Will extracting one wisdom tooth on the top right affect Invisalign treatment? (Photo)

Question

I had braces in high school for 1.5 years & they insisted on taking my 4 premolar to prevent having too many teethes once my wisdom came out. Today, I just went to the dentist, and dr. gave me an option of extracting my top right wisdom tooth or do filling. She said my wisdom teeth is partially decayed and if it further decay..it can hit my nerve. I don't know what to do at this point. Also since the bottom teeth (wisdom) have no support from the top, will it affect the treatment?Help me?!

Robert L. Knudson, DDS · Answer

If the tooth is barely in function with the lower, I think extraction of it alone is fine so long as it does not leave the lower one with no opposing occlusion.  If the wisdom teeth are fully erupted and functioning, save it with the filling or whatever is needed.  Stuff happens in surgery that may not be nice, and stuff happens to second molars that may make you wish you still had the third one.

Victoria Veytsman, DDS · Answer

Hello there,Thank you for your question.Many of our patients have this question and we usually suggest to remove wisdom teeth if they have a history of cavities back there. Wisdom teeth are hard to reach when flossing and brushing, therefore making them prone to cavities. Removing wisdom teeth usually requires an oral surgeon and getting put under general anesthesia. If you are not ready for such a procedure, I would suggest to at least get the decay removed and filled in in the mean time.Removing your wisdom teeth will not effect your Invisalign treatment.  If teeth are removed during Invisalign treatment, your trays must be adjusted. Your doctor may either adjust/ cut the wisdom teeth out from your trays, or take impressions and request new trays.Hope this helps. Good luck!

Jennifer S. Stachel, DMD · Answer

Dear marie.07,Thank you for posting your question on Real Self.  I will do my best to answer your question with the information provided.Removing your wisdom tooth will not affect treatment.  Because you are removing the one, I would recommend removing the opposite wisdom tooth or even the remaining.  They are sources of infection, because they are difficult to clean.  Again, removing wisdom teeth will not affect your Invisalign treatment.  Although, I would let your Invisalign treating doctor know so that he can fabricate the aligners without that tooth.I hope that this helps and good luck!Best,Dr. Jenn

Will extracting one wisdom tooth on the top right affect Invisalign treatment? (Photo)

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Will extracting one wisdom tooth on the top right affect Invisalign treatment? (Photo)

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