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Is It Risky to Extract a Tooth Near Roots Left Behind from Previous Extractions?

Posted on by AllSmiles.

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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Am I at Risk of Nerve Damage with Tooth Removal?

Posted on by AllSmiles.

Man scratching his head in uncertainty about whether he will experience nerve damage after tooth removalMy dentist removed four teeth before Invisalign treatment and left one tooth root behind by mistake. He says a premolar tooth root touches a nerve, and an oral surgeon must remove it. The surgeon explained the risks for numbness that can be brief, last for months, or permanent paralysis. Can I skip this surgery? I’ve already delayed Invisalign treatment for the first surgery. Thank you. Chase from NH

Chase,

You need a second opinion with another oral surgeon to examine your X-rays and determine what you might expect with surgery.

Is it Necessary to Remove Tooth Roots Left After Extraction?

Sometimes, tooth roots left after extraction are harmless. However, if you are in Invisalign treatment and the tooth is a lower molar, the root can affect the movement of other teeth.

Oral surgeons must protect themselves from lawsuits and explain the most extreme results of surgery. The risk of nerve damage with wisdom teeth is higher than with premolars. Still, if a tooth root touches a nerve, the roots may affect the mental foramen nerve that travels along the lower lip and chin. You might have some temporary numbness or complete loss of sensation but not paralysis.

An oral surgeon can see the nerve on an X-ray and, with good technique, avoid damaging it during surgery.

Get a Second Opinion

If you want to feel confident about your decision to accept or decline surgery, schedule a second opinion with another oral surgeon. They will examine your X-rays and explain your options. The surgeon will also explain what you can expect if you do or don’t have surgery to remove the tooth root.

 

Dr. Duane Delaune of Metairie, Louisiana, sponsors this post. Read why Dr. Delaune’s patients consider him one of the best dentists in town.