You are not exposing yourself to surgical risk. The risks and benefits of removal should also be examined. Alveolitis, or dry socket, is the most common complication, and is more common in patients older than 25 years and in women. It is also seen more often in patients who had to have their tooth removed than patients who elected to have them removed. Alveolitis will occur in one to five percent of patients regardless of the dentist's skill or surgical method chosen.
Most nerve injuries heal after a certain period, but permanent injuries do occur.
Any damage lasting beyond six months is likely to be permanent. Infections are usually minor but occasionally can lead to cellulitis, endocarditis, and brain, liver or heart abscesses. The younger the patient at the time of extraction, the fewer the complications. If a tooth has been targeted as problematic, it should be dealt with as soon as possible. The degree of difficulty and post-operative complications increase with age.