Can extraction of a horizontally placed wisdom tooth damage nerves surrounding it?

Question

Hi doctor,

I am a 26-year-old and have no issues with the third molar. However, I want to remove it because I am doing an Invisalign treatment, and the orthodontist needs space in my lower jaw to align the teeth. This tooth has created a place where food gathers and is very hard to clean, so eventually, it can get infected. So far, I have only removed the low-right third molar six years ago and did not have any issues. I am also removing both upper third molars at the same time. I am writing to ask your opinion about an upcoming surgery to remove the third molars. I need to remove my lower left wisdom tooth, which is positioned horizontally. You can see it from the pictures attached. I am concerned about the risk of nerve damage to the three nerves in that area: the lingual, mandibular (inferior alveolar), and maxillary nerves. The maxillofacial surgeon I have discussed performing this surgery has said the risk is low. However, I want to hear your opinion on how risky this is. Kindly suggest.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Even after your Invisalign treatment, I have seen all the enclosed scan reports (attachment removed to protect the patient's identity). The lower third molar is in a completely horizontally impacted position. You can get the extraction done without any risk, as I can visualize the inferior alveolar nerve being a bit distant, and it is not near the tooth. Also, there is no risk of damage to the lingual or maxillary nerves. If the wisdom tooth gets decayed, you are at a greater risk of upper sinus infection or lower lymph node infection. So I would suggest you can get it removed without having any concerns. Get both the wisdom teeth, upper and lower, removed on the left. You will be given an antibiotic prophylaxis and painkiller therapy post the extraction of the left wisdom teeth so that you can take that for three to five days. The extraction site would take around seven to ten days to heal, and you would need sutures too. Because the surgeon would be anesthetizing the segment on the left side, it would be a better option to consider the removal of both the upper and lower third left molar at once. So there is nothing much to worry about. You can ask anytime if you have any further doubts about the procedure or any possible post-operative effects. I hope this helps you.

Thank you.

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com

I wanted to ask you only one thing. Did you ever have pain or discomfort regarding the upper wisdom tooth because the anesthesia will only be given in that segment?

Thank you.

Can extraction of a horizontally placed wisdom tooth damage nerves surrounding it?

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