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Impacted wisdom tooth

(23 Posts)
Parky Wed 05-Mar-25 17:03:42

My dentist has referred me to the hospital to have impacted wisdom tooth removed. I have been putting it off but have finally got a date.

To say I'm worried would be an understatement, I'm terrified! The surgery is booked one month before my 80th Birthday and I have no idea if will be recovered enough to enjoy it.

Any nearly 80 year olds had this procedure and how painful were injections in mouth. Also how long to recover. Thank you

Whitewavemark2 Wed 05-Mar-25 17:08:17

Well I had mine extracted under a general anaesthetic which was badly infected, so it took some time to heal. But if it is a straight forward extraction, maybe not so long?

I would have thought a month plenty of time.

Injections don’t worry me though so I’m not the best to comment on that.

BlueBelle Wed 05-Mar-25 17:11:18

I also had two Wisdom removed at the hospital under a light anesthetic
As for recovery a week at most, probably less

Lathyrus3 Wed 05-Mar-25 17:20:25

My top wisdom teeth were impacted and I had to have one removed last year.

I was so frightened that on the day I cried 😰😱and said ‘I can’t let you do this” before I took hold of myself and said I know it’s got to be done.

They numbed my mouth with a cream before the injections. I could still feel it but it was more like a pressure than sharp, if you know what I mean. Certainly not painful in the scheme of things.

Then it was very quick and I felt silly😳 They’re skilled snd have had lots of practice.

Recovery was surprisingly quick but it wasn’t infected or anything. A couple of weeks maybe of soft food and remembering to eat on the other side.

Oldbat1 Wed 05-Mar-25 20:19:35

I had tooth removed at local hospital. Drove myself there and back. Everyone else on ward opted for a general anaesthetic i didnt. Walked into theatre. Given injections which I hardly felt. I had bone removed and tooth removed and stitches. Had to go to “recovery” ward but really there was no need. Whole experience went without issue. Im sure you will be fine. Good luck.

Redrobin51 Wed 05-Mar-25 22:11:59

I wasnt as old as you but have had two wisdom teeth removed at different dental hospitals. They numbed my gum first and gave me a series of injections. Everything that was going to happen was clearly explained and they were very kind. It was a kind of pressure. Yes it bled and was sore and probably took about 2 weeks to heal but such a relief to have them done. Good luck with it I am sure you will be fine. X

Shinamae Wed 05-Mar-25 22:22:33

Am I the odd one out? because I’m 72 and I’ve had no wisdom teeth. 🤷‍♀️

Parky Thu 06-Mar-25 12:57:41

Thanks for your experiences. Some more reassuring than others! Lathyrush you were particularly helpful although I don't knowwhat age you were when removal took place

Lathyrus3 Thu 06-Mar-25 13:55:20

Glad to help.

75!

Baggs Thu 06-Mar-25 15:25:00

It was noticed that all my wisdom teeth were impacted when I was in my early twenties. I had two removed on one side in the Yorkshire town where the dentist noticed this (x-rays, I presume but can't remember) and then the other two removed a few months later in Edinburgh.

I seem to remember taking strongish painkillers for a few days afterwards each time as I felt somewhat bruised – not literally but my jaws were achey for a bit. One of the teeth had to be sawn* in half to get it out it was in such an awkward position. That was an interesting experience and I was astounded at the leverage required.

Local anaesthetics both times. Went home on the bus each time. The wounds healed quickly. No bother since.

*Do not be alarmed. Don't be terrified. Mine were done fifty years ago. I've been completely unfazed by dental treatment ever since (not that I've needed anything else so serious done) and thankful for modern dentistry.

Esmay Thu 06-Mar-25 20:44:32

Don't be scared it's going to be OK.
But -
Don't be afraid of expressing your disquiet .

I had mine out under a local and it was painful .
Are you having them out under a general anaesthetic?
If not demand valium before you have local injections in your mouth .
Take a friend to escort you there and back .
You need an antibiotic cover before they come out .
Painkillers will control the discomfort afterwards.
Don't go crazy with mouth washes.
The small blood clot in the socket needs to stay there and not be washed away or you'll get a dry socket .
I recommend sucking cloves -they are healing and deodorise the breath .

Good Luck 🍀

Madmeg Fri 07-Mar-25 22:26:17

I had mine all out 40 years ago, three days after we moved house, with a baby and a toddler. In hospital overnight, while my MIL came to look after the children. When I walked through the door she burst into tears cos my lower face looked like that of a hamster! It didn't feel too bad to me, but I WAS quite bruised and I had to be careful not to bang my chin. But otherwise as I recall, I carried on with daily life and all was well. I imagine I needed painkillers for a few days but pretty sure it was just paracetamol. Of course it was a long time ago......

Good luck.

Llamas99 Sat 08-Mar-25 00:32:43

My husband had his 4 impacted wisdom teeth out at the same time. They gave him a general and he didn't remember anything about it. Woke up and didn't think they had done anything!

My mother, grandmother, son and I never had wisdom teeth.

Grammaretto Sat 08-Mar-25 06:20:50

I had an impacted wisdom tooth removed a very long time ago. I drove myself to the dentist but couldn't drive home.

Sorry to be alarmist and hopefully it's much more straightforward these days.

I should have had stitches and aftercare but there was nothing and it took ages to heal.

Please be sure to mention your fear to the dentist.

The good thing is you'll be rid of the infected tooth so will be much better afterwards.
smile

Annewilko Sat 08-Mar-25 14:15:01

I had a large extraction just before Christmas last year. I took painkillers for around a week. I believe they have changed how the implement the injections now. I only had one, never felt a thing. Given that the took broke into bits, was remarkable imo.

Annewilko Sat 08-Mar-25 14:15:33

Annewilko

I had a large extraction just before Christmas last year. I took painkillers for around a week. I believe they have changed how the implement the injections now. I only had one, never felt a thing. Given that the took broke into bits, was remarkable imo.

"A week afterwards"

4allweknow Sat 08-Mar-25 14:19:30

I was a registered dental surgery nurse. Worked in private and NHS situations. An impacted wisddowm tooth is generally caused by the tooth lyng at an angle and having not erupted. Local anaesthetic is whats used generally. An incision made either on top of gum or along the side depending on position of tooth. A little "lever" is used to pop the tooth out of socket or the usual pliers. Extraction is not normally a big job. Many dental sugeons who are qualified can do the procedure at their own practice but most opt for hospital referral as time consuming. A stitch can be applied to aid healing but again not always. The mouth is one of the fastest healing areas in the body. Don't worry, not as bad you are probably imagining.

Cateq Sat 08-Mar-25 15:21:47

I’ve had two impacted wisdom teeth removed at Glasgow Dental hospital without any issues. My dentist didn’t want to attempt it using a local anaesthetic, and plus I’m terrified of dentists so this was the best option.

glammagran Sat 08-Mar-25 15:33:18

Shinamae

Am I the odd one out? because I’m 72 and I’ve had no wisdom teeth. 🤷‍♀️

Am I the only person to get wisdom teeth in my lower jaw but not at the top? I’m not sure if my children have them or not. I simply can’t remember but will ask them.

ExaltedWombat Sat 08-Mar-25 15:43:27

You're right in one way, the numbing injection will probably be the worst bit! I've had a few things done recently, and the biggest 'ouch!' moments have been the initial needles.

But not THAT big an ouch. You'll be OK. Really.

Macgran43 Sat 08-Mar-25 18:50:12

I had one removed recently. There was a bit of pain caused by injections. Then when injection numbness wore off the pain was eased by painkillers. Fully recovered in 2 weeks. Good luck and enjoy your 80th.

orlonhart Sat 13-Dec-25 13:00:37

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LadyGracie Sat 13-Dec-25 13:29:26

DH had all his wisdom teeth removed at once in an army hospital.
It was a bit painful for a couple of days, didn’t stop him eating though. He said the best bit was having the stitches out, he said it was such a relief and a doddle.