{"id":331,"date":"2009-11-06T17:34:29","date_gmt":"2009-11-06T23:34:29","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/mynewsmile.com\/blog\/?p=331"},"modified":"2009-11-04T17:42:18","modified_gmt":"2009-11-04T23:42:18","slug":"a-broken-piece-of-tooth-left-in-my-jaw","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mynewsmile.com\/blog\/a-broken-piece-of-tooth-left-in-my-jaw\/","title":{"rendered":"A broken piece of tooth left in my jaw"},"content":{"rendered":"

Dr. Hall, I was searching online with the statement “wisdom teeth<\/a> piece left in gumline” and I found a post of yours. You stated that the dentist makes a choice of whether or not he should leave the piece left in the gum. What are the actions that can occur if something does go wrong later on. I am asking because I had this happen to me and I am trying to figure out what I should do. I have seen two other dentists and they said they will not do the surgery to go in and remove the piece because they are scared of nerve damage in my face. Is there any legal responsibilites by my old dentist? I appreciate you time and any information you can give me.
\n– Chris from Virginia<\/p>\n

Chris,
\nYou didn’t say whether or not you are having trouble with this piece of tooth left in your jaw. If you aren’t having any trouble, then that is the end of the issue.<\/p>\n

Even if you are, though, I don’t think the dentist is responsible for anything. And here is the reason: It seems to me that if you have two other dentists who are afraid to go after this piece for fear they will damage your nerve, then the dentist was reasonable to leave it in. If the piece is bothering you a great deal, then you can make a decision that you will take the risk of damage to your nerve, absolve the dentist or oral surgeon of any responsibility, and have it taken care of. But you will need to sign away your rights to complain later.<\/p>\n

If your inferior alveolar nerve is severed in the process of getting this piece out, then your lower lip on that side will be permanently numb. While it feels weird for several months, eventually people get used to this and forget that it’s numb. You do have to be forever careful, though, because you can’t feel it if you bite your lip or burn it. I think you need to decide whether or not you want to take that risk.<\/p>\n

Dr. Hall<\/p>\n

Related links:
\nRead about the post-operative complications possible with wisdom tooth removal<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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