Is It Safe to Have my Wisdom Tooth Extracted While on Accutane?

Question

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

There are no strict guidelines when it comes to this.
Accutane generally effects the stratified squamous epithelium and the mouth is typically lined by mucosa. However it does thicken the level of the gingiva where the teeth are pulled.
It is my overall impression that this would not pose a serious threat. But to be absolutely safe, you would need to wait 1-2 years.

William Ting, MD · Answer

All elective surgery is to be avoided while on Accutane because of possible abnormal wound healing. However, for a medically indicated and potentially time-sensitive procedure such as wisdom tooth extraction, you would have to weigh pros and cons knowing that there could be exuberant gum tissue proliferation after wisdom teeth removal.

Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

I stop Accutane for 3 weeks before any vein procedures - such as microphlebectomy, ligation of perforator veins, and certainly limited vein stripping (which is necessary in the very rare circumstance where patients are not candidates for VNUS Closure or EVLT. Accutance retards wound healing and it is wise to stop it when healing and surgical outcomes of cosmesis are important to patients as in venous surgery.

Bryan K. Chen, MD · Answer

Accutane in theory increases the risk of scarring associated with surgical procedures.  The risk still is low, but I usually advise people to delay elective procedures until 6 months after discontinuation of accutane.  If your wisdom tooth is impacted and causing you pain or discomfort, I think it is reasonable to undergo tooth extraction in spite of being on accutane.
Hope I have not confused you.

Is It Safe to Have my Wisdom Tooth Extracted While on Accutane?

Answers (4)

Answer: You would need to weigh the risks and benefits

Answer: You would need to weigh the risks and benefits

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Everything you need to know about Wisdom Teeth Removal

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Is It Safe to Have my Wisdom Tooth Extracted While on Accutane?

Answers (4)

Answer: You would need to weigh the risks and benefits

Answer: You would need to weigh the risks and benefits

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Wisdom Teeth Removal

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.