You are here:

Dentistry/Wisdom Teeth

Advertisement

Expert: - 11/15/2007


Question
Hello,

I have all of my wisdom in my mouth. They grew in just fine because I had some teeth pulled as a child to be fitted for braces (so there was room for my teeth to grow in just fine). My issue is that one on my bottom right wisdom teeth has a cavity in it and I need to get it removed. So as a result I am getting both bottom wisdom teeth removed. The oral surgeon told me that I needed to get both the top and the bottom wisdom teeth removed because the top ones will "grow down" if the bottom ones are missing. I am concerned about the likelihood of something like this happening? And if they did grow down they couldn't go past the gum so why would it be an issue (unless it would cause my upper teeth to shift) Please let me know, anything you know regarding this issue.

Thanks so Much in Advance.

Answer
Dear Narjis:  These are questions you should be asking your dentist or surgeon.  First, if it's only a cavity in your wisdom tooth, why not fix the tooth?  Then you would keep all your wisdom teeth and not have these questions.  If you must lose a wisdom tooth, it is usually better to have them all out at the same time, thus avoiding additional surgical exposures for other wisdom teeth, as well as providing for one healing time.  However, if your wisdom teeth are in good alignment with your bite, and do not easily develop gum disease around them, I would advise you to fix the tooth, rather than have it removed.  dd

Dentistry

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Howard Finnk, D.D.S., P.A., CEO

Expertise

I am a Family, Implant and Cosmetic dentist. I will answer questions on any aspect of dentistry and matters relating to the smile, gums, jaws and lower face. Member American Dental Association, Florida Dental Association, Broward County Dental Association, and Atlantic Coast District Dental Association. I have served as District Council Member of Alpha Omega, as well as serving for one term as its President. I am also a member of The Vedder Honors Society, Broward Dental Research Clinic, and Mount Sinai Hospital Guild. I have served as a Volunteer for Project Dental Health and The Tri-County Dental Health Council.

Experience

Having attained over 30 years of clinical experience in private practice in Michigan, in 2001 I was re-certified by taking and passing the Florida State Dental Board Examination. After moving to Florida, I spent nearly 10 years re-honing my skills while working as an Associate Dentist for several large dental groups. In September, 2004, I was appointed Adjunct Clinical Professor at Nova University's College of Dental Medicine. I am certified in placement of Mini Dental Implants, and I am Director of The Florida Implant Center (floridaimplantcenter.com). On March 1, 2010, at the age of 62, I began all over again by buying a dental practice near my home in the Fort Lauderdale area. As sole owner and Chief Dental Officer of the new Nob Hill Dental Center (nobhilldentalcenter.com), I can now carefully provide dental care to patients who care, all within a caring, joyful environment. Over my career lifetime, I have provided thousands of diagnoses, fillings, crowns, bridges, root canals, periodontal treatments, TMJ therapies, partials, dentures and extractions, and dozens of implants for my patients. The only aspect of dentistry with which I have very little experience is orthodontics.

Organizations
American Dental Association, Florida Dental Association, Broward County Dental Association, Atlantic Coast District Dental Society, Vedder Honors Society, Broward Dental Research Clinic, Alpha Omega Alumni Association, and American Association of Dental Implantologists. Formerly, American Academy of General Dentistry, Michigan Dental Association, Macomb Dental Society, Detroit District Dental Society, Tri-County Dental Health Council (a charitable dental care organization)

Publications
"How To Save Money At The Dentist" Going to press soon.

Education/Credentials
Bachelor of Arts and Sciences in Psychology from Wayne State University Doctor of Dental Surgery from University of Detroit College of Dentistry Adjunct Clinical Professor, Special Needs Department, Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine, Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Awards and Honors
Membership in The Vedder Honors Society

Past/Present Clients
HIPAA rules do not allow me to post this information.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.