It never rains……… Have had a herniated disc for the past four weeks with the dreaded sciatica accompanying it with glee but despite that I have felt better having gone back on my Filgotinib JAK after being off it after a month of bronchitis in April on antibiotics. However, and here’s the rub, the back molar, which in October was showing some decay, has now joined the party and it’s causing an infection.
As soon as I come off a week’s worth of antibiotics (again) I shall have to have the tooth extracted. From today I’m yet again off Filgotinib - it’s like a merry-go- round - and really, really not looking forward to the extraction. Has anyone on here had good experience with back molar extractions (not fun I know) as dentists scare the life out of me. I haven’t had any teeth out since my wisdom teeth in the the 70’s and I’m now in my 70’s!
I’ve heard horror stories about ‘dry sockets’ and other nasties so just want a small amount of sympathy and a lot of reassurance…………Thanks in advance to those who reply. X
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Having teeth out is never something to look forward to, but it can have beneficial effects afterwards, for sure. Personally, I like to keep my eyes closed pretty much throughout the process, then I don't have to see needles or pliers, and I concentrate on a little mantra like "it's not going to be so bad" or "in just a few seconds this will be over" or "next week will soon be here, and I won't even remember today".
As long as the dentist gives plenty of time for the anaesthetic to work, you shouldn't feel a thing, except perhaps some minor strange sensations, and you can easily cope with those.
I had two teeth (side teeth) out last October before an infusion for osteoporosis. Was very anxious. The dentist gave me a stress ball to squeeze. It helped. He tested my gum to make sure the local anaesthetic had worked. It is very soon over, didn't feel any pain or needle, just the sensation when they are removing them, but no pain. No trouble with the sockets; just keep gently swishing with salt water about 3 times a day, gently so not to disturb the socket too much, and avoid it when gently cleaning your teeth. Soft food for that evening and a couple of days. Soup, bread dipped in maybe. Yogurt. I had written instructions, I'm sure you will get good advice. The fear is greater, and the relief is even greater. I didn't go to the dentist 'til was in my 50's, so I get your anxiety. I'm sure it will be over quickly. Wishing you well x
Hi Sunnyweek, I am due for a infusion like you, how did it go after the event, any side effects , and will you have it next year. Thank you for reading.
Hello, if its zoledronic acid you are having, I can say I had no side effects. Was anxious reading about it, but nothing whatsoever. It was in April and here in Nottinghamshire they give it every 18 months. I have a phone consultation this Friday following a blood test today as a 3 month update. I hope you go on alright.
I've had two molars extracted. No, it wasn't fun but neither was it the worst thing ever. It took less time than I thought and, apart from a few odd noises, was uneventful. I made up a shopping list the second time as a distraction. Gentle swishing with warm salty water and painkillers if required and back to normal in just over a week.
I had a lower back molar removed a few years ago. Probably pre RA. I got a very good instruction sheet from the dentist and followed it to the letter.
I think it was no hot drinks on the first day and only soft foods for a few days, plenty of rest - no vigorous exercise of any sort for a few days, very gently rinsing my mouth with salt water - no vigorous swishing and I suspect the most important of all to take high strength vitamin C to help with the healing which I did. I had read about dry sockets and felt a bit nervous but I was very careful and I was fine.
I have in the past for dental procedures worn headphones and listened to my music and like Hezekia says - I keep my eyes closed and my lovely dentist who knew I was nervous kept the syringe well out of sight and checked that I was totally numb before he started. Good luck, hopefully the thought will be worse than the experience and the relief afterwards will make it all worthwhile.
Forgot - my dentist uses ‘magic spray’ to numb the area where he is going to injects the anaesthetic and he puts that in very slowly so that there is less pressure - you could ask your dentist to do that too. x
So sorry to hear about your disc and sciatica. I’m having the same at the movement . It’s painful most of the time and sometimes it’s flipping agony. I recently had a back molar out as it had broken up and not even a root canal could be done. I was dreading it but it was absolutely fine. The injection is the worst bit then she went in, twisted it and said ‘ all done’ . Amazing, and healed up ok. I’m on Mxt and I did stop it for a week but I don’t think that was really necessary 😁
Oh thank you, both for the sympathy and the reassurance. Most welcome. So sorry you’re also in pain from your back and do hope it starts to ease very soon. Mine is slowly getting better four weeks on but still prevents me from doing what I need and want to do. Am totally sick of RA and joint problems and everything it drags along with it! Must stay cheerful……🥴
I've had two out this year with local anaesthetic. I had to stop my Benipali for one week for each. No problem coming out,bleeding or dry sockets. You can ask for sedation
Like you, it was a long time before I had another extraction , and I was terrified, having had some traumatic experiences when I was younger.I was amazed how quick it was. The dentist talked about my holidays and was so skilful I didn't even notice he'd taken it out! A far cry from the early days. I've had two more since then, both uneventful.
I too was given an instruction sheet which I followed to the letter. My dentist also gave me a prescription for antibiotics, bit O didn't need them. All healed up quickly with no problems.
I was advised to take some paracetamol a couple of hours before, so pain relief would kick in before it was needed ( if it was)
Such a good reply, thanks! Had awful experiences as a child with awful dentists and dentistry in the 1950’s and 60’s so scarred for life as far as that profession goes. They are so much better now but I still have to be encouraged to breathe once in the chair………..🫣
Me too. A deep seated fear. They really were bad back then, weren't they. Our dentist was a very unpleasant man , too. Despite things being so much better now I still dread being told I need another extraction. Hope all goes well - I'm sure you'll be fine 🤗
As a very young child I had a dreadful experience with a dentist. I’m 75 now so it was a very long time ago and dentistry has changed a lot over the years.
Whatever he was doing he whammed a cotton wool mask over my nose and mouth and said to ‘smell the little snow house’ whereupon I booted him where one ought not to boot a gentleman dentist - all this time my mother was out in the waiting room with her fingers in her ears, she said another patient tapped her and when she took her fingers out the lady said ‘He’s smacking her!’
Needless to say that totally put me off dentists, eventually I found a wonderful and kind school dentist - unusual when you think of the bad press they used to get, he was an older man and I think a refugee from war torn Europe. Anyway, after that I found a really good dentist who I used until I got married and he retired. My present dentist is Hungarian and he is wonderful, kind and gentle. For some reason after having such a dreadful start I have toughened up as I have got older. My husband on the other hand with no traumatic experiences has gone the other way, as has my best friend. Trouble is I find it hard to be sympathetic because I tend to think if I can do it with my horrific background thy can’t they?
I had the same horrible experience at age five back in 1957 when they were just drilling and filling and using the big, rubber gas mask which blocked your vision, made you sick afterwards and instilled a life-long fear in me! The dentist on that particular occasion threatened to smack my legs if I didn’t stop screaming. My poor Mother said it was just awful and there was nothing she could do.
Not much better for years after that but, like you, I’ve since toughened up, had RA for 34 years - and if that doesn’t make you tough I don’t know what does - and the dentists have changed out of all recognition so onwards and upwards! 😄
Good heavens it sounds as if that sort of thing must have been quite common back then . How horrible. There was no need to do that either all that was needed was a bit of patience.
I remember when I was about 12 I had teeth out - think my teeth must have been massively overcrowded because they weren’t bad - I’ve still got all of my teeth apart from one back molar that was removed a few years ago because it was loose and one I’ve had crowned - plus I’ve got a canine tooth that never came down. One of the good dentists we found held his hand out and asked me to smell it - he had something perfumed on it that smelled pleasant - think he must have had the gas strapped on the back of his hand because when I woke up I was minus the teeth. All so easy. There used to be a saying ‘Times have changed and not for the better’ but in the case of dentistry things have definitely changed for the better - assuming you can get a dentist that is.
I think it was the norm then as so many of my friends who are the same age had very similar experiences when they were young. It’s no wonder really that we Brits of a certain age are renowned for having crooked, filled and generally lousy teeth. I too have been lucky really, mine are reasonably straight and I still have all of them but my wisdom teeth and, apart from the forthcoming extraction of back molar, am hoping it’ll stay that way.
This has been a fascinating post. People have been so responsive and kind - sounds like we’ve all got lots in common apart from RA!
Exactly what you have said about teeth some of us of a certain age. I am similar age to you and that's the reason I didn't go to the dentist until my 50's. I remember my brother coming home from the dentist when we were children, scared me half to death even without going. RA for 34 years too. I know you will be fine on the day.
Thanks so much, I’m sure I will be now after all the lovely, helpful replies I’ve had. At least I’ve still got all my own teeth despite the lousy dentistry in our childhoods. Something to be thankful for!
Oh eeek! And yes, in your reply to Fruitand nutcase, I too saw that exhibition at the Science Museum - scary stuff those old scenarios! They’ve tarted the museum up so much now that it’s not as enjoyable as looking at all the little scenes behind glass that we were enraptured by as kids.
I've had 3 teeth extracted since having RA. The dentistry has been painless with the exception of the local anaesthetic initially going in. Living with RA and a cracked tooth is much more painful than the extractions. The sockets were a little achy for the first day or two, but again less than living with RA. They ached a little but were not painful.
I used saltwater mouth rinses a few times a day for the first few days and checked for signs of dry socket daily. Everything healed up well, if a little slowly, no infections and I stayed on all meds as I didn't have any infections pre extractions.
ooh dentist phobia. I hear you. Many a time I bolted from the waiting room.
Nothing anyone will say is going to make you feel ok about going. Have you thought about having NLP counselling or hypnotism? These often work for people so might work for you?
Personally for me, the only thing that works is sedation. Is that a possibility? I know not all dentists are qualified to offer it but if they do perhaps you could consider that. It’s a breeze then and you have absolutely no idea about anything.
I feel for you as that phobia is real. Dentists and their practices are much differently today but no amount of me or anyone else reassuring you will persuade you of that I doubt. As a start, one session of NLP may do the trick.
I take Benepali and Mtx and had some serious dental work three years ago. Several extractions and implants over a six month period. Never stopped either meds and never had any issues. As it was major, the dentist spoke to the RA nurse and ordered in the right antibiotics. They weren’t needed.
I know it’s not funny but I smiled when I thought of you bolting from the waiting room. I did exactly that during one of those mass vaccination programmes they used to have. My name was called, I went into the room, said to the nurse ‘My mum says she’s changed her mind and I’m not having the vaccination’ and headed for the exit whereupon I was pounced on and vaccinated!
I have a vision of the dental nurse coming to take you in and wondering if you’d gone to the loo or somewhere then realising you’d left. Fear of dentists is a very strange thing isn’t it.
When I listen to my grown up son who is absolutely terrified of dentists talking about our previous family dentist (who I thought was ok or I wouldn’t have taken my boys to him)I find it very hard to believe we are talking about the same person but that is just how he saw him.
Haha. The dentist was a friends husband too. She even came with me, but I was gone 😂😂😂
My fear goes back to childhood like many I guess. Then I had a terrible experience at the hospital dental school when they removed a wisdom tooth. I passed out from the shock and pain of the injection that they put through the roof of my mouth. The nurse was very concerned and they kept me in for a while. I couldn’t face going again until I had no option. I then sent messages to a handful of local dentists talking about my fear and one sent me a really heartfelt response and I instantly knew I could trust him and he did not let me down. Now I have no issues at all. Except with the bill 😂😂😂🤯🤯
Oh my goodness - what an experience. I’m not surprised you were out off. So glad you have finally found your wonderful dentist. Yes, the bills! My dentist is private but for me it’s worth it. X
I was a different person after the treatment. My confidence returned and as I run a business, I need to be the 'face' of the business and I was hiding behind my team previously. Now, you can't get me off videos and photo shoots, haha.
You want to ask for 10 mg of Valium which you will take a Full 2 1/2 hours Before the dentist appt . This will relax you so that you are not anxious at all .
Get this order and go pick up med. From the pharmacy NOW , so you have it ready to take the day of the dentist app.
*** You must have a driver both to take you to dentist , and pick up up afterward .
You Can NOT drive with the Valium !!!
Rinse very gently ... not by swishing .... but by tilting head side to side with very warm water and 1 /2 teaspoon salt to 8 Oz water.
. This will feel good ,it will reduce swelling , and salt is anti- bacterial .
Do this 3 times a day for first 5 days then 2 times a day for 3 more days so it should not get infected .
You could also ask for more antibiotics. ( Zithromax is a good one for this application )
But with all the antibiotics after you are done with them you must take a good probiotic to re- establish the proper good bacteria into your gut again.
As a healthy gut is a big part of your immune system .
Go buy the probiotic NOW so you have on hand in the house.
Also have extra strength Tylenol 500 mg on hand if yours is over 1 year old , go buy fresh bottle NOW ,so that it will be in the house when you need it .
I have had a lot of dental treatment in my adult life, caused by having really rubbish teeth! Fortunately I had a really lovely dentist for about 30 years who retired a few years ago but has been replaced by an equally lovely one.
I’ve had lots of teeth out! My dentists advice was always to avoid hot drinks for a few hours afterwards, and warm salty water mouth washes several times a day for a few days but NOT on the day of the extraction as that can disturb the clot that needs to form in the socket. If that gets dislodged, that leads to a dry socket.
In addition soft foods, rest and have some paracetamol at the ready for when the anaesthetic wears off!
So…. aftercare is most important…. Do not rinse out for 24 hours…. This is to allow the clot in the socket to form properly….. this greatly helps to avoid a dry socket…
As for the extraction … as long as you are happy with the surgeon…. RELAX….. we’ve done it hundreds of times!!!!(prob thousands for me!)
Recently had one of the big molars towards the back extracted. Had to pay privately as there was such a long waiting list. Was told at one clinic I was patient no 1142! My tooth was badly cracked and like yourself I was worried about infection. I had to pay £395.00 plus consultation fee. They did tell me there was some risks involved but there was no getting away from the fact it had to be done. On the day I had two injections and didn't even realise it had been taken out! I was there for 10 mins in all, and I'd been terrified! Things have moved on so much with regards to anaesthetics etc it was painless.
Oh many thanks. Everybody’s replies have been really encouraging and reassuring as has yours and I definitely feel better now about having my tooth out!
I dislike the dentist too and would feel the same in your shoes. I have a broken lower wisdom tooth which the dentist 'offered' to extract, I asked for sedation but was refused, needless to say I still have the broken wisdom tooth! Just switched dentists, we have a brand new building, state of the art more locally and, although I will have to pay, my old dentist kicked me off the NHS anyway. The new dentist offers sedation, for a fee, but if push comes to shove, I might just pay for it. Hope yours goes well.
I recently had a tooth extracted, I opted to have a sedation , didn’t feel a thing it was great , and I worried myself stupid beforehand needlessly. Luckily after was plain sailing . I know things can go wrong but it’s no use worrying until it or if it happens . Good luck I hope you find relief from your back soon it sounds awful.
You’re absolutely right and the shadows are always worse than the objects………! My back is slowly improving thank goodness. One less thing to shout ‘ouch’ about!
I too had in the past unpleasant painful experiences but got a family run dentist and although never like it not experienced pain when needed tooth out.
As long as you strictly stick to the advice about looking after the socket, e.g. resting for first 24 hours. Main thing is do nothing to dislodge the formed blood clot on the gum hole.
If you wish you like look up info about post care tooth extraction on the NHS?
I have had 4 teeth extracted and a bone graft on my jaw. I had conscious sedation and didn't feel a thing.They gave me an eye mask to wear so it was just like having a nap. The dentist was amazing as i was so scared, but so glad now. Good luck with yours.
So sorry about your issues and having to be off Filgotinib.
I feel ill with you just mentioning dental extractions (!) as my own mouth is in a bad way with bone erosion, severe gum disease and about half the teeth needing to come out! But can't face it, hanging on to them until things become too bad as really do not want to come off the Filgotinib and deteriorate with the RA. Swings and roundabouts.
I was on Leflunamide when I had my last extractions - and did have a large wisdom tooth removed with great difficulty (top back) & as it all happened so quickly in the dentist & was unscheduled, I had a bit of a shock it was so big & had a huge impact on my mouth. It took ages to heal & felt like part of my brain came out with it! Not trying to put you off! I didn't come off Leflunamide beforehand, as hadn't known about the extraction , but then did stop it for a fortnight and was OK. I didn't have dry socket or other nasties, it just was so invasive at the time. But I did have 2 molars out on the lower teeth with no problem before that. They were easy and healed quickly.
It's easy to feel overwhelmed with worry when we're on these immuno-suppressants and feeling so rotten. You've had a very rough time by the sound of it, so the last thing you want is this tooth out. But, if it really has to be done now, so be it. But I'm sure it will be OK. Molars are usually fine & it should be a relief for you afterwards without the pain from it. Otherwise, not sure if you're able to get by for maybe a few months controlling infection before having it extracted, so you can build yourself up again?
Wishing you all the very best. Didn't mean to sound negative, but it was a wisdom tooth that caused me a lot of grief, not a molar! Would like to know you you get on X
Thanks and so sorry to hear of your dental problems. Horrid.
Have got the infection under control and gone back on Filgotinib which really suits me so am hoping my lymphocytes don’t get wiped again! Will have to have this molar out before a possible bisphosphonate infusion but at the moment still have a herniated disc and ongoing sacroiliac inflammation so can’t face it for a while! All these things shall pass (as someone famous once said) but I wish they’d hurry up………… Will let you know how I get on. All the best to you too.
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