Wisdom tooth sure is smart. - Dental Health Message Board

Johnson · 02-13-2003, 10:10 AM

Thank god for this place. Glad to have found it.
Heres my problem.
Right now, I have swollen gums around my left lower wisdom tooth. It has happened in the past & went away.
I know what is causing it. I got a piece of popcorn kernel between my tooth & gum.
Should I just wait it out & see what happens? Like I said, it has always taken care of itself in the past.
I have taken advil, have orajel, and used the saltwater rinse. The pain is manageable.
I don't have the money to pay for an extraction (ins said will only cover $500)
If I did have an extraction, could I have just that one tooth removed? Its always the same lower left wisdom tooth I have problems with.....
Thanks for any input.

Brazos · 02-13-2003, 07:25 PM

You can have only one wisdom tooth taken out at a time if you need to for financial reasons. They usually recommend you have them all extracted at the same time because you would only have to be sedated once. That is a decision you can make. It is easier to have this procedure done when your tooth/gums are not hurting or inflammed, so don't wait until the symptoms are severe if possible. Good Luck!

princessmom1 · 02-14-2003, 06:14 AM

I had a similar situation and had only 1 of my wisdom teeth removed. If the tooth is not impacted, it is more like pulling a tooth. I was not sedated for it and only had novacaine. I had it done by an oral surgeon and it wasn't bad at all.

Good Luck

Autumn Angel · 02-14-2003, 07:20 AM

Yes you can...I had all my wisdom teeth extracted one at a time but that was back in the 70's I think they do it all at once now but you still have the choice. My daughter had hers all done at once. It could be infected and thats why it keeps flaring up like that. I would at least be seen by a dentist and see what he says. Good luck.

Johnson · 02-14-2003, 07:08 PM

Just wanted to let everyone know how I went about this. Its now the next night, the tooth is fine. The swelling has went down and the pain is gone (mostly

) No dentist.
I would like to thank the makers of Advil & OraJel.

Anyways,like I said, its always the same lower left side, should I look into having it removed? I would hate to take out the other 3 "just because" , they have never bothered me.
I need to see a dentist though eventually.... I guess I never mentioned I havent seen one is many years. I have great teeth. I always thought no problems, why see a dentist.... After 9 years with braces, I think I just plain didn't want to go. I plan on making an appointment soon, I found a place called "Afdent" that I guess is good for wimps like me

Cheers & thanks for the advice.
Brian.......