Is It Okay to Leave Wisdom Tooth Roots Behind During Extraction?

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All three of my remaining wisdom teeth are impacted. The roots of my lower left wisdom tooth are past the nerve. The oral surgeon gave me the options of removing the tooth but leaving the roots, waiting until the tooth becomes uncomfortable, or removing the tooth. Is it harmful to leave the roots? – Thanks. Kofi from TX

 

Kofi,

Impacted wisdom teeth can cause significant dental problems if left untreated. Having them removed while you’re younger is generally recommended, as the procedure becomes more complex and carries higher risks with age.

Why Leave Wisdom Tooth Roots Behind?

Sometimes, a dentist or surgeon can leave a small tip of the wisdom tooth root behind. However, your oral surgeon should decide if that’s best for your long-term oral health. The surgeon can assess the situation and determine if partial root retention is beneficial.

What Are the Risks of Delaying Wisdom Teeth Removal?

As you get older, your jawbone becomes denser, and the roots of your wisdom teeth may thicken. Extractions become more challenging, and the likelihood of complications increases. Additionally, impacted wisdom teeth can lead to infections, cysts, and other dental issues.

How Can You Be Proactive?

Addressing your impacted wisdom teeth now can avoid potential complications and maintain your oral health. It’s often easier and safer to have the procedure done on your terms rather than waiting for an emergency to arise.

 

Dr. Steven Brooksher, a Baton Rouge accredited cosmetic dentist, sponsors this post. Read why so many patients view Dr. Brooksher as one of the best dentists in Baton Rouge.

Do I Still Have an Infection Months After Tooth Extraction?

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After seeing my dentist for a broken crown, she took an x-ray of the tooth and said it was infected. My dentist referred me to an endodontist for the root canal. Months after the root canal, I felt referred pain in the tooth in front of the root canal tooth. I reported the issue to my dentist during my next cleaning appointment. An x-ray showed the tooth was still infected.

I called the endodontist, and she prescribed penicillin. I’ve had a series of family health issues and could not return to the endodontist as life would have it. Two months ago, an oral surgeon extracted the tooth. Still, I have jaw pain below the area of the tooth extraction. I was planning to get a dental implant to replace the extracted tooth, but I am concerned that something is not healing correctly.

I do not trust my dentist’s opinion. Could I still have an infection? And why is it lingering? – Thank you. Juliana from NM

Juliana,

Dental implant model with the fixture in the bone

A dental implant helps preserve bone and prevent your teeth from shifting

Unfortunately, you could not return to the endodontist to save your tooth. Still, you are wise to pursue getting a dental implant. An implant will preserve your jawbone in the space and prevent other teeth from shifting, disturbing your bite, and creating orthodontic issues.

Although it is rare to have a lingering bone infection after tooth extraction, it can occur. If you have an infection, a potent antibiotic can get rid of it. We recommend that you return to the oral surgeon for an examination.

Also, a post-operative infection can result from an antibiotic-resistant infection. So, you would not want to retake penicillin to get rid of the infection. Ask the oral surgeon to try different antibiotics to help you progressively heal.

Dr. Steven Brookser, a Fellow of implant dentistry in Baton Rouge, sponsors this post.

Shouldn’t a sinus perforation have healed by now?

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In June, my dentist extracted two teeth, and I’m waiting to get dental implants. For one upper right tooth, my dentist said he could see into my sinuses. He prescribed antibiotics for me to take for a week. I didn’t have any special instructions other than taking antibiotics. My other tooth healed fine, but the sinus perforations still isn’t closed. My primary care doctor prescribed more antibiotics. I have a continual headache and a low-grade fever. How long does it take for a sinus perforation to heal? It’s going to be months before I can get dental implants. I think I need a second opinion. Am I going to need an oral surgeon or an ENT doctor to close the perforation? Thanks. Clay

Clay,

It seems that your dentist doesn’t know how to handle a perforation that doesn’t heal. It’s wise to get a second opinion.

How Long Will Does It Take for a Sinus Perforation to Heal?

If your sinus is perforated from tooth extraction, the tissue normally heals within four to six weeks. Bone grafting is often needed, though, and it will heal in about six months. If a perforation from an extraction doesn’t heal, there are several possible causes. Two possibilities include:

  • A root tip from the tooth is pushed into the sinus
  • A bone fragment remains

Has your dentist or primary doctor sent you or an x-ray of your sinus? It’s best to visit an otolaryngologist (ear, nose, throat (ENT) specialist) who will request an x-ray, see I something if blocking the sinus, remove it, and ensure the infection goes way by prescribing more antibiotics.

If there is a bone fragment in your sinus, it’s good that your dentist didn’t close the perforation. The irritation from the fragment would cause ongoing infection and fluid drainage into your mouth and nose.

Closing a Sinus Perforation

Diagram of the phases of a dental implant for a comparison to a partial denture.

After sinus perforation and bone grafting heal, you can receive dental implants

How is a sinus perforation closed? Although your doctor might have a specific technique, the procedure includes steps like these.

  • Place collagen plugs or another resorbable membrane in the tooth socket
  • Gently place bone graft around the sides
  • Secure the bone graft and protect the site with another collagen plug or resorbable membrane
  • Stitch the membrane over the graft to keep it in place

After closing the perforation, a specialist will prescribe antibiotics, and based on the severity of your infection, tell you how long to take them. You’ll have follow-up appointments to ensure the area heals well.

Tell your ENT doctor about your plans for dental implants to replace your two missing teeth. The doctor and your implant dentist can discuss the optimal time for implant placement. Both the perforation and bone graft must heal before you receive dental implants. Otherwise, the implant and your jawbone won’t fuse, and the implants will fail. Be patient.

 

Steven Brooksher, DDS, a Baton Rouge dentist and Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, sponsors this post.