Amy Gillham | Wisdom Tooth Removal
What was initially thought to be teething pain from Amy Gillham’s wisdom tooth coming through, turned out to be a more serious infection that required the tooth to be fully removed.
When a wisdom tooth doesn’t fully break through the gum, brushing thoroughly can be impossible and food can get stuck, causing infection.
Mum of two Amy, 33, said: “The pain was awful. I kept going to the Dentist and said it was really uncomfortable. They reassured me that it was just the wisdom tooth trying to fully break through, but it got worse and worse. I kept thinking this is not just teething pain, there has to be an infection.”
After several visits, Amy was eventually prescribed antibiotics, which alleviated the pain within 48 hours, but it reoccurred several weeks later, and her Dentist referred her to see a specialist via her health insurance.
Following a consultation with Ken Sneddon, Consultant Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, Amy she was booked for wisdom tooth removal surgery at The McIndoe Centre.
She said: “I was really anxious, but Mr Sneddon was as kind and patient as ever, and the Anaesthetist was jovial and comforting as I repeatedly told him ‘I’ve two children at home, keep me safe’.
“It was a short procedure with minimal anaesthetic but I was most concerned, as a mum, about ‘going under’ (general anaesthetic). As it turns out - 10/10. I would recommend!
“Every single member of staff was so friendly, happy, comforting. Sean the nurse, lit up the room when he walked in, and he kindly held my hand when I was having the general anaesthetic. Nothing was too much.”
Amy came around from the operation about one hour later and spent time being monitored in recovery due to the low blood pressure that she regularly suffers from. From there, she went into her room on the ward to recover. The first food she had was a smoothie, then further soft food, including a sandwich, yoghurt and ice cream.
A few hours later, Amy was discharged home and advised to keep the wound clean by gently rinsing her mouth with salt water after eating and to also eat soft foods and take over-the-counter pain relief.
Amy added: “I had one dissolvable stitch, and my mouth was a little tender. I was advised not to have hot food or drink in the first 48 hours to avoid irritating the tissue. I was given the direct line for the Hospital and was reassured I could call at any time if I was concerned. Mr Sneddon’s medical secretary also kept in close touch. "
“It was a faultless experience. Everyone from reception, the healthcare assistants and catering were caring and considerate. They made a scary experience a good one.”
Amy Gillham
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