Tag Archives: wisdom tooth infection

Dentist Won’t Remove My Tooth

I have been having a lot of dental work done. I recently had two root canals done. One of them has never felt quite right. I have a wisdom tooth that is infected and my dentist wants to remove it. I’m all for that. However, I also want to remove the tooth that had the root canal treatment. He won’t do it. I’m waiting until I can get both done. Is there anything I can say to convince him to take that tooth out?

Stacey

Dear Stacey,

A woman holding her jaw in pain

While I am sure you can find a dentist who would be willing to take out the extra tooth that you would like removed, I’m not sure you want to do that. If your dentist thought the tooth was infected, he would certainly take it out. After all, he would make more money taking out an extra tooth. So why is he saying no? The only reason I can think of is he has integrity and is not willing to take your money unnecessarily. In all honesty, I think that is something to be grateful for.

Please don’t put off getting that infected wisdom tooth removed. A tooth infection is serious and will spread. If you think about how close your jaw is to your heart, you do not want the infection reaching there. You are putting yourself in serious risk by holding out to try to convince him to do this other tooth.

If you still want to insist on having both removed, as I said earlier, I am sure you can find a dentist willing to take your money.

This blog is brought to you by Gilbert Dentist Dr. Matt Roper.

Am I too old to have my wisdom teeth removed?

I have a wisdom tooth that is really bothering me, but I am 33 years old and am a little concerned that I might be too old to have it removed. Is there much risk of complication at my age? Also, should I just have all of them removed or just wait until they bother me?

Rory Ann- Michigan

Rory Ann,

I don’t really get too concerned about complication until someone is 40. You’re young enough still where I think you can safely do this procedure.

If your wisdom tooth is bothering you, then there really isn’t much choice but to remove it anyway. Leaving a wisdom tooth infection is extremely dangerous. It can spread to your jawbone, even your brain. You want to get it removed as soon as possible.

I like the idea of you getting all of them out at the same time.  It’s no harder on your recovery and it is safer than waiting until they bother you.  That might not happen until you are over the age of 40, when complication, including your jaw breaking are more likely.

This blog is brought to you by Gilbert Emergency Dentist Dr. Matt Roper.

Can’t afford tooth extraction

I have an infected wisdom tooth that really needs to be extracted, but I just don’t have the money. I’m worried the infection is spreading. I’ve now got pressure along my left cheek bone leading up to my eye.  Should I see if my doctor would be willing to write me an antibiotic prescription without my coming in? My dentist won’t do it.

Brandon W.- Athens, GA

Brandon,

There is a  reason your dentist won’t write you a prescription, but it sounds like he didn’t explain it to you. Antibiotics will not get rid of your infection. They will merely hold the infection temporarily, but it will continue and then will be more resistant to the medicine. The reason antibiotics don’t work is they cannot get to the source of the infection.

You need a dentist to do that. If you leave the infection, it will continue to spread.  What will you do if it gets to your brain?

You’re in need of some affordable dental treatment. My recomendation to you is that you call around and explain your situation. You will probably find a dentist who is willing to work with you.  Most dentists have payment plan options. Our office even has an in-office dental plan. This will allow you to pay the fee over time.  Some are low and even no-interest plans.

This blog is brought to you by Gilbert Dentist Dr. Matt Roper.