I’m seeing a sleep dentist in a couple of weeks to have my wisdom teeth extracted and I know this might sound weird, but I want to keep them. Will my dentist let me keep them and when and how do I ask him without being strange?
Thanks,
Emma
Dear Emma,
Unless you ask him in the form of a song while you’re wearing a clown costume and playing the accordion or you bring it up while discussing how crafty you are and how you’d like to make them into a necklace to give to your beloved, he probably won’t think you’re strange. It’s quite common for people to want to keep their teeth… though if you plan to do something unique with them, you might want to keep that part to yourself.
The CDC classifies teeth as medical waste, however they have also given their blessing on dentists allowing patients to take them home after extraction. Even though it is permitted, your dentist gets to make the final call and some still prefer to treat them as medical waste and dispose of them accordingly. Because it’s up to each individual dentist, you’ll need to check with him in advance, preferably in your preoperative visit. If he gives the green light, you can always remind the staff before the extractions. You’ll be sedated, so don’t count on yourself to remember to take them with you when you go. Also, please leave the accordion at home the day of the extractions as well.
This blog is sponsored by Port St. Lucie sedation dentist, Dr. Schamback