On my lower jaw I have a partially erupted wisdom tooth. My previous dentist said it was fine to leave in as it wasn't causing me any pain, and it's been there 10+ years. I went to a new dentist and was x-rayed for the first time ever and it showed that the wisdom tooth had caused damage to the adjacent molar.
I had a deep filling on the adjacent molar (it was supposed to be a root canal but as it hadn't reached the nerve the dentist said a root canal wasn't needed). To get access to the molar, the dentist cut away some of my wisdom tooth and gum. They explained that this will also allow me to clean the area better as I had food trapped there despite daily flossing. I've been referred to the hospital to have the wisdom tooth removed but they have warned there is a big waiting list so it will take a while.
I was a bit too nervous to think properly to ask questions during my appointment, but I have a few questions. I don't expect anyone to answer all of these but if anyone had any insights I'd really appreciate it.
- As the wisdom teeth has been drilled/cut away from the molar, is it vulnerable to damage/could it start to hurt? Should I eat carefully on that side or clean it more gently?
- If the wisdom tooth has been cut away from the molar such that it is no longer touching it, can't it just remain in place as it can no longer cause damage to the molar? Or is it for the best to have it removed?
- My gum felt a little tender/bruised where it was cut so I didn't floss yesterday and I brushed that area with my electric toothbrush switched off to be more gentle, when can I floss that area that was cut?
- I want to go to the hygienist, can I go now or do I need to wait for things to 'settle'?
Thank you!