It’s a common question that many people have: can wisdom teeth press on nerves? The answer is, yes, it can. However, this typically doesn’t cause any pain in the jaw. That being said, wisdom teeth pressing on nerves does make a difference in terms of the decision to remove wisdom teeth and how wisdom teeth removal surgery is approached. In this article, we will discuss what happens when your wisdom teeth touch nerves and what that means for you.
Where Can Wisdom Teeth Press on Nerves?
Wisdom teeth pressing on nerves is a common occurrence in your lower jaw. The roots of wisdom teeth can grow close enough to the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) and even wrap around it as it grows into the mouth. The IAN is located just above the backline of your teeth, and it sends sensation information from the lower jaw to your brain. More specifically, it can sense changes in your lower teeth, chin, and lower lip.
What Does This Mean for Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Although your lower wisdom teeth pressing on this nerve typically does not cause pain, it can make wisdom teeth removal more complicated. If a wisdom tooth grows close enough to the IAN, it can disrupt or damage it during extraction. This is one of the biggest concerns for dentists and surgeons who perform wisdom teeth removal.
According to current research, it is estimated that between 1-20% of all wisdom teeth removal results in temporary nerve injury or numbness. In these cases, the IAN can become pinched and swollen, causing temporary numbness in the lower lip, chin, and gums. Oftentimes, this will go away after 1-2 months.
In extreme cases, in 0-2% of all wisdom teeth removals, permanent nerve injury can occur. This happens when your IAN is severed or permanently damaged by the removal of your wisdom tooth.
How Do Dentists Prevent Nerve Damage From Occurring?
There are various ways a dentist can prevent nerve damage from occurring during wisdom teeth removal. Depending on your specific situation, a dentist may choose to do some or all of the following risk-minimizing approaches:
Panoramic Radiography
Panoramic Radiography is a type of x-ray imaging that can be used to detect wisdom teeth that have grown close to the IAN. These x-rays work by creating a 3-D scan of your mouth and turning it into a 2-D image. This can help dentists identify those who are at higher risk for nerve injury and can alert them to take extra precautions during surgery.
CT Scans
If an x-ray can’t provide enough detail or shows that it is likely that your wisdom teeth are around your nerve, a dentist can also opt for a CT scan. CT scans are used to detect the exact position of your wisdom tooth and the IAN in relation to each other. They are more accurate than x-rays as they construct a 3-D image of your mouth, while an x-ray can only create a 2-D image. This can help dentists plan out the best way to approach the extraction without harming any nerves or tissue. Although these are more accurate than x-rays, they are also more expensive and time-consuming for the patient.
Decide Not To Remove the Wisdom Teeth
In some cases, if the wisdom teeth are not causing any damage or pain and are easy to keep clean, a dentist may decide that it is best not to remove them. This can help avoid the risk of nerve injury altogether and can be beneficial for those who can’t afford or don’t want to go through the risks associated with wisdom tooth removal. In fact, there are many benefits to keeping your wisdom teeth outlined here.
Do Wisdom Teeth Removal in Two Sessions
In cases where the wisdom teeth are extremely close to the IAN, a dentist can opt for a two-day wisdom teeth removal operation.
In this method, the first session is used to remove the mesial surface of the top portion of your tooth. The mesial surface of your wisdom tooth is the part of your tooth that faces the front of your mouth (Read more about teeth surfaces). This can help create more space in your mouth and can make it easier for the wisdom tooth to move away from the nerve.
The second session can then be used to safely extract the wisdom teeth without putting pressure on the IAN. This can minimize the risk of nerve damage and can help ensure that the procedure goes as smoothly as possible.
Perform a Corenoctomy
In this procedure, the dentist completely removes the top portion of your tooth, known as the crown. Unlike the previous procedure, a corenoctomy will leave the parts of your root wrapped around your nerve behind in your mouth. This can help ensure that the IAN remains undamaged during wisdom teeth removal and can minimize the risk of nerve injury. The remaining root is then reabsorbed by the body.
Conclusion
Can wisdom teeth press on nerves? Yes, it is possible, and this can increase the risk of nerve injury or numbness during the removal of wisdom teeth. However, with the right precautions and techniques, this can be minimized and can ensure that your wisdom tooth extraction experience is as safe and smooth as possible. If you are planning to get your wisdom teeth removed, make sure to consult with your dentist to ensure that they can safely carry out the procedure and can reduce the risk of nerve damage.
Disclaimer
The contents of this website, such as text, graphics, images, and other material are for informational purposes only and are not intended to be substituted for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Nothing on this website constitutes the practice of medicine, law or any other regulated profession.
No two mouths are the same, and each oral situation is unique. As such, it isn’t possible to give comprehensive advice or diagnose oral conditions based on articles alone. The best way to ensure you’re getting the best dental care possible is to visit a dentist in person for an examination and consultation.
SAVE TIME AND MONEY AT ANY DENTIST
Less dental work is healthier for you. Learn what you can do to minimize the cost of dental procedures and avoid the dentist altogether!
English