Incomplete Wisdom Tooth Removal

Sometimes, getting a wisdom tooth removed doesn’t go exactly as planned, and a small part of the tooth may be left behind. This is known as incomplete wisdom tooth removal. If it’s not taken care of, it may sometimes cause pain and other dental problems. It’s important to recognise the signs of this complication early and seek professional advice from a reliable Perth dentist to see what the best course of action is.

Risks of Incomplete Wisdom Tooth Removal

If a wisdom tooth isn’t fully removed, it may lead to some problems that can affect your oral health. Let’s go over some possible issues that may happen when part of your wisdom tooth is left behind:

Infection: If some tooth fragments still remain after your dentist extracts your tooth, they can trap bacteria, which might lead to infections in your gums or even the bone around it.

Nerve Damage: If small pieces of your tooth are left too close to certain nerves, like the ones near your tongue or jaw, they could cause nerve damage. This may lead to numbness or a tingling feeling in your lips, chin, or tongue.

Cysts or Tumors: If small pieces of your tooth still remain, they may sometimes cause cysts to form in your jawbone. In rare cases, they might even lead to tumours, which may require surgery to fix the problem.

Dry Socket (Alveolar Osteitis): If a wisdom tooth isn’t removed the right way, you may have a higher chance of developing a dry socket. This is a painful condition that happens when the blood clot that covers the wound falls out or disappears too soon, which can make it harder for your mouth to heal.

Damage to Adjacent Teeth: If a dentist cannot extract your wisdom tooth fully and correctly and some tooth fragments still remain, it may hurt your nearby teeth. This may lead to problems like cavities or even damage to the tooth’s structure.

Delayed Healing: If small pieces of your tooth are left behind, it may slow down healing and cause ongoing pain or other problems.

Causes of Incomplete Wisdom Tooth Removal

We have listed here some possible reasons for incomplete wisdom tooth removal:

Challenging Tooth Position

Wisdom teeth do not always grow correctly and may sometimes grow at awkward angles and, in some cases, even horizontally. When this happens, it can be harder for the dentist to remove the whole tooth properly.

Complex Tooth Anatomy

Sometimes, wisdom teeth have roots that are curved or hooked, which can make them harder for dentists to remove completely. This increases the chance that small pieces of your tooth may get left behind.

Impaction

If your wisdom tooth is stuck under the gums or blocked by other teeth, it can be harder for the dentist to reach and remove it entirely.

Proximity to Nerves

If your wisdom tooth is close to major nerves, like the inferior alveolar nerve, surgeons may leave part of the root behind on purpose to avoid damaging the nerve.

Dense or Thick Jawbone

If your jawbone is thick or dense, it can make it challenging for your dentist to fully remove the tooth or any leftover pieces.

Limited Access

Wisdom teeth grow at the very back of the mouth, which makes them difficult to see and reach. Because of this, removing them completely can be more challenging.

Inadequate Surgical Technique

If you choose a dentist who isn’t very experienced or doesn’t use the right techniques, it may lead to the incomplete removal of the wisdom tooth.

Patient Factors

People who have difficulty opening their mouth wide or have a strong gag reflex may limit the dentist’s ability to fully access and remove the tooth.

Symptoms to Watch for After Surgery

If your wisdom tooth extraction didn’t go as planned, certain signs can help you notice if something isn’t right. Pay attention to how you feel after your procedure so you can spot any signs that something may not be right.

Here are some key symptoms to keep an eye on:

Persistent Pain: It’s normal to feel some discomfort after wisdom tooth surgery, but if the pain doesn’t go away or starts getting worse days later, it could mean that part of the tooth was left behind.

Swelling That Doesn’t Subside: It’s normal to have some swelling after getting a wisdom tooth removed, but if it persists or gets worse after a few days, it may mean there are leftover tooth fragments or an infection.

Gum Issues: Pay attention if your gums stay red, swollen, or sore for longer than usual after wisdom tooth extraction. If they don’t seem to be healing, it could mean that some pieces of the tooth are still stuck under the gums.

Bad Taste or Smell: If you notice a bad taste in your mouth or a foul smell that won’t go away, especially from the back of your mouth, it could be a sign of an infection caused by a tooth that wasn’t fully removed.

Difficulty Opening Your Mouth: If you find it hard to open your mouth or move your jaw several days after your surgery, this could be a sign of complications from the procedure.

Note: Please remember that these signs don’t always mean you’re dealing with incomplete wisdom tooth removal. They could also be related to normal healing or other minor issues. If you notice anything unusual, it’s best to visit your dentist just to be sure everything is healing properly and there are no complications.

Managing Complications Effectively

Here are some practical steps and treatment options that can help you deal with incomplete wisdom tooth removal better:

Immediate Follow-Up: Contact your dentist as soon as you notice something doesn’t feel right. Acting quickly can help prevent any bigger issues and make sure everything is healing properly.

Surgical Removal of Fragments: In some cases, if any pieces of the wisdom tooth are still there, your dentist may need to perform a quick procedure to take them out. This procedure will remove any leftover pieces to prevent infection and other issues.

Prescription Medications: Your dentist may prescribe antibiotics to treat any infections caused by the remains of the tooth. Anti-inflammatory medications can also be used to reduce swelling and manage pain.

Regular Dental Check-Ups: Visit your dentist regularly to monitor the healing process and ensure that there are no issues.

Home Care Advice: To help your mouth heal, make sure to follow your dentist’s advice on keeping it clean. This may include rinsing with salt water and brushing gently to avoid irritating the surgical site.

Note: In some cases, leaving a small portion of the root may be considered less invasive and lower risk than attempting complete removal, especially if the remaining fragment is unlikely to cause future complications.

How to Prevent Incomplete Removal

Did you know taking the time to find an experienced specialist and having a consultation session before your wisdom tooth extraction can reduce your risks of complications?

Choose the Right Dental Specialist

Pick a dentist or oral surgeon who has lots of experience with wisdom tooth extractions. Check reviews from other patients and look for someone with a history of successful procedures.

Comprehensive Pre-Surgery Assessments

It’s important that your dentist conducts a comprehensive assessment before wisdom teeth extractions. This should include X-rays or possibly a CT scan to understand the position and condition of your wisdom teeth.

Discuss the Procedure

Make sure you know what to expect from your wisdom teeth surgery, including any risks or complications it may have and how your dentist will handle complex cases.

Seek Second Opinions if Necessary

If you are still unsure or if your case is complicated, you can seek a second opinion from another dental specialist to make sure you’re getting the right treatment plan.

Dr Roya is a caring and experienced dentist who is known for her gentle touch and friendly approach. She has been practising since 2006 and has developed strong skills in many dental procedures, especially surgical extractions and wisdom teeth removal. She is highly trusted by patients who struggle with dental anxiety, as she creates a calm and stress-free environment. Her focus is on giving each patient personalised care while using modern techniques to make treatments as smooth and comfortable as possible.

Visit our comprehensive guide on wisdom teeth removal in Perth for more details about wisdom teeth.

Visit Our Clinic for Expert Care

If you’re facing dental issues or need a wisdom tooth extraction, our clinic is ready to help with top-notch care and expertise. Our team of dedicated dental professionals is trained to handle even the most complex dental conditions. We focus on providing a comfortable, caring environment where your health is our top priority. Trust us to manage your dental needs with precision and proactive care. We are a NIB preferred provider, Bupa preferred provider, Medibank preferred provider, HCF preferred provider, and HBF preferred provider dentist in Perth. Call us at (08) 9474 5083 or visit us today to ensure your dental health is in the best hands.