munchkin

now but eventually did? My son had one that is completely impacted and is hitting against the back molar and sitting right on top of the nerve that run at the bottom. The oral surgeon recommended against removal because son may suffer some temp or permanent numbness/paralysis on the side of mouth because of the proximity to the nerve. Also the wisdom tooth is touching the last molar, and there is a chance of tooth absorption and then son will need a root canal.

Right now he is not in any pain or discomfort. He said he felt some pressure on the back molar when the wisdom tooth first came in. His teeth are perfectly straight, he never wore any braces.

We are going back to our home town in a week I wonder if I should I get a second opinion ? This is a new doctor we are consulting and I don't know how good his skills are ? Is his explanation against removal reasonable ? The surgeon said he had seen patients with my son's kind of impaction in their 50s and not having any problems and his tooth is stable - ie. it won't shift and cause problems. My son's tooth is newly fully grown and I thought if we want to take it out now is a better time than later when problems surfaces.

Marian

A second opinion would be a good idea, but what the oral surgeon is saying sounds reasonable.

Also, I wouldn't worry much about the possibility of him needing a root canal. It's nowhere near as bad a procedure as wisdom tooth removal.

Another thing to take into consideration is exactly how awful it might be if he did have the procedure and there was some numbness/paralysis as a result. For my kids, who play wind instruments, that would be a disaster. Other people might not care as much.

toneranger

I would get a second opinion. Can't hurt. I had 3 wisdom teeth removed in my mid forties. Two were partially impacted. Absolutely awful...should not have waited so long. I had a 6-week recovery period and LOTS of pain. However, one of my wisdom teeth is so far buried into my jaw that my surgeon did not want to touch it. My general dentist agrees...and he says it's not likely to give me any problems. Strange to see it on the xrays though...it sits on its side...not upright.