Scared of nerve damage.. Help! - Dental Health Message Board

cbohning · 05-20-2004, 05:44 PM

I am scheduled to have all 4 impacted wisdom teeth out in 2 weeks. I went to the oral surgeon today for a consult. Now I am even more scared then I was before going to see him. He said because of the way the bottom teeth are placed by the nerve that there could be possible nerve damage. I KNOW he has to say this but now I am really scared. I am a musician and play the flute for my living- I am stressing that I will lose feeling in the lower lip and tongue and not be able to play. Does anyone have any insight on this??

Also I am just scared in general about the entire procedure. I am going to have IV sedation. If anyone has any positive stories about their experience they would really help. I just want this to be over...... the waiting is the worst part.

Ladybird34 · 05-20-2004, 06:02 PM

My husband had 2 lower wisdom teeth removed at aged 37. He was very scared too. The teeth looked right on the nerve. The Oral surgeon has to make you sign the form. It's pretty standard to let you know all of the risks. It's just like those commercials for Paxil- They have to let you know every possible bad affect so that if it happens to you, you can't sue them. But they rarely ever happen. He had IV sedation too. This dr was so good, he had the teeth out in 20 minutes and my husband left the office groggy. We used a bag of frozen peas to keep the swelling down. He was better in a day or two. He followed the Dr's orders to a "T". Remember, No spitting. If you have to empty your mouth, you are going to have to let it drool out. No drinking through a straw. No carbonated beverages. The blood clot needs to form in the socket to promote healing. If the clot is lost prematurely, you will have bone exposed to air and severe pain known as dry socket.Take you pain medication on schedule for a couple of days after the procedure and I am sure you will have a rosey experience too.

Doppler4000 · 05-20-2004, 08:29 PM

Good choice on getting it all done at once. That's what I did and even though it's a little daunting going in, once you're done and recovered you're never gonna have to think about those teeth again. The IV sedation is smooth and definitely the way to go. You'll most likely get a tiny little needle in the arm, feel real tired real quick and fast, and the next thing you know you'll be waking up all done. Expect to take a few days to take it easy and recover... sort of like getting over the flu or something. Don't push it. The impacted teeth might give you a little more swelling and discomfort but you'll get through. It's no fun, but won't be nearly as bad as you're probably imagining now. Afterwards you can be on here and give other people advice.

ljason · 05-21-2004, 08:00 AM

Ladybird,
Why can't you have carbonated drinks after extractions?

marbelmo · 05-21-2004, 09:23 AM

I wouldn't worry too much. I'm 36 . . had all 4 wisdom teeth out 1 week ago today. I was very worried about nerve damage and may have actually had some that's still leaving my tongue with somewhat of a burning sensation on one side. It seems to be getting a little better daily. Even if the nerve is damaged, remember, it's almost always temporary anyway. The IV sedation is definitely the way to go.