Common Dental Concerns: Wisdom Teeth, Root Canals, and Myths

Q: Common Dental Concerns: Wisdom Teeth, Root Canals, and Myths

Hello Sir： Thank you for your inquiry. <br>I would like to respond to your question and provide the following advice： If your wisdom teeth are growing in a tilted position and cannot be properly cleaned, leading to recurrent oral infections, it is advisable to have them extracted

Dental issues

Hello, Doctor:
1.
Should wisdom teeth generally be extracted? Additionally, after anesthesia, will there be no pain during the extraction? Once the anesthesia wears off, will there be significant pain?
2.
I previously underwent root canal treatment, and the original dentist stated that the treatment was complete and filled.
However, after visiting another clinic for an X-ray, I was informed that the root canal treatment was not finished and that the filling material had not been placed, so it needs to be redone.
Does this mean that the filling material needs to be placed again?
3.
I have heard that extracting wisdom teeth may help reduce baby fat.
Is this true? Thank you!

Lai, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2010/08/03

Dr. Zeng Guanghui reply Dentistry

Hello Sir: Thank you for your inquiry.
I would like to respond to your question and provide the following advice: If your wisdom teeth are growing in a tilted position and cannot be properly cleaned, leading to recurrent oral infections, it is advisable to have them extracted.
During the extraction procedure, anesthesia should ensure that there is no pain; however, after 2-3 hours, as the anesthesia wears off, you may experience some discomfort.
It is important to take anti-inflammatory and pain relief medication on schedule to alleviate any pain symptoms.
Additionally, if root canal treatment has only involved cleaning the root canal and the filling material has not yet been placed, it is essential to complete the filling to prevent any foreign material from entering the canal, thereby completing the root canal treatment.
Extracting the tooth will only remove the source of recurrent infection and prevent infection of the surrounding soft and hard tissues.
Finally, I wish you peace and happiness!

Reply Date: 2010/08/03

More Info

Hello! Thank you for your questions regarding common dental concerns, particularly about wisdom teeth, root canals, and some myths surrounding dental procedures. Let’s address each of your inquiries in detail.

1. Should Wisdom Teeth Always Be Removed?
Wisdom teeth, or third molars, do not always need to be extracted. The decision to remove them depends on several factors, including their position, whether they are impacted (unable to fully emerge), and if they cause any pain or dental issues. If wisdom teeth are healthy, properly aligned, and do not cause crowding or other problems, they may be left in place. However, if they are impacted, causing pain, or leading to infections or damage to adjacent teeth, extraction is often recommended.

Regarding anesthesia, most dental procedures, including wisdom tooth extraction, are performed under local anesthesia, which numbs the area around the tooth. Patients typically do not feel pain during the procedure. After the anesthesia wears off, some discomfort or pain may occur, which can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. It’s important to follow your dentist's post-operative care instructions to minimize discomfort and promote healing.

2. Understanding Root Canal Treatment
Root canal treatment involves removing the infected or damaged pulp from inside the tooth and then filling and sealing the space. If a dentist has indicated that your previous root canal treatment was incomplete, it likely means that the filling material was not placed properly, or there may be additional canals that were not treated. In this case, a retreatment may be necessary, which involves reopening the tooth, cleaning out the existing filling, and placing new filling material to ensure the tooth is sealed properly. This is crucial to prevent further infection and to maintain the tooth's integrity.

3. Myths About Wisdom Teeth and Weight Loss
There is a common myth that removing wisdom teeth can lead to weight loss, often referred to as "baby fat" reduction. This belief likely stems from the idea that after surgery, patients may eat less due to discomfort or swelling. However, there is no scientific evidence to support the notion that wisdom tooth extraction directly leads to significant weight loss. Weight changes are more complex and influenced by various factors, including diet, metabolism, and overall lifestyle.

Additional Considerations
It’s essential to maintain regular dental check-ups to monitor the health of your teeth and gums, especially if you have concerns about wisdom teeth or previous dental treatments. If you experience pain, swelling, or any unusual symptoms, seek dental advice promptly.

In conclusion, while wisdom teeth may not always need to be removed, their management should be tailored to each individual’s dental health. Root canal treatments are vital for saving infected teeth, and myths about dental procedures should be approached with caution. Always consult with a qualified dentist for personalized advice and treatment options. Thank you for your questions, and I hope this information helps clarify your concerns!

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