Do I need this tooth out? I'm not convinced.

[beansmum]

Posting again because I need to make a decision about this and I can't decide. I had a painful wisdom tooth coming through, went to the dentist and he said it was fine. Turns out he was right, it's not sore anymore.

He also said that I needed another tooth out, one that has never given me any trouble. Apparently it is at a weird angle and I'm, in the dentist's words, "eating myself".

I've had a good poke around and a look with a mirror thing and I'm SURE the tooth is not touching my cheek or my bottom gum, even when I have my teeth clenched together. It's not sore and it never has been.

I'm slightly concerned that the tooth doesn't need to come out and the dentist just wants the money ($160 in NZ, no NHS). He says it's an emergency, but he has booked me in for the end of the month so it can't be that urgent.

Should I call him and get him to explain exactly why it needs to come out? Just go through with it? Or not? I don't know! I just think the tooth is fine where it is!

I'd cancel. If it's not painful or affecting any of your other teeth, then I don't see the point.

I wouldn't - some of my molars are at weird angles but are no problem. Some dentists have suggested having them out, but I have a theory of leaving teeth alone unless they hurt and they've been fine

Is the dentist thinking about the tooth digging into the side of your mouth/cheek ( maybe moving up and down as you chew ) and damaging your cheek more than the tooth IYSWIM ?

I would call and ask hom to explain .

I'd cancel. If it's not bothering you then leave it. I have one like that - my dentist mentioned it but said he doesn't like pulling teeth unless absolutely necessary. He said he would keep an eye on it and we would do something about it if it started to bother me - that was over 10 years ago, and still no problem.

I've cancelled. I just spoke to the receptionist, but when I go in to pay for the consultation I'll see the dentist and explain why I've cancelled. Even if there is a problem that needs dealing with, and I just hadn't understood, he didn't seem to think it needed sorting immediately. If he explains and it turns out it does need doing I can book another appointment.

I was going to get a uni emergency dental fund to cover it, but I've spoken to the very nice woman in charge and she says cancelling this appointment wont stop me getting money if I have to apply again.

Having had trouble with wisdom teeth 'eating me' id have had them out at an earlier opportunity if it had been possible, rather than wait for them to get all sore and infected.

Can totally understand why cost is an issue though.