The dentist didn't seem overly concerned, he said it should heal over, or work it's way out. Actually, two roots were left in. The alternative I guess is surgery. I didn't have much chance to ask what to watch out for, etc. just the general oral care instructions. Should I be worried? Is this common? Should I be seeking another Doctor now ! Yikes !
2007-02-23 04:42:16 · 8 answers · asked by Golden 2 in Health ➔ Dental
Hi,
I work for an oral surgeon,tooth extractions is ALL we do here. I can tell you that there HAVE been a number of times where the doctor will leave a piece of the root behind.Now, that said, we only do that IF and WHEN the roots are too close to your mandibular nerve, that's the nerve in your lower jaw that gives you feeling in your bottom lip and chin. If the position of the tooth indicates that you are at high risk for nerve damage, we will not go hunting after the little piece of root. You see, if this nerve gets bruised or stretched during an extraction it can cause temporary numbness in your lip/chin, usually temporary, but a couple of rare occurences it can be permanent. If this was an upper extraction then, the risk becomes that you can push the root into the sinus, if this does happen it can get very complicated, often involving a more invasive sinus surgery.So you see, in these instances, it's not worth going through the risk.
Anyway, usually this little root fragment fuses with the rest of your jaw bone and you never have to worry about it again. Other times, it will come close enough to the surface where one day, it CAN be extracted without the risk of nerve damage. Now, I hope you had this done by an oral surgeon, oftentimes general dentists are not all that crafty when it comes to extractions. If you're still in doubt go seek a second opinion from an oral surgeon.Also, if you were at risk for nerve damage or a sinus problem, it should have been previously explained to you by your dentist.We always inform our patients when they are at risk for this type of an extraction PRIOR to even touching them with local anesthetic. Just as a pre-caution, call up your dentist and have him put you on a week's worth of Amoxicillin (pending you're not allergic to Penicillin), just to be on the safe side (which he actually should've done anyway)Was this a wisdom tooth by any chance?More chances of it happenig with those pesky wisdom teeth. Well, hope this helps. Let me know if there's anything else I can answer for you. Toodles!
2007-02-23 06:10:25 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm just writing in support of amelie's excellent answer. The two biggest concerns are risk of damage to a nerve of the sinus. If the root tips are inded "tips" and not half the root, they will probably be better off left in place.
2007-02-23 11:00:02 · answer #2 · answered by Picture Taker 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would, not all drs know everything. If the root is exposed it could be painful. Im sure there is way to help it heal faster. I dont think most dentists would approve of leaving expose roots like taht
2007-02-23 04:48:50 · answer #3 · answered by x_masangel69 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Double ouch!! You have to get it removed asap, because it will get infected!! Believe me, and if I were you, I would look for a new dentist, after he gets that root out, for FREE !!!!!! That's just unprofessional.
2007-02-23 04:47:29 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I HAD AN EXTRACTION AND MY ROOT IS LEFT IN THE SINUS. HOW SERIOUS IS THAT, WILL IT COME OUT ONE DAY?
2015-03-12 11:59:39 · answer #5 · answered by Sharon 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If there's no infection and no air pocket down there you should be just fine.
2007-02-23 04:45:30 · answer #6 · answered by odandme 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm thinking you've got one crappy dentist there.
I'd call another to verify his story...that doesn't sound right.
2007-02-23 04:45:31 · answer #7 · answered by a kinder, gentler me 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
this happened to me. after a few years the thing just came out.
no biggie.
2007-02-23 04:49:46 · answer #8 · answered by a1tommyL 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋