Wisdom teeth removal is a common dental procedure, often performed in late teens or early twenties. These third molars, located at the back of the mouth, can cause issues like impaction, pain, or infection if they don’t erupt properly or lack jaw space. Patients often wonder if they can keep their extracted teeth. This article explains the process and how to request them.
Can You Take Your Wisdom Teeth Home?
Patients can generally keep their wisdom teeth after removal, though policies vary by dental practice and local regulations. While extracted teeth are categorized as biohazardous waste, this typically doesn’t prevent patients from retaining their own teeth upon request. Most dental offices will release teeth once cleaned and disinfected. Severely fractured or diseased teeth might be less suitable for retention.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) confirm extracted teeth can be returned to patients upon request. Once returned, a tooth is no longer subject to the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard. However, some dental hospitals or institutions may have stricter internal rules, making it difficult for patients to take their teeth home, citing infection risks. If a tooth contains an amalgam filling, its disposal by the clinic is more complex due to mercury content, requiring specialized recycling.
Why Patients Request Their Wisdom Teeth
Many different reasons motivate individuals to request their extracted wisdom teeth. For some, the teeth hold sentimental value, serving as a unique personal keepsake or a memento of a significant life event. Patients might view them as a tangible piece of their personal history.
Others desire them for educational purposes, especially dentistry or biology students who wish to examine dental anatomy firsthand. The teeth offer a practical, hands-on learning opportunity for studying morphology and structure. Some individuals are simply curious or collect them as novelty items.
Navigating the Request Process
To ensure a smooth process, patients should communicate their desire to keep their wisdom teeth well in advance. The ideal time is during the initial consultation or a pre-operative appointment with the oral surgeon or dental staff. This allows the clinic to prepare and inform the patient of any specific protocols.
Patients should speak directly with the oral surgeon, dentist, or a member of the dental team to express their wishes. The clinic may require patients to sign a waiver acknowledging acceptance of the cleaned tooth. Dental clinics typically clean the extracted tooth to remove visible blood or tissue debris before releasing it. This initial cleaning often involves rinsing and basic disinfection to make the tooth safe for handling.
Caring for Your Extracted Teeth
Once the extracted wisdom teeth are in a patient’s possession, proper cleaning and preservation methods are important for long-term care. The initial cleaning by the dental office typically removes gross debris. At home, further cleaning can involve gently scrubbing the tooth with mild soap and water to remove any remaining residue.
For disinfection, soaking the teeth in a solution is effective. A 50% bleach and 50% water solution for about 72 hours, followed by a thorough rinse, is one option. Alternatively, a diluted hydrogen peroxide solution (e.g., 1:2 ratio with water) for a day or two can be used. Handle chemicals with care and ensure teeth are completely rinsed.
For long-term preservation, cleaned and disinfected teeth should be kept in a dry, airtight container to prevent degradation. They can also be embedded in resin for a durable display.