Tag Archives: wisdom teeth extraction

Sedation Dentistry

Oral Surgeon Refuses to Remove Both My Wisdom Teeth

Last May, I got two root canals, one repeat root canal, and three crowns. I am trying to catch up on dental work for my neglected teeth. I have two wisdom teeth left – both lower – one hurts and is impacted. The oral surgeon says the impacted wisdom tooth is causing neck and ear pain. She says that after she removed it, I will feel relief. For some reason, she does not want to remove both wisdom teeth while I am sedated. I told her that I do not want either of them removed if she does not take both teeth out. Neither of us is budging. Why wouldn’t she remove both teeth? Thank you. Jonah from TN

Jonah,

Dr. Lacy would need to examine your teeth or refer you to an oral surgeon for a second opinion. Without an exam, we cannot give you an accurate diagnosis. If your oral surgeon does not want to remove both wisdom teeth while you are sedated, she must have a good reason for it. Maybe there are no issues with the tooth.

But if you do not understand why the oral surgeon will not remove the tooth, it is best to speak with her. Ask for an explanation.

What Happens If You Do Not Remove and Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Woman's face with her eyes closed while she receives dental work
Get a second opinion on wisdom teeth removal

If you do not remove an impacted wisdom tooth, a tooth infection can spread. If you already have an earache and neck pain, they are symptoms that your body is trying to fight the infection. Lingering tooth infections can flare-up. In rare cases, they can even be life-threatening.

You and your oral surgeon disagree. So, you can schedule a second opinion with another oral surgeon. Have copies of your x-ray sent before your second-opinion appointment.

Miranda Lacy, DDS of Plano, Texas, sponsors this post.

Teeth whitening

Do I really need both wisdom teeth extracted?

My dentist is going to remove my lower right wisdom tooth because it aches. He says that if I don’t remove the upper right wisdom tooth, it will drop into the space of the lower one and eventually hit my gums or interfere with other teeth. Is that true. Do I need both wisdom teeth extracted? I am 54 years old and do not want unnecessary complications. I am anxious to begin teeth whitening treatment. Thank you. Regina

Regina,

Your dentist is right. It is wise to remove wisdom teeth in pairs for several reasons.

  • Drifting – Keeping the upper right wisdom tooth can cause it to drift into the lower space.
  • Bite disruption – The unevenness can disrupt your bite or contribute to tooth decay or gum disease.
  • Tooth decay or gum disease – Without a lower tooth to chew against, if the upper tooth disrupts your bite, tooth decay or gum disease can occur in other teeth.

What Can You Expect with Wisdom Teeth Removal?

You can expect painless surgery and progressive recovery with wisdom tooth removal. Impacted wisdom teeth can be challenging to extract. If your dentist is not experienced with a variety of cases and your teeth are impacted, he may refer you to an oral surgeon.

Comfort – Before surgery, the oral surgeon will sedate you.

Surgery length – Your time in surgery depends on how many teeth the surgeon will remove and if they are impacted. Average time for removing all four wisdom teeth is about 1.5 hours.

Progressive recovery – You will see some swelling and feel soreness, but post-operative instructions explain how to manage them both and keep comfortable. Each day, you will progressively feel better. Although complications are rare, your oral surgeon will explain the signs and symptoms of complications, including:

Photo of upper and lower teeth whitening trays in a blue case; for information on free teeth whitening from the office Plano dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy.
Teeth whitening can begin after wisdom tooth extracation
  • Dry socket
  • Infection
  • Sensory nerve damage
  • Sinus perforation

Follow-up visits – You may have one follow-up visit after extraction, but it is often not needed.

Your dentist will schedule an appointment to check the extractions sites and ensure your gums and remaining teeth are healthy before starting teeth whitening treatment.

Plano, TX female dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy sponsors this post.