removal of one wisdom tooth at age 37 will my teeth space and gap?

Question

Will removal of one wisdom tooth cause my perfectly aligned teeth to shift and space at age 37? I had four molars removed for braces at age 12 and was told to keep the wisdom teeth to prevent spacing. I do use them to chew and have never had any problems. This top wisdom tooth does have contact with the wisdom tooth below. I now need a root canal ($3000) or tooth removal ($1200). Suggestions?

Answer 1

If your wisdom tooth is difficult to reach and keep clean, it will continue to rot no matter how much money you throw at it. If that's the case, just have it extracted.

BTW, that's a pretty hefty fee to extract what I presume is a normally erupted (i.e. not impacted) tooth.

Answer 2

Yes and no. The bottom tooth that opposes this top wisdom tooth may start growing upwards. That is because it will no longer have the top tooth working against it, and teeth will grow up out of the gums if they are not hitting another tooth. The teeth ahead of this top wisdom tooth will not shift, since teeth will move forward into a space, but not backward.
And I agree with another comment, the prices you quote are really high. A molar root canal should be in the $800-1000 range, while an extraction of a fully erupted molar should be maybe $50-60.

Answer 3

Wisdom teeth are linked to a higher rate of chronic bacterial infection in the gums, and can endanger the health of both the back and front teeth -- even if the patient feels no symptoms at all.
A study of 329 patients who had intact wisdom teeth, for example, found that even though the participants had no symptoms of discomfort, there was still evidence of disease-causing bacteria around their wisdom teeth. In fact, the study authors, who published their report in a recent issue of the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, concluded that gum disease in young adults often begins around the wisdom teeth.
If impacted wisdom teeth are not addressed, the following may occur:
Teeth Shifting: Wisdom teeth may cause a shift in surrounding teeth and cause pain.
Bone Loss and Jaw Expansion: Wisdom teeth may play a role in bone loss and expansion of the jaw.
Congestion: Wisdom teeth may contribute to sinus congestion and headaches.
Cysts and Tumors: Wisdom teeth may be factor in bone destroying tumors or cysts, including cyst formation in the surrounding gum tissue.
Gum Tissue Irritation: Gum tissue surrounding impacted wisdom teeth tends to be more susceptible to gum irritation. If wisdom teeth become crooked and not fully erupted, it may be difficult to clean the gums.
Periodontal Pockets, Cavities and Bone Loss: Difficulty cleaning gums makes it easy for debris to be lodged and creates the perfect setting for bacteria. The resulting bacteria may produce periodontal pockets, create cavities, and lead to bone loss.
Changes in Orthodontia and Dentures: For children and the elderly, erupted wisdom teeth may create unique problems by affecting the results of orthodontia or undermining the functionality of dentures.
It's also easier to remove the teeth when you're younger, because the jawbone is less dense and the tooth's root is not yet fully developed, according to American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.
For a very good article on wisdom teeth, visit:

http://www.san-diego-dentist.us/san-diego-dental-wisdom-teeth.htm

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Answer 4

My removal has left a huge gap that food gets stuck in. it hurts!!!! Chips are the worst.