There are some risks / complications, which include:
(a) Infection or exposure of the extraction socket (dry socket) due to
loss of the clot. This may cause some pain and discomfort, and may need
to be managed by the oral surgeon/ dentist.
(b) Biting of the numb lip which may cause damage after the teeth have
been removed. Children should be watched closely by your parent/ guardian
until the numbness wears off.
(c) Damage to the Inferior Alveolar Nerve on each side of the Mandible
(lower jaw). This nerve passes very close to the root of the lower wisdom
tooth (often in contact with it) and gives feeling to the lower teeth,
lower lip and chin on that side. This nerve may be close to the area of
surgery, and there is a risk of damage to the nerve. This may cause numbness
of the lower teeth, lower lip and chin. This may be temporary (6–12
months) or permanent.
(d) Damage to the Lingual Nerve on each side of the Mandible (lower jaw).
This nerve passes very close to the tongue side of the lower wisdom tooth
and posterior mandibular teeth and gives feeling and taste to that side
of the tongue. This nerve may be close to the area of surgery, and there
is a risk of damage to the nerve. This may cause numbness and loss of
taste to that side of the tongue. This may be temporary (6–12 months)
or permanent.
(e) The tooth root tip may break off in small pieces when the tooth is
taken out. The dentist may not remove those pieces if there is a chance
that the nerves or other structures may be damaged during removal.
(f) Damage to teeth against the wisdom teeth during removal of the wisdom
tooth. Damage to teeth adjacent to any tooth being extracted. During the
extraction process, crowns adjacent to the extracted tooth may be knocked
off.
(g) Weakness of the jaw due to removal of the wisdom teeth. Although not
likely, the jaw may break during the procedure or during the healing period.
(h) If the upper teeth are close to the sinuses, removal may cause a hole
between the mouth and the sinus. This may need further surgery and referral
to the oral surgeon.