Any dentists/orthodontists about?

[chipmonkey]

Dh went to have a wisdom tooth taken out under LA but was told by the orthodontist that there was a 1/250 chance of damage to the nerves in the cheek and tongue. Also she advised to have it done under GA instead. He is very worried about the potential nerve damage, is it actually as common as that?
Our own dentist recommended having it taken out as the tooth in front can't be filled because of the wisdom tooth.

Orthodontists don't generally remove teeth...?

Each case is different so it's impossible to say without seeing the radiographs. I would say though that it's common for the tooth in front to need filling & if this isn't done in a timely fashion then both teeth might need to come out.

Don't they? The local dentist referred him to the orthodontist. And she seems to be planning on doing this in her practice under GA. I have told dh to get a second opinion and ask for a referral to a hospital.

Orthodontists are specialists in moving teeth with braces. In 12 years in practice I have never come across one who would do a GA extraction of a wisdom tooth.

Could it be a name problem? The consultant in our local hospital dental department (orthodontic dept) is a surgeon who has specialised in oral and facial surgery. Cannot remember his proper title. I had my impacted wisdom teeth out (one at a time under local) by the same type of specialist. I was warned of potential nerve damage too. I had sensory loss (no taste on one side) but is slowly recovered over a year or so.

The place he was referred to is called localtown orthodontic clinic. He was given the choice of there or a nearby hospital and chose the orthodontic clinic as it was nearer. I don't know the lady's name so can't google her to see what her occupation is but am guessing it should be oral/ maxillofacial surgeon. The guy in the hospital is definitely one of those!

Must be, I wasn't casting aspertions on your credibility honest! Oral Maxillofacial surgeon sounds like what you need (or specialist oral surgeon).

Hope you get sorted in the end.

No, I didn't think you were! Dh remembered her name in the end but I can't find any reference to her either in the clinic or on the internet. Dh felt she was a bit young. Although I remember being very offended myself when newly qualified if anyone thought I might not be up to the job, I think I may get him to go to the hospital instead. It just feels better.
tbh,, since dd died we are both a bit nervous when it comes to medical matters in a "Anything that can go wrong will go wrong for us" sort of way.

magso thanks for sharing your story.