dental fistula

begalli · Dec 28, 2004

Oh man. I had a dental fistula involving the canine on my left side. I ended up having oral surgery. It was kinda cool as my position in the chair gave me a direct eyeshot at a television screen that was displaying the micro-surgery. I saw just about the whole surgery. The dentist had to pull up my gum and drill a hole into my bone to access the problem. This was several years ago and I really don't remember every single thing but I do remember that it was not left open. I was very sore for a few days following, but really not in a great deal of pain.

I used to hate going to the dentist as well until I found a GREAT office that really treats me like I'm a member of their family.

The oral surgeon was not as personable. Just make sure if you get novacaine with epi, that they give it VERY slowly and maybe in several separate injections. I thought I'd literally die when the epi obviously went systemic on me (which happens). Talk about fight or flight!

This is when I began to have a real empathy for my patients on epi drips in the ICU. What an awful, dreadful, terrible feeling.

I don't mean to scare you. My body did adjust to the med eventually, but you might bring this up with your Dentist. Neither the oral surgeon or the assistant told my about the epi and so when it hit me, I was totally freaked out.

You will feel better when it's all over. Because my tooth was more near the front of my mouth, I chose to try and save it. I'm glad I did.

Good Luck and Happy Healing!!

meownsmile, BSN, RN · Dec 28, 2004

Wow,, I have had many crowns but fortunately havent had the fistual problem. Since you have gone to the expense of crowning already you may as well let them try to save the tooth if they can. If they think there is no way of saving it then of course have it taken out to prevent lengthy pain. I know a lot of people who would just say pull it and be done, but i am a big proponent of saving the tooth if you can. My mouth full of crowns verifies that. Sorry this happened, and at the holidays too. No fun.. Good luck.

renerian, BSN, RN · Dec 28, 2004

Thank you both for your replies. I know twice the dentist has hit a blood vessel with the epi and I almost passed out. Something about my nerves and vessels are not where they are supposed to be. Three dentists have said that. When they try to numb my upper right they end up numbing half my upper face LOL and twice I have lost the ability to blink my right eye/gets patched. I appreciate both of your thoughts.

Off I go,

renerian :chair:

actioncat · Dec 28, 2004

Honestly, if the tooth is in the back, I would just get it pulled. I did that years ago and have never had any toruble. I compare my experience with others who have tried to save their teeth with root canals which end up going bad anyway.

meownsmile, BSN, RN · Dec 28, 2004

There isnt any evidence that a tooth with a properly done and completed root canal will "go bad" strictly because of the root canal. I know a lot of people think that if a root canal is done you will ultimately loose the tooth anyway but that just isnt the case. Occasionally if the root isnt completely removed (which does happen somtimes especially with the tricuspids) you will continue to have pain and may require a second clean up of the root chamber. If your gums and bone are otherwise healthy there is no reason a root canal should cause the loss of a tooth.

I have had multiple root canals and crowns, and have never lost a tooth. Some have been done for 20+ years. Actually i just had to replace a crown on a tooth with a root canal done at the time i crowned it. Initial crown and root canal both were done in 1976. I understand the aversion to dental work/pain. Ive spent my share of time in the dental chair and its not someplace i like to be either. But ill fight to keep what i have where it is.

renerian, BSN, RN · Dec 29, 2004

I ended up having a root canal and I&D of the gum tissue. I do have to go back to have it finished as it was very bad/I hear. I am blessed/prayed like a mad woman-big smile, to be able to tolerate the pain. I have no pain at all now unless I chew over there which I have no plans to do/big chicken. Thanks again for everyone's input.

renerian

chris_at_lucas_RN, RN · Dec 29, 2004

I have a crown which traps food and must be immediately flossed as working at it with my tongue will not dislodge the chunk.

I will never complain about it again, renerian.

Hope by now you are much, much better and happily comfortable.

TracyB,RN, RN · Dec 29, 2004

Oh, I feel your pain... I have been in the process of undergoing tons of dental work, 13,000 worth (THANK GOD for Dental HMO so out of pocket is only 2500).

Anyway, I have very weak teeth, thanks to both of my parents, & am in the processing of being crowned.. work so far... 2 root canals with crown on each tooth, 2 extractions (1 with I/D). And a "deep cleaning & scaling" with the hygienist, done one side of mouth at a time.(9 shots of novocaine each time with that but I didn't feel one shot,,, she was SUPERB!!!

..Just today, I went in for my permanent bridge for my upper right 3 molars.. one in middle was extracted several months ago so we waited for complete healing before installing the bridge. The molars on either side of missing molar were prepped for crowns, since a fake tooth will be attached to replace missing molar, looked awesome, but my dentist was a tad po'd b/c the bridge kept "rocking" every time I bit down, so I had more impressions, a tad more tooth shaved down for the prep. That should be ready in 2 weeks. Other than not fitting properly, the bridge LOOKED fabulous. This Tuesday, I go back to start the crown prep for the top left....same exact problem as the right upper.

Anyway, I feel your pain, as I was dentist phobic & got EXTREMELY LUCKY when I picked this dentist, by closing my eyes & pointing to the name in my preferred dental provider listing. HE IS AWESOME & very gentle, & really takes his time to explain everything he is doing... I have never had such an awesome dentist.

As for the extractions, I opted for the sedation... I remember getting my IV & asking what meds they were going to use... Fentanyl, Versed, Phenergan, & Solu-Medrol. I Remember NOTHING else of the extractions (the 2 upper molars at the same time). I don't remember coming home, laying on the couch, or tossing & turning enough to break a lamp near the couch. That day is pretty much erased from my mind & I am sooo glad. It was worth the extra money to pay for the sedation so I wouldn't hear or feel it being done.

All of this b/c I was too chicken to go to the dentist for many years for routine care... What an expensive & somewhat painful lesson to teach myself. It's weird b/c my kids complain about me being obssessed with their dental health......

Ohh, I also invested in the sonic care toothbrush & my dentist has said he has noticed a drastic difference in my teeth, shade is lighter & I have had absolutely no tartar build up in the 6 months since my deep cleaning.. the hygienist was also thrilled as my borderline gingivitis has resolved, even though I haven't stopped smoking yet.. I know,,, I'm working on it, even started Zyban... hope it helps....

Good luck

P_RN, ADN, RN · Dec 29, 2004

Yep those teeth will get you every time. When we first married and DH in the army was making 100 a MONTH, I cracked a canine on the right and it did just what yours did. The dentist said a root canal would be $125 with a crown, but a bridge would be $85 with no charge for extraction.

I chose the bridge and I have regretted that decision for 39 years. I have had the bridge remade 3 times now....at modern prices $1200-1500!

I hope you do well though. Your dentist sounds like he's right on top of things.

renerian, BSN, RN · Dec 30, 2004

Wow I am done complaining/big smile! You have alot going on for sure.....I am much better today/Still swollen and have a bruised face but minimal pain.

renerian