Expert: Tony Appleton BDS DPDS - 11/16/2008

Question
To Whom it May Concern,

I recently had a tooth extraction of my upper left molar instead of having a root canal treatment. I have always been afraid of the dentist and thought this option would be easier and of course cheaper. However, after having the tooth extracted I am having second thougths and extremely worried about the treatment I received.

When I went for the tooth extracted I was told it was a routine op and that I would be in and out after 30 mins. After 2 hours of intense pain as my mputh was not properly numbed I left the dentist with a tooth extraction that had been surgically removed, blood drippin from my mouth and 12 thread stitches which have to be removed on the 25th nov 2 weeks after the initial op. Since the op I have had more bleeding from the effected area, swollen mouth including a fat lip, mouth ulcers and a cold sore which I have never had before. I have been asked my family and friends why I do not have disposable stitches and why are they being taken out after a very lengthy 2 weeks (apparently stiches can become embedded in the gum and be harder to take out). I have tried ringing the dentist for answers but I do not get passed the receptionist who cannot answer my questions and I am left on hold for a considerable amount of time. This is not my usual dentist (I do not have my own dentist as I have never had a problem with my teeth and this dentist was recommended by a friend who recently had root canal surgery there but by a different dental surgeon). My confidence in this surgery had been killed by my experience and I am petrified of going back to the dentist to have the stitches removed. Can you please give me your professional opinion on my experience and any advice you may have would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you,
Siobhan

Answer
Hi Siobhan

Most extractions are quick, easy and painless.  Some, however, become a little more complicated for a number of reasons.  In your case it is likely that the shape of the roots, combined with the strength of the bone meant that the dentist couldn't extract the tooth simply, so had to use a surgical approach.  This is not uncommon, although is not the most pleasant of experiences!!

Again, a degree of swelling and pain is pretty inevitable after such a procedure, but should heal relatively quickly.

Some dentists (myself included) prefer to use non-resorbable stitches because they are much more secure and actually tend not to irritate the gums as much as the resorbable ones.  It also means we get to see the socket again and check the healing is OK.  Two weeks is actually not an unreasonable period to leave the stitches in for.

Regards

Tony Appleton