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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    I'm a 48yr old female with an impacted wisdom tooth - can I leave it?

    Related Topics
    Dentistry Oral Health Orthodontics
    Dentist couldn't see a clear definition of the root ending & nerves so reluctant to extract as the Xray showed some bone loss as it has been going on for quite a while. Have had dull jaw,gum aches but nothing unbearable, however there is an unsightly odour that is embarrassing. He advised I would more than likely suffer more pain due to nerve exposure re the position & bone damage & making the adjacent tooth unstable as well. He said a conservative dentist would say leave it & obviously a dental surgeon would love to cut & extract. Also not in private health fund so the expense is a huge issue also. Not sure what I should do next re the odour,slight pain on & off or surgery??
    Appreciate any advice! :)
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  • 2

    Thanks

    Dr Mehran Shaibani

    Dentist

    Dr. Shaibani covers all aspects dentistry from simple to most complex dental rehabilitation cases.He is a member of ADA and ADAQ and a few other … View Profile

    Although these kind of things/ questions can not be properly answered without a proper evaluation of the radiograph and the case clinically, I'll give you an overall approach based on your explanation of the case.
    If there is a problem with the tooth/ area, then obviously needs fixing. So by delaying it you are not doing yourself a favour. Just the fact that there is an intimate relationship between the roots and the nerve, doesn't mean that you don't do anything about it. In fact the chances of infection and pain is greater.
    You can call us if you are in our area and we would love to help you further.

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  • dishane

    HealthShare Member

    Thank you for the advice - greatly appreciated! I'm in Bondi so not near you unfortunately….looks like I'll make another appointment to look into it further….thanks again Dr Shaibani.

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  • 2

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    Dr Roland Chong

    Dentist

    It is difficult to know what could be done without clinically examining the situation. From your description it sounds like the wisdom tooth is partially erupted and there is a gum flap still covering the tooth.

    Depending on the amount of gum covering the tooth and also the position of the tooth ie, is it upright or tilted 45 degrees or horizontal, there may be other options to surgery.

    The problem you are describing is the result of  food debris and plaque trapped between the gum and the impacted wisdom tooth. If this area can be made cleansable and you are diligent in cleaning it everyday the discomfort and odour will subside. But if you cannot adequately clean the area  the problem will persist.

    You should not leave the situation like it is as you can compromise the tooth infront of the wisdom tooth and if this happens you may lose 2 teeth instead of one.


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  • dishane

    HealthShare Member

    Thank you Dr Chong…understand your comments and will go back for further chats to sort asap. Much appreciated!

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  • 1

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    Dr Jeremy Rourke

    Dentist

    As you age your bone becomes harder, your healing process slower, your immune system weaker, your tolerance to pain less and your general health often becomes worse. Putting it off in the long run will only make the problem worse. Eventually you could find yourself in a nursing home with a life threatening infection. See a specialist and plan to have it removed in the next few years.

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    Dr Kevin Jaffar

    Dentist

    Jaffar Dental - Trusted and Established since 1997. We are a family owned General Dental Practice offering a friendly and caring environment in Waterford QLD. … View Profile

    Ideally you should not leave it as this will most likely cause pain/ infection in the future.

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