the bone fragment at that appointment. So sorry you had such a bad experience with this. Occasionally some dentist will perform a difficult procedure that they normally wouldn’t do just to help save a patient the expense of a specialist, but from your description it doesn’t sound as if he was trying to help you. Hopefully you will get this checked out soon. Keep in mind, not all dentist are like this one. Good luck.

Answer 4

I am sorry you have had such a bad experience.

You certainly should go back to a dentist- but not that one. I think it will be difficult for you to re-establish trust with him. Give yourself time to recover from the trauma, bruising and aches and pains and when you feel ready, visit another dentist.

Recommendations from family and friends are the best way to find out who provides caring, considerate treatment in a relaxed environment. Ask around. Perhaps someone could accompany you to the practice at your next visit? (you can decide whether or not you want them with you in the surgery itself) Moral support will help you to stay focused and calm.

The sharp piece is most likely a piece of bone or a very small fragment of tooth. Your tongue will always interpret it as much larger than it actually is and make it feel it is a huge piece but it is probably very small. Try not to worry about it as these pieces are very common after difficult extractions and they do sometimes work their way to the surface. Often, they can be removed in seconds with a pair of dental tweezers- you won't even feel it coming out!

dental professional

Answer 5

HELLO AGONY AUNT,

WHAT THIS DENTIST SHOULD HAVE KNOWN WITHIN A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME IS IF HE COULD OR NOT GET THE TOOTH OUT, AND HE SHOULD HAVE REFERRED YOU OUT TO AN ORAL SURGEON. LEAVING A ROOT IN WITH THE STATEMENT THAT IT WILL COME OUT IN A FEW YEARS IS NOT WHAT'S TRUTHFUL. HE CAN'T FORETELL IF IT WILL COME OUT WITH ANY CERTAINTY.

DO NOT GO BACK TO THIS DENTIST, BUT FIND SOMEONE ELSE WHO'S CAPABLE. THIS DENTIST WAS NOT PROFESSIONAL IN THE WAY HE ALLOWED CIRCUMSTANCES TO FRUSTRATE HIM.
HAVE SOMEONE ELSE REMOVE THE SHARP REMAINING ROOT.
FYI- YOU WILL KEEP GIVING ANESTHETIC SHOTS TO TRY TO NUMB UP AN ABSCESSED TOOTH IF YOU ARE A LOUSY DENTIST AND DON'T GIVE ANTIBIOTICS FIRST FOR A FEW DAYS TO BRING DOWN THE INFECTION FIRST. THIS MAY DID NOT KNOW HIS BIOCHEMISTRY WELL BECAUSE INFECTION WILL MAKE ANESTHETIC MUCH HARDER TO FUNCTION.
moral: never numb up an abscessed tooth - it just won't work well.

Answer 6

You need to go back. That sharp piece is tooth left behind. I have had the same experience only last year. The pain lasted for weeks after and that was all because of an abscess. Take paracetamol and brufen and go back to the dentist tell him to finish the job he started. Some dentists offer Valium (Diazepan) to calm the patient here in the UK its worth enquiring about it. Good luck.

Answer 7

Everybody has bad experienced and must not be a reason not to go back. What you'be been thru is normal. When tooth suffered from infection, from a long period of time, it's difficult to take out. Bruising is normal , that's why u need to apply cold pack to reduced inflammation and bruising. Regarding the sharp object, that is just bone spicules, and that's normal. It will come out by itself, when it heals. And if doesn't, just have him remove it after socket heals. Root residuals is normal, like what your dentist said , he has to leave it, because taking it out, might damage nerve. Don't worry, it will go up when socket heals. It will be safer to remove , at that time. I hope this help.

Answer 8

That is on you - I know how it is with teeth I had one cut into 3 pieces and it wasn't bad until 4 hours later and it hurt, but I did go back for a follow up - I got a dry socket that was painful

Answer 9

Oh my gosh! You shouldn't have any root left in there as it is a wound and will be prone to infection. Go to another dentist or hospital and report this man!

Answer 10

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