Do You Really Need to Extract Wisdom Teeth for Molars Cavities?

Is it necessary to extract wisdom teeth if there is a cavity in the molar?

I have a cavity between my leftmost molar and the gum, and my wisdom tooth has not erupted yet.
However, after seeing a doctor, I was told that the only option is to extract the wisdom tooth and then fill the cavity once the wound heals.
I would like to ask if there are any other ways to address this issue, such as directly filling the cavity in the molar.
Additionally, the doctor took a long time looking at my X-ray and asked about my age before reluctantly stating that the extraction would take about 30 minutes.
Is there a relationship between wisdom tooth extraction and age? Does the 30-minute extraction time indicate that the situation is difficult to manage? Thank you, doctor.

Chen, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/11/05

Dr. Huang Tingfang reply Dentistry

Dear Ms.
Chen,
Regarding whether a cavity in the molar area necessitates the extraction of the wisdom tooth: if the wisdom tooth is horizontally impacted, it should be removed.
If not, you may consider filling it first.

Take care! Wishing you all the best!
Sincerely,
Dr.
Huang Ting-Fang, Dentistry

Reply Date: 2019/11/05

More Info

When it comes to the management of cavities in molars, particularly in relation to wisdom teeth, there are several factors to consider. Your situation involves a cavity between your last molar and the gum, and the recommendation to extract the wisdom tooth before addressing the cavity raises important questions about the necessity and implications of such a procedure.

Firstly, it is essential to understand that wisdom teeth, or third molars, often become problematic due to their position in the mouth. They are located at the back of the jaw, making them difficult to clean and more susceptible to cavities and gum disease. If your wisdom tooth has not erupted yet, it may still be in a position that could complicate treatment for the adjacent molar. Dentists often recommend extraction in such cases to prevent future complications and to facilitate easier access for treating the molar.

However, extracting a wisdom tooth is not always the only option. If the wisdom tooth is not causing any immediate issues and is not impacted (meaning it is not trapped beneath the gum), it may be possible to treat the cavity in the molar directly. This would typically involve cleaning out the decay and filling the cavity. The decision to extract the wisdom tooth should be based on a thorough evaluation of its position, the extent of the cavity in the molar, and your overall dental health.

Regarding your concern about the extraction taking 30 minutes, this duration can vary based on several factors, including the complexity of the extraction, the position of the tooth, and the dentist's experience. Age can play a role in the extraction process; younger patients often have teeth that are easier to extract due to less bone density and more pliable roots. In older patients, the roots may be more developed and entrenched in the bone, making the procedure more challenging and time-consuming.

If your dentist has recommended extraction, it is crucial to have an open discussion about the reasons behind this recommendation. You may want to ask if there are alternative treatments available, such as direct filling of the molar cavity, and what the potential risks and benefits of each option are. Additionally, if you feel uncertain about the necessity of the extraction, seeking a second opinion from another dental professional can provide further clarity and reassurance.

In summary, while extracting a wisdom tooth may be a common recommendation when dealing with adjacent molar cavities, it is not always the only solution. Factors such as the position of the wisdom tooth, the extent of the decay in the molar, and your overall dental health should guide the decision-making process. Open communication with your dentist and possibly seeking a second opinion can help you make an informed choice that aligns with your dental health needs.

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