Risky Wisdom tooth removal--root near nerve
Added: June 30, 2008 - 10:46 AM
By: Patient Email Withheld, Manassas, DC
Need Dentist / Specialist:
Yes
Provide Cost Estimate:
No
X-rays Available:
Yes
Case Summary
Extractions / Oral Surgery
Teeth: 17
Last Full Mouth X-Ray: Last week (06-27-08)
Last Cleaning: Today (06-30-08)
Case Description
I am 24 years old. I was having pain in my lower left wisdom tooth, which is partially erupted, but also covered with some gum tissue (mostly impacted). It was swollen and throbbing, but dentist-prescribed antibiotics helped this. One oral surgeon told me that because my wisdom tooth's root was very low and near the nerve, it would risk a 10-20% chance of permanent numbness in my left lip/side of tongue. (normal risk is 1-2%) -Would you recommend getting the tooth removed despite the dangers? -Could you recommend any oral surgeons in the Northern Virginia area?
Request Consultation
Get Dentist Opinions
Compare Ratings
Select Dentist!
Are You This Patient?
When selecting a new doctor, consider the following:
Quality of Explanations: Compare dentist replies. Give preference to well-reasoned, detail-oriented, transparent explanations.
Experience & Qualifications: If a dentist has a practice listing, check their practice description,
special training, typical office procedures and before & after case photographs.
Other Patients' Freedback: If a dentist has reviews, read other patients' reviews. The more
reviews they have, the more likely it is that other patients' feeback is accurate.
Treatment Costs: Dental procedure costs vary from practice to practice and depend on a variety of factors.
Because quality of patient care and treatment results vary from practice to practice most dentists will not "price-match" treatment fees of others.
Reply: Risky Wisdom tooth removal--root near nerve
added: June 30, 2008 - 11:36 AM
It might be a dicey proposition, but perhaps you can consult with 2 different oral surgeons to properly assess the risk vs. benefit scenario. If the tooth is partially impacted, chances are good that you will have recurring issues over the long run if it''''''''s not extracted. You might want to scan this web site for Pt reviews of surgeons convenient to you. Good luck
Reply: Risky Wisdom tooth removal--root near nerve
added: June 30, 2008 - 12:12 PM
hithe lower wisdom teeth are always close to the nerve and that is the case in every person. While you are correct about the normal risk, there are some situations that are higher: pathology / cyst around third molars near the canal; deeply impacted teeth; dilacerated roots (ie hook shaped, different directions, etc)Even in these situations, as long as the surgery is done carefully with delicate touch, the chances of numbness are rare. The tooth could even be in direct contact with the nerve and everything will be fine. As long as the extraction is done in a most delicate fashion; With this in mind, my experience has been about less than 0.3% numbness among patients for the last 10 years, having treated thousands of patients. The decision to remove the wisdom teeth has to outweigh the risks and there are many. I will be happy to look at your x-ray and give you a better recommendationyou can visit our website, www.facialart.com, goto patient section, and do an online consultationif you have any questions, you can call us at (301) 654-7070ThanksDr. Kazemi
Reply: Risky Wisdom tooth removal--root near nerve
added: June 30, 2008 - 12:18 PM
You should have a second opinion, but whenever you have any type of surgery there is always risk involved and the doctor is obligated to tell you of any risks before performing treatment. In Manassas, there is Dr. Argintar, and in Centreville there is Dr. Patrick Dolan and Dr. Kimberly SIlloway that I would recommend. Try giving them a call and asking there professional opinion... Don''''t wait too long as you were in pain and the antibiotics will help short-term. fyi, I had toe surgery and was told the numbness risk and do have numbness in my big toe for the past 10 years, but pay absolutely no attention to it anymore--it is not profound....
Get Dentist Opinions