Preventative wisdom tooth extraction - Is it worth it?

[JustAHunch]

Both the dentists I've seen this year (in Switzerland) have been urging me to have a wisdom tooth taken out. Only half the tooth has come through the gum, so they say it's at risk of infection.

Now I have no idea what to do, because in the UK a couple of years ago my dentist said the exact opposite - that extraction is not worth the risk of complications.

Has anyone had a wisdom tooth taken out as prevention, and would you do it again?

Never had any operation before, and am panicking a bit!

I had a half-erupted wisdom tooth. My dentist advised that at some point I'd have to have it out because it was hard to clean.

Well, over 30 years later its still there. I used to have a bit of a gap further forward, everything has just gradually shifted and now the wisdom tooth is fully out and not a problem.

So, if you think there's any spare space in your mouth I'd be inclined to leave it. Do pay extra attention to cleaning it though.

I just had an impacted wisdom tooth out. They recommended it because of a gap between the tooth and the next molar and food was getting stuck down there. Apparently only a matter of time before an abscess set in.

There is a small risk though of nerve damage which could lead in a very small number of cases to permanent numbness of the tongue and/or cheek. I think it's something like 0.5% risk but can't remember for sure. The risk is greater obviously if your wisdom tooth is lying near to the nerve and also if you have it removed under general anaesthetic - apparently with local, you will start jumping out of the seat if they get too close to the nerve!!

Overall I'm not sure it was worth removing, now the tooth next to it is much more sensitive, but who knows how many infections I might have got?? It's not an easy decision.

My dentist had hers out. She said they are just endless trouble later on. I had one taken out when I was young - the dentist said I hadn't enough room, though it was through, and causing no trouble. It was fine. Bit, you know, not how I'd choose to spend my time, but fine.