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Can I avoid extracting an impacted wisdom tooth?

O

Okira

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 11, 2007
Messages
241
I'm a bit concerned about removing this tooth after I did some research. If my wisdom tooth is impacted but not causing any pain or other troubles, why do I have to have it removed (I supposed I should discuss this with my dentist)? The tooth I'm referring to is #32, and I'm having 31, 30, and 28 extracted at the same time they are supposed to remove the wisdom tooth. I'm hearing horror stories about lingual nerve damage and it's really freaking me out. Thanks!
Peace,
Susan
 
I'm afraid only your dentist or somebody who's seen your teeth and some x-rays of them can answer that for you, sorry.
 
Well, thanks anyway, Gordon! I'll be grilling the dentist on Friday morning :) Can I assume they would be able to tell from the x-ray if it's going to be a difficult extraction and if the nerve will possibly be affected? Thanks!
Peace,
Susan
 
They will certainly be able to see from the xray if there is a higher risk of anything like nerve damage happening, and how easy the procedure looks. If they have any doubts- they will refer you to a specialist oral surgeon. Be prepared for the fact that the dentist will probably warn you that nerve damage is possible regardless of how easy the extraction looks on the xray- it's just one of the things dentists are meant to mention in ANY case of removing wisdom teeth. Statistically the actual chances of any problems are very slim, but as there is a chance- you must be informed about it before consenting to going ahead.
 
Thanks, Dr. Mike!
Peace,
Susan
 
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