Expert: Mark Bornfeld DDS - 12/21/2007

Question
Yesterday I had my tooth extracted, and although my dentist said the
operation would last at most fifteen minutes, it continued for an hour and a
half. My father wouldn't tell me exactly what had gone wrong during the
operation, as I wasn't feeling very well. However, this morning he let me know
that to get my tooth out, the dentist had to crack, and remove, a part of my
jaw.
Is this relatively normal? Is it safe? I am very confused and worried, and my
father wasn't, and isn't, sure how serious it is that the dentist had to do this.
Please, any advice you have would be hugely appreciated.
Many thanks,
Samantha.

Answer
Dear Samantha,

Although the removal of some bone is sometimes necessary for the purpose of extracting an impacted tooth, the fact that your procedure was expected to last 15 minutes suggests that your procedure was more difficult than it looked, and was a contingency that was necessitated by an unexpected turn of events.

While I don't think you have all that much to worry about if your postoperative symptoms are under control and your mouth feels normal apart from the missing tooth, it seems your dentist was in a little over his head with your case. In retrospect, I believe it would have been better if you had been referred to an oral surgeon, since this type of specialist is more skilled at performing difficult extractions, and you would have had it done more quickly, and with less stress and strain for all involved.

I think this is a cautionary tale, and if you ever need additional extractions in the future, you should consider requesting a referral to an oral surgeon rather than allowing your general dentist to extend his capabilities beyond his comfort level.

Hope this helps...

Mark Bornfeld DDS
www.dentaltwins.com
Brooklyn, NY