Hi there, I am suffering with a partially erupted 3rd molar on my lower right side. Only approx 20% of the tooth is visable and has been this way for about 3 years now. It is a tight seal between the tooth and the operculum which means its very difficult to keep clean, even using a syringe does not work. this is making it very prone to infection, and the smell....well lets keep this polite and say its more them embarrasing. My question to you is, what is the likelyhood that my dentist will agree to remove the operculum as i have read on alot of forums that the riskis involved with the lingual nerve are very high and the operculectomy has been removed from standard practice. Im in the UK, using a UK dentist just incase that makes a difference. I would really appriciate any help and advice you could give me. Thanks Sean
Thank you for your querying your case I must suggest that try to go to an oral surgeon and not just plain dentist. He will get orthopentomogram done(OPG). This investigation will show the angle of molar, size of root, and it also tells about the cause of impaction.Moreover, the 3rd molar is more or less a vestigial organ. It has no role in grinding or occlusion. Getting the operculectomy done might hamper your 2nd molar(if tilted)Extraction is the treatment in your case.... But do consult an oral surgeon as he is an expert and prevent lingual nerve injury. The lingual nerve injury is otherwise very rare. Extraction will also prevent chronic gingivitis, which causes bad oral odor. God bless