Can Wisdom Teeth Be Used as Dentures? FAQs on Dental Care

Wisdom teeth... dentures?

Can a wisdom tooth be left in place to be used as a dental prosthesis after extraction? Can one wisdom tooth be used for one dental prosthesis? Can it be given to a family member? Is there any coverage under health insurance? Thank you.

Q, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2011/02/11

Dr. Cao Guoqing reply Dentistry

Hello! After the complete extraction of a wisdom tooth, it can be properly handled and immediately transplanted into the extraction site to serve as a functional tooth.
This process is known as autotransplantation of teeth.
However, if the tooth is not transplanted immediately or stored properly after extraction, it cannot be used.
Regarding the autotransplantation procedure, health insurance does provide coverage, but if bone graft material is necessary, it will be out-of-pocket expenses.
The cost will depend on the pricing of the hospital or clinic.
Using the extracted tooth for oneself is acceptable, but for family members, it is considered a foreign object, so the success rate is not high.

Reply Date: 2011/02/11

More Info

Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are often extracted due to various reasons, including impaction, crowding, or decay. The question of whether these teeth can be used as dentures is an interesting one, but it is essential to clarify some misconceptions surrounding this topic.

Firstly, wisdom teeth are not typically used as dentures. Dentures are prosthetic devices designed to replace missing teeth and restore function and aesthetics. They can be either complete (replacing all teeth) or partial (replacing some teeth). The process of creating dentures involves taking impressions of the mouth and constructing a custom-fitted device that sits on the gums. Wisdom teeth, once extracted, cannot be reattached or repurposed as dentures. They are usually discarded after extraction due to their condition and the fact that they are not designed to function as removable prosthetics.

Regarding the idea of using a single wisdom tooth as a denture, it is important to note that a single tooth cannot serve as a standalone denture. Dentures are designed to replace multiple teeth and provide support for chewing and speaking. A single tooth, especially one that has been extracted, lacks the necessary structure and support to function effectively as a denture.

As for the question of whether a family member can use a wisdom tooth as a denture, it is not feasible. Each individual's dental anatomy is unique, and a tooth extracted from one person cannot be used in another person's mouth. Additionally, the biological compatibility and hygiene concerns make it impractical and unsafe to consider using an extracted tooth in this manner.

Regarding health insurance coverage, it varies by country and specific insurance plans. In many cases, dental insurance may cover the extraction of wisdom teeth if deemed medically necessary, but it typically does not cover the use of extracted teeth for any purpose, including as dentures. It is advisable to check with your dental insurance provider for specific coverage details related to wisdom tooth extraction and denture services.

In conclusion, wisdom teeth cannot be used as dentures. They are not designed for this purpose, and once extracted, they cannot be repurposed for use in another individual. If you or a family member is facing tooth loss, it is best to consult with a dentist to explore appropriate options for tooth replacement, such as dentures, dental bridges, or dental implants. Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene practices are essential for maintaining oral health and preventing the need for extractions in the first place.

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