Mandibular Nerve Damage/Infection Risk

[Zontar]

I have still not removed one partially impacted wisdom tooth (it's partly visible behind my second molar). I'm 22. What is the likelihood of PERMANENT nerve damage from having this tooth extracted? Also, while I'm here, what is the likelihood of getting flesh-eating disease from this procedure? I plan to remain fully conscious (local exclusively) during this operation.

 

[lillyh]

Hello,
I have had all 4 of my wisdom teeth removed..My oral surgeon made me sign a waiver before surgery saying I understood there was a risk of nerve damage...I got through the procedure just fine..I have never heard of anyone suffering from flesh eating disease after wisdom teeth removal..But I suppose anything is possible? I'm assuming some people suffer from nerve damage after wisdom teeth extraction but I think it is rare..I was also told by my oral surgeon that nerve damage from dental work would most likely resolve it self in 6 months to a year in some people..And with the cone beam scan xrays they do before surgery the dentist can tell if the tooth is close to the nerve or on top of it making it risky....So don't worry, it will be fine...

 

[Dr. Daniel]

I have still not removed one partially impacted wisdom tooth (it's partly visible behind my second molar). I'm 22. What is the likelihood of PERMANENT nerve damage from having this tooth extracted? Also, while I'm here, what is the likelihood of getting flesh-eating disease from this procedure? I plan to remain fully conscious (local exclusively) during this operation.

It mainly depends on how far is the roots of the tooth from the nerve, it should be visiable in the X-ray. If there is no over-lap between the two than there is danger. If there is there is closeness between them than with the proper technique the dentist can prevent any damage.
In short: in order to ease your mind the best would be to sit down with the dentist (an oral specialist would be the best) and the X-ray.

 

[comfortdentist]

"Also, while I'm here, what is the likelihood of getting flesh-eating disease from this procedure?"
Never heard of it being associated with a dental procedure.