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My soon to be out wisdom tooth is very close to the nerve- risk of damage?

8 replies

absolutelygutted · 08/02/2014 19:13

I am soon to have my. Wisdom teeth out. One of the lower ones is very close to the nerve and they have warned of the risk of damage. Does anyone know what the risk percentage is, or what makes for higher lower risk? I already have numbness caused by damage to the nerve that runs behind the front teeth, not sure I can face any more, but really don't have a choice, do I?

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absolutelygutted · 09/02/2014 07:59

Anyone? Google is telling me stories I don't want to hear!

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Matildathecat · 09/02/2014 08:16

My brother has this problem and was advised against extraction by a consultant dental surgeon. He gets infections but prefers that to permanent nerve damage with possible facial drooping and pain.

Sorry I'm sure that's not what you want to hear.

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absolutelygutted · 09/02/2014 15:13

Matilda, I don't mind. The consultant warned me that is was very close, but he didn't say not to have it done. I was in too much of. A state to ask his further opinion. I don't think I could cope with two infections a year for the rest of my life though. His particular one has scared me, it spread and I felt like death. A week later and I'm still on heavy duty painkillers and antibiotics.

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absolutelygutted · 09/02/2014 15:14

The consultant is an oral surgeon, who will be doing the op. Would he go ahead of it to was such a risk?

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Dwerf · 09/02/2014 15:16

My daughter's wisdom tooth was going to grow through the nerve so she had to have it out. All the risks were explained and were probably the same risks as yours (except that she was definitely going to have problems if it was left). She had the op and was fine. Anecdotal but might make you feel better?

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absolutelygutted · 09/02/2014 15:21

Thanks dwerf, it all helps. Every good story is a bonus! I just can't we an alternative but from what I have read, my age doesn't help (40) as age is a risk factor.

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CoolWaterRose · 09/02/2014 15:46

I had all four of my wisdom teeth extracted about 7 years ago and was warned that the lower ones were very close to one of the nerves in my jaw and there was a (small) chance of paralysis. After the surgery one side of the lower part of my face/jaw went numb for 3 weeks, then the sensation returned and all went back to normal. Very glad I had the teeth extracted despite the extra risk as they were causing a lot of pain and it would only have gotten worse.

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absolutelygutted · 09/02/2014 15:55

Thank you Rose. I am expecting some temporary problems but hopefully not long term. By paralysis, do you mean you really couldn't move it? My job relies on some talking....a lot!