Teeth - Here We Go Again

[MichaelJH]

So this afternoon I was back at the dentist as a wisdom (think it was the 'O' level Latin one) broke. It has been patched but will have to come out in due course. So I had a discussion about antibiotic prophylaxis. Yet again there is a reluctance despite the last two extractions having been followed by infection. A wisdom tooth will not be a simple extraction so why the reluctance? Man evolved by experience and learning after all!

[Sunnie2day]

Why is your dentist reluctant? Have you been able to find the NHS England 'guidance' regarding who does and doesn't get prophylactic antibiotics? Given your condition(s), I'd think you qualify, you certainly would up here in Scotland.

My story: I found the NHS Scotland one online after: root canal treatment Rd1 went wonky in March 2019 and I ended up (according the GP and RACP nurse and cardiologist once they got a look at the echo) 'One step away from cardiac tamponade' - the root canal treatment unleashed an infection that mercifully (sort of) went to my recurrent pericarditis prone pericardium - and thanks to that infection I now will be another 6-8 months clearing the remaining pericardial effusion.

The guidance up here (Scotland) is certain conditions make it a no-questions order, with lesser degrees of certain conditions making it a 'consult with your dentist but the decision is ultimately yours'. I have 'trivial' aortic valve scarring (my 'qualifying lesser degree certain condition') and my decision for Rd2 was prophylactic antibiotics.

Unfortunately recovery from the Rd1 infection took so long that by the time I was able to get back into the dentist chair, it was too late and he had to pull the tooth. Luckily I was on day three of the prophylactic antibiotic five day amoxycillin 500mgX3 daily so the extraction could be done there and then.

The extraction was last Thursday. I'm doing well - no sign of infection.

[Speakeazi]

Reluctance but will prescribe given your last two extractions or reluctance and won’t?

[MichaelJH Heart Star in reply to Speakeazi]

The answer was unclear. I have to make the decision whether to have it out at the dentist or be referred to an oral surgeon as previously.

[Speakeazi in reply to MichaelJH]

Well wisdom teeth can be tricky or not! Why not ask for the referral and see how you get on.

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

If HectorsDad's printer is a 3D one I might ask him to print me some new teeth! 😬

[Milkfairy Heart Star in reply to MichaelJH]

Perhaps we should ask for the replacement of all our dodgy body parts 😉