tooth removal Archives - Dr. Duane Delaune's Blog

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

Posted on November 30, 2024 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 December 31, 2023 by AllSmiles.

My 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.

How Long Is Too Long to Wait for an Abscessed Tooth Extraction?

Posted on November 14, 2021 by AllSmiles.

About a month after teeth whitening and preparing to get porcelain veneers, an upper left molar broke. The tooth has an abscess and is making me tired and foggy. Now the specialist says he cannot save the tooth, so I need an extraction and dental implants. The soonest appointment the office has is two weeks away. I feel sick, and the sluggishness and pain are affecting my concentration. Is it okay to switch to another specialist who can remove the tooth sooner? – Thank you. Krystal A. from NC

Krystal,

Thank you for choosing our office for your question.

If the specialist (we assume an endodontist or oral surgeon) did not give you a reason for waiting two weeks, yes, look for one who can complete the removal and get rid of the infection. Explain to your dentist that your tooth infection is making you ill and you do not want it to linger for two more weeks.

How Long Can You Wait to Remove an Abscessed Tooth?

An abscessed tooth results from an infection. And an untreated tooth infection will continue to spread, even if it does not complicate tooth removal.

A cosmetic dentist can match your dental implant to your whitened teeth

While your body is fighting the infection, your immune system is weak and more vulnerable to other infections. Delaying tooth removal will only make things worse. Also, although many people take antibiotics to minimize the infection, it will not go away without root canal treatment or tooth removal.

Your dentist can refer you to another specialist to complete your treatment. Otherwise, if you have dental insurance that allows you to self-refer, you can see a specialist to remove your tooth an explain when you can receive an implant.

If your dentist does not have advanced cosmetic skills, look for one with training who will perfectly match your implant crown to your newly whitened teeth.

Dr. Duane Delaune, an cosmetic dentist in Metairie, LA, sponsors this post.A