Follow
Share

Oh dear. I have an unerupted wisdom tooth which my dentist tells me is burrowing its way downwards into my jaw. He eyed me sternly a few weeks ago and explained that if it gave any more trouble he wouldn't touch it with a stick - he'd pack me off to the max-fax people to have it dug out. Probably with a pick-axe and chisels... (sorry, feeling rather gloomy and despondent about this).

Well, the little brute is starting to grumble again and I can't say he didn't warn me. So what about timing? Do I go back to him now or wait 'til there's really something to complain about and hope I can defer treatment until the new year, giving myself more time to plan caregiving cover? I don't know how much time the treatment will take or what it will involve, exactly, but I don't think it's going to be a quick in-and-out job, and I don't want to start the ball rolling and then not be able to stop it.

Stupid tooth. All it had to do was tell up from down, for heaven's sake.

What do you do about nuisances like this?

This question has been closed for answers. Ask a New Question.
Find Care & Housing
cm, in your shoes I would go ahead and have the oral surgery to get that little rascal out of there. Better to dread a few days wait than dread a year. I sympathize with you completely and know that things look better when they're in the past than when you're still worried about them
Helpful Answer (3)
Report

No 'get well' boxes of toffees, then? :(

Thank you, all - so around 3 days' cover all told, we reckon? I'll speak to the care agency and hope we can monopolise our usual lady for it.

I'm sure you're right that any surgeon will probably think it's a fuss about nothing. I might be less anxious if I hadn't seen that stupid x-ray. Notes to self re consultation: 1. Remember to unclench jaw. It will make the examination so much easier. 2. We never bite our surgeons. They are our friends.
Helpful Answer (3)
Report

Wow, katie3699, you really have a lot on your plate. Has your husband always worked away from where you live? Is he supportive by phone and through cyberspace? Would it cheer you up to join him for a few weeks?

It is OK if you don't see your dad every day. Please don't add guilt feelings on top of your depression!

You are on the max dose of your medication now. Perhaps there is a different drug that would help at this point. There are also some non-drug things you can do to combat the depression. Can you talk yourself into taking a walk often? Brisk walking or any exercise is therapeutic. Are you eating a reasonably healthy way? Fresh fruit and veggies and minimal processed food?

Also try to avoid isolating yourself. Yes, being cozy under the covers is comforting. But try hard to also get out and among people. Make plans to meet a good friend for lunch. Go to your church or knitting club or take golf lessons. I know it is very hard to take the initiative when you are feeling depressed, but you took it by posting on here so I'm hopeful you can take initiative to do other things that will help you.

You father is in a good safe place. It is important that you visit him often and that you keep an eye on his health and the kind of care he is getting. But this does not have to be a daily job.

Increase your contact with your husband. Report your increased symptoms to the doctor who is treating your depression. Do as much non-drug self-support as you can. Right now dealing with your own health has to take priority.
Helpful Answer (3)
Report

Countrymouse, I worked for an oral surgery practice, in a past life. They should be the best choice, in my opinion. They remove teeth every day. They deal with teeth that have been misguided, all the time. The gentlemen I worked for were wonderful. They were able to remove a wisdom tooth much faster, much more efficiently, and causing less pain than the general dentists who referred them to us. Just like doctors, all dentists are not equal in ability. If you like and trust your general dentist, I suggest you visit the oral surgeon recommended. They may wish to have a consultation one day and the extraction on another. Insurance can be tricky for oral surgery. Depending on your plan, it might be a medical claim. I also recommend checking your dental coverage to see if they will cover this procedure. Some will not cover surgery. I know it sounds strange & silly, but it happens. The front staff of the oral surgeon should be able to help you. (I have taken my own advice, if that helps any.)
Helpful Answer (2)
Report

Definitely oral surgeon! Call up POA brother and tell him you're going to need a couple days of cover. Consultation, the actual extraction and at least two, maybe three days on strong pain meds. Yes, call the surgeon Monday. I hope all goes well , dear.
Helpful Answer (2)
Report

I had not remembered that you were in the UK, Countrymouse. Please ignore all my insurance advice. But a surgeon will take good care of you. Sometimes, the surgeon's view of the difficulty is different from the general dentist because he has seen so many similiar cases. As long as you are not a smoker and do not use a straw afterwards, you will do fantastic. I rather enjoyed the pudding, applesauce, eggs, and warm cereals afterwards. Ice-cream once or twice, truth be told. Please keep us updated. I will be remembering you in my prayers. Speedy recovery!
Helpful Answer (2)
Report

I dread oral procedures. I have nightmares about them. Or I did until I had several crowns done! Just go ahead & get it over with so you don't have to fuss with it again.

I take my ipod & headphones in so I can listen to music or audio books during procedures. Tell the doctor about your anxiety beforehand. There is such a thing as sedation dentistry.
Helpful Answer (2)
Report

You're right, Jessie, sigh. I'll call the dentist's office on Monday :(
Helpful Answer (1)
Report

Now you tell me not to bite the dentist! Oooopppsssss! That explains a lot.
Helpful Answer (1)
Report

Go to the oral surgeon asap. Your wisdom tooth root can wrap around the nerves and bone and then the surgery becomes much more complicated. My niece put it off for over a year before she had hers out and because she waited too long, she has a slight numbness on one side of her face. The surgery isn't so bad, just get it over with now. The oral surgeon should be able to give you conscious sedation so you feel no pain or anxiety. Get some soft foods in the house for when you get home.
Helpful Answer (1)
Report

See All Answers
This question has been closed for answers. Ask a New Question.
Ask a Question
Subscribe to
Our Newsletter