Can I Just Get One Wisdom Tooth Removed

Wisdom Teeth Management

Is Removal of All 4 Wisdom Teeth Necessary?

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Patients often ask their oral and maxillofacial surgeon (OMS) if information technology's necessary to accept all iv wisdom teeth extracted even though the teeth might non notwithstanding be visible inside the mouth or they have erupted without any known bug.

The determination can be difficult. Even if all four wisdom teeth are free of infection and not causing pain – or if only one tooth is problematic – an OMS may still recommend they all be removed.

Wisdom Teeth Direction: Why Remove All iv

Because of their location in the back of the rima oris, wisdom teeth are frequently difficult to go on free from plaque and food and might trap harmful leaner that tin contribute to gum illness, decay and infection. Even wisdom teeth that are buried under the gum tissue may cause these same issues.

Just why non adopt a await-and-see arroyo to wisdom teeth coming in (or yet to erupt) that haven't caused whatever trouble? Here are some items to consider:

Typically, it is easier to remove wisdom teeth in younger patients because the roots of the wisdom teeth are not completely formed, surrounding bone is softer and in that location is less hazard of damaging nearby nerves or other structures. Overall risk of surgical complications is more than common in adulthood.
Each visit will accept more of a patient'southward time, including time off from school or work.
Each boosted visit for a tooth extraction requires an additional healing menstruum with a restricted diet.
Properly caring for any remaining wisdom teeth requires routine inspections and 10-rays.
It can exist more expensive to visit an OMS multiple times for boosted wisdom molar extractions should they become problematic later.

For these reasons, you and your oral surgeon should hash out whether you should have all four wisdom teeth extracted at the same fourth dimension.

Risks of Keeping Wisdom Teeth

The determination not to extract wisdom teeth is reasonable in some circumstances and should be made by the patient, a guardian/parent (if applicative) and the oral and maxillofacial surgeon. However, the patient must understand wisdom teeth that are not removed can:

Crusade damage to neighboring teeth.
Develop pathology such every bit cysts, abscesses and tumors.
Develop cavities that tin can't be restored.
Pb to infections and other periodontal affliction.

Learn More than from an OMS

Questions most wisdom tooth removal should be discussed with a patient'due south oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Your local OMS will evaluate each patient individually and brand a recommendation based on illness or high take a chance of disease.

It is recommended that patients undergo an evaluation and X-rays of their wisdom teeth every yr.

Last updated May 2022

The information provided here is not intended as a substitute for professional medical or dental advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is provided to help you communicate effectively when you seek the communication of your oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Photos and videos are for illustration purposes only and are not indicative to what a patient may experience.