Will My Wisdom Tooth Surgery Cause Nerve Damage?

Posted by AllSmiles

My lower right wisdom tooth is partially impacted. I’m 35 now, so my risk of nerve damage is probably higher. I saw an oral surgeon last week. The surgeon reviewed the X-ray from my dentist and said he recommends removing the tooth. The surgeon didn’t take a 3D scan. How do I know whether nerve damage is a factor? Thanks. Khalid

Khalid,

It’s a common misconception that wisdom teeth should only be addressed when they start causing problems. Your situation highlights why this thinking can be problematic. Wisdom teeth are significantly easier to remove before their roots fully form, thicken, and before the surrounding bone becomes denser. For you, the extraction will likely be more complex now. However, your lower left wisdom tooth needs to be removed; delaying the procedure will only increase the risks and difficulty, and it’s only a matter of time before an infection develops.

What’s the Risk of Nerve Damage with Wisdom Tooth Removal?

We can offer some reassurance regarding your lower left wisdom tooth: it doesn’t appear to be impinging on your nerve. While any responsible oral surgeon will mention some inherent risk (as there always is), a 3D scan should enable them to safely navigate around the nerve. Be aware that some oral surgeons may overstate the risks to protect themselves legally, but this doesn’t diminish the procedure’s safety with careful planning.

Concerns About Your Other Wisdom Teeth

We are less certain about your lower right wisdom tooth. The roots appear very close to the nerve canal, possibly even wrapping around it. The tooth’s angle, while making extraction more difficult, isn’t a risk. Being close to a root canal tooth simply means the surgeon needs to be more precise; however, a skilled surgeon should manage the removal effectively. This procedure should not permanently alter your facial structure; while swelling is expected initially, it will subside within a few days.

We advise ensuring you have an excellent oral surgeon perform this procedure. It would be wise to have them remove both your upper wisdom teeth at the same time. They are also impacted and need to be extracted. Additionally, ask your surgeon to evaluate the proximity of the lower right wisdom tooth to the nerve using the 3D scan, and consider having it removed as well, unless it genuinely impinges on the nerve.

Dr. Thaddeus Michalski, a Rocky Hill, Connecticut dentist, sponsors this post. Read why many of his patients say he is one of the best dentists in town.