emic

Hi,
I was just told by my dentist that I need an apicoectomy. She gave me antibiotic and told me to wait until after my trip to do it... I feel some pain now.. and not a big fan of taking ibuprofen 3 times a day... and I am thinking.... if this continue will I be taking it until the end of the month?
Have you had this procedure? how long it takes to recover? I have 15 days before I get in to the plane... any suggestions?
Thanks.

Melnq8

<any suggestions?>

Listen to your dentist.

Christina

I did have that procedure. As for recovery, generally it is just something done as one step within a process leading to a crown or something like that, isn't it? That's when I had it, I had an abscess that wouldn't quit, even after a root canal (that's when you need it). It was the last step and if it didn't work, the tooth would have needed to be extracted. But thankfully it did work for me.

I've had a lot of dental work so am used to it. So the recovery wasn't any particular issue, I suppose I was uncomfortable due to the incision and general trauma for a day or two afterwards. I don't generally ever take pain meds for dental surgery as I don't need them, and I've had everything. I mean I might take ibuprofen for a day or two, but that's about it. I don't remember it being anything unusual.

However, I think the point of the antibiotics is that they are necessary to get rid of the infection first, as much as possible, before they do the apicoectomy (which is surgery on the roots, I think). And you have to take the regimen for the prescribed time before the surgery, which is usually 10-14 days, I think.

So the recovery wasn't any big deal to me, certainly better than the risk of the pain from an active infection (which woke me one night so bad I was in agony). But you need to ask your dentist more details, as I suspect you couldn't have it immediately anyway, that you have to be on the antibiotics for a while first. So first find out what the possibilities even are regarding your surgery.

eliztravels2

The worst pain I have had in my life was from an abscessed tooth and even now, 35 years later, the fear of a repeat experience lingers. Even when my dental health has been stable I never get on a long flight without some heavy duty pain killers in my carry on, just in case.

I agree with Christina. You need to get more information about your unique circumstances and your options.

Also, are you travelling internationally? Check your travel insurance. Many policies will not cover you for emergency medical treatment for a pre-existing condition.