I need surgery for my bottom left premolar. The dentist took a new X-ray, which showed roots left behind from previous extractions. The roots are on the left and right side of my mouth.  However, the dentist will only extract the left-side root. Is the extraction dangerous since it’s around tooth roots? – Thank you. Dana from GA

Dana,

Your lower premolar is near the mental foramen, a small opening in your lower jawbone that houses a nerve. While removing a premolar in this area has a slight risk of damaging the mental nerve, a skilled oral surgeon can minimize this risk through careful technique.

Incomplete root removal from a previous extraction can prevent the jawbone from healing correctly. While the last dental work was not ideal, your current dentist’s recommendations will help protect your oral health by preventing further damage to surrounding teeth and the need for potential dental implant procedures.

If you want a second opinion, we recommend consulting with an oral surgeon or a dentist with extensive experience in tooth extractions.

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