{"id":1983,"date":"2026-08-28T08:53:00","date_gmt":"2026-08-28T13:53:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mirandalacydds.com\/blog\/?p=1983"},"modified":"2026-08-31T20:58:50","modified_gmt":"2026-09-01T01:58:50","slug":"root-tip-remains-after-tooth-extraction","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mirandalacydds.com\/blog\/root-tip-remains-after-tooth-extraction\/","title":{"rendered":"What If a Root Tip Remains After My Tooth Extraction?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In early July, I had my lower left wisdom tooth extracted. I wanted to see the tooth after the extraction, but my dentist wouldn\u2019t let me handle it or keep it. My gum took about three weeks to heal and close.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since then, I\u2019ve had pain on the left side of my face, in my ear, and behind my eye. The facial and ear pain have mostly gone away, but the pain behind my eye continues. I\u2019m wondering whether the entire tooth was removed. Could a tooth root fragment left in the socket become infected and cause this type of pain? \u2013 Thanks. Judith from OR<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Judith,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After a wisdom tooth extraction with an open socket, infections are uncommon because the area can drain naturally. In contrast, infections are more likely when an impacted tooth requires stitches that close the gum over the site.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If a full root or large fragment remains in the socket, the gum can heal over it and trap bacteria inside the jaw. This situation can lead to ongoing discomfort or infection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Does a Tooth Root Fragment Require Removal?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Ongoing symptoms deserve attention from another dentist, ideally an oral surgeon who can both diagnose and treat the problem. An X-ray provides clear evidence of whether any tooth structure remains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This step helps determine:<\/p>\n\n\n\n