Should You Remove Your Upper Wisdom Tooth? Dental Crown Concerns Explained

Whether to extract wisdom teeth in relation to opposing teeth and issues after crown procedures?

Hello Doctor, I am a 22-year-old college student.
I have only had my lower left wisdom tooth extracted, and the upper left one has not been removed yet.
After several consultations, it has been confirmed that the upper left wisdom tooth and the surrounding teeth are clean and free of cavities.
However, the upper left wisdom tooth is "erupted correctly," and since the lower left wisdom tooth has been extracted, there is currently no opposing tooth to support it.
I would like to ask you the following:
1.
Is it urgent to extract the upper wisdom tooth? (I am concerned because I am prone to cavities, and I previously learned that wisdom teeth can potentially be removed and then autotransplanted if they develop cavities.)

2.
If I do not have it extracted, what impact could it have? I have heard that it takes about 10 years for the teeth to grow downwards and affect the gums.
3.
Additionally, I would like to ask about something.
A few months ago, I underwent root canal treatment and had a crown placed, but I have noticed that food gets easily trapped between two molars (the last two on the right).
One of those teeth had a crown placed several years ago as well.
Is this normal? Could it be that the crown placed a few months ago was not done properly, leading to this issue?
Thank you for your response, Doctor.

Liao Xiansheng, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/01/09

Dr. Lin Jiayong reply Dentistry

Hello, if the upper left wisdom tooth currently shows no signs of disease, it is advisable to simply observe it.
If there are no indications for extraction or surgery, invasive or irreversible treatments should be avoided.
Additionally, if the tooth is erupting at a normal angle, it should not be too difficult to extract in the future if it becomes necessary due to other dental issues.
The issue of dentures getting caught in the gaps is usually caused by the occlusion of the opposing teeth, so it is recommended to return to the original clinic for an occlusal adjustment.
Sincerely, Lin Chia-Yung, Department of Dentistry, Taichung Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Reply Date: 2022/01/09

More Info

Hello! Thank you for your detailed questions regarding your dental concerns. It sounds like you have been through quite a journey with your teeth, and I appreciate your thoroughness in seeking clarity on these issues. Let’s address your questions one by one.

1. Should you urgently remove your upper wisdom tooth?
Since your upper left wisdom tooth is positioned correctly and there are no signs of decay or gum disease, there may not be an immediate need to extract it. However, your concern about being prone to cavities is valid. Wisdom teeth can sometimes be difficult to clean properly, which increases the risk of decay. If you are considering the option of autotransplantation (moving the tooth to another location), this is typically reserved for specific cases and would require a thorough evaluation by an oral surgeon. If your upper wisdom tooth is healthy and not causing any issues, it may be best to monitor it regularly rather than rush into extraction.

2. What are the potential consequences of not removing the upper wisdom tooth?
If the tooth remains healthy and well-maintained, it should not pose a problem. However, wisdom teeth can sometimes lead to complications later in life, such as crowding of adjacent teeth or gum issues. The timeline you mentioned regarding the tooth potentially affecting the gums after ten years is a general guideline; however, individual experiences can vary significantly. Regular dental check-ups will help monitor any changes in your dental health.

3. Concerns about food getting stuck between your crowned molars:
It is not uncommon for food to get trapped between teeth, especially after dental work like crowns. This can happen for several reasons, including the fit of the crowns, the alignment of your bite, or the contours of the teeth. If food is consistently getting stuck, it may indicate that the crowns are not fitting together properly or that there is a gap that needs to be addressed. It’s essential to discuss this with your dentist, as they may need to adjust the crowns or suggest additional cleaning techniques to help manage this issue.

In summary, your upper wisdom tooth does not need to be removed urgently if it is healthy, but you should keep an eye on it, especially given your history of cavities. Regular dental visits will help ensure that any potential issues are caught early. Regarding your crowns, if food is frequently getting stuck, it’s worth discussing with your dentist to see if adjustments are necessary.

In addition to these points, maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial. Continue using dental floss and interdental brushes to clean between your teeth, especially around the crowns. Using an antibacterial mouthwash can also help reduce the risk of cavities and gum disease. If you have any further concerns or if your situation changes, don’t hesitate to reach out to your dental care provider for personalized advice.

I hope this information helps clarify your concerns! Take care of your dental health, and don’t hesitate to ask more questions if needed.

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