Expert: Tony Appleton BDS DPDS - 11/9/2008

Question
Hello... I have not been to the dentist in about 6 years. I recently went to one because my wisom teeth have came in and I needed an estamite on how much it would cost to get them removed. They took x-rays and the dentist told me I had 13 cavities. He said he was more concerened with fixing the cavities, than pulling my wisdom teeth.  My wisdom teeth have been killing me, so I told him I wanted to get them pulled first because I can get the cavities fixed when I get more money, he said that he belives I am making the wrong decision. but he will just pull the wisdom teeth.  in your opinion would waiting 4 months to get my cavities fixed be the wrong disision, or should i just get rid of the pain in my mouth first. All my wisom teeth are impacted due to the fact that my mouth is too small to fit them. I have 2 soft tissue impactions and 2 bony verticle impactions.

Answer
Hi Denise

If you are in pain then that needs sorting out first.  However, the longer you leave the cavities the more likely they will develop further and could possibly cause abscesses.   If your dentist is particularly concerned about one or more of the cavities then you could have them fixed first?

Regards

Tony Appleton