Question:
My general dentist referred me to the oral surgeon a month ago and he
was very rough during the examination and not sensitive to the pain I
was having, so I do not want to use him for the extraction.
I have never had an extraction and I am very nervous, so if anyone
could comment about their experiences and suggestions to make the
procedure less painful. Should I use general or local anaesthesia? I
don't know how expensive general anaesthesia is -- my Delta Dental
insurance plan covers up to $1500 for extraction procedure.
I had local anaesthesia when I had periodontal infection cleaned.
Everything was numb and I could not feel pain -- just little pushing. I
guess that is the same feeling I will have during the extraction...
But I am still very nervous and stressed out about losing a tooth.
The periodontist at first said he could perform the extraction but then
recommended that the oral surgeon do the extraction, mentioned
something about rather long roots (bottom left middle molar). I guess
this means that is always best to use oral surgeon for extraction of
molar?
Answer:
I'm very sad to hear you had a bad experience. The two oral surgeons
who have worked on me, one was technically gifted, but lacked social
graces. The other one was both technically gifted, and helped me to
feel like a contributor to the process. Please ask for a referral to a
different oral surgeon (ask your dentist; I see you asked here).
Another surgeon may better help.
Also please tell your regular dentist how unpleased you are.
What I learned. To take a codeine or hydrocodone pill half hour before
the visit. They were very good with the pain control, but I want to
have the pill in my system when the lidocaine wears off.
I found a very experienced highly-recommended oral surgeon for the
extraction and scheduled an appointment. (I didn't mention that I was
nervous).
He took x-rays and said it showed some infection. He then told me that
he could extract it with local but that it could be a difficult
experience for me. I am not sure why he said that since I heard that
local makes everything numb.
So I had to come back the next day and get it done with IV sedation
(different than general). I went to sleep and don't remember anything.
He said the extraction went well.
I don't think I would have liked the local. I really don't want to
remember anything.
And there must be some possibility of pain with local otherwise the
surgeon would not have advised against local in my case.
