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Dentistry/Wisdom Tooth

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Expert: - 2/28/2009


Question
Hello,
I have a wisdom tooth that is in very bad condition.  I was hoping to get it extracted because the tooth is corrupted.  My dentist suggested putting a crown on the wisdom tooth.  I don't know if it is worth doing that.  He said it would be beneficial for the future due to my top tooth biting with the lower tooth.  My wisdom tooth is half gone and he would also have to do a build-up.  Is it worth fixing a wisdom tooth, and can it really cause trouble for the future if I take it out.  

Thanks for your help.

Answer
Dear Nina:
Your problem and dilemma is very common.  I am not a big proponent of prophylactically removing wisdom teeth, however, once one has to spend time, money and resources on restoring a wisdom tooth, I tend to recommend removal.
I cannot recommend the proper action for you, since I cannot examine you directly.  However, generally wisdom teeth are located so far in the mouth and restoring them is very difficult.  It is very hard to get a good root canal treatment, post/core and a crown that will last for a long time.  It is also very difficult for you to maintain proper oral hygiene.
I would recommend that you go for a second opinion to the specialist--the Prosthodotntist.  If the tooth is important to your occlusion (bite) then keeping it might be a good option.  However, if you are very young and any restoration will have to last for many years, you might be jut prolonging the inevitable and should just get the wisdom tooth removed and the opposing one as well.  You will create an oral environment that is easier for you to clean and maintain.
www.prosthodontics.org will have a link to locating a Prosthodontist near you.
Best wishes, and have a great weekend.
Dr. Zev Kaufman

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Zev Kaufman, D.D.S.

Expertise

I can answer any question from simple routine dentistry to very complex dentistry with emphasis on reconstructive, cosmetic, and implant dentistry. My expertise is in co-ordination of very complex treatment plans with other dental specialists or as a one-man-team, since I have extensive training in Prosthodontics, Surgical Implantology, and orthodontics.

Experience

Over a decade in private practice of Surgical Implantology and Prosthodontics. Founder and owner of Prosthodontics & Implant Surgery of Manhattan, PC. Clinical Assistant Professor at the Post-Graduate Department of Periodontics & Implant Dentistry at New York University College of Dentistry. Lecture weekly since 1999 on advanced Implant Prosthodontics at New York University College of Dentistry Post-Graduate Program in Periodontics & Implant Dentistry. Former clinical assistant professor of Dental Radiology at the NYU College of Dentistry. Former clinical and lecture faculty at Lincoln Hospital, Dental residency program. Former clinical and lecture faculty at St. Barnabas Hospital (Bronx, NY) dental residency program. Lecture nationally on Prosthodontics and Implant Dentistry.

Organizations
Memeber of the American College of Prosthodontics. Memeber of the Acacdemy of Osseointegration. Member or the Omikron Kappa Upsilon (OKU) Honors Dental Society. Member of the American Dental Education Association.

Education/Credentials
Graduated with Honors from New York University College of Dentistry. Post-Graduate training and certificate in the specialty of Prosthodontics. Post-Graduate training and ceritificate in Surgical and Prosthetic Implant Dentistry. Honors-program in Comprehensive and Applied Practice Management. Honors-program in Orthodontics.

Awards and Honors
NYU Cervice award to the community. OKU honor society. National Dean's List. National Who's Who.

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