expert at wisdom teeth
the process
Wisdom Teeth Removal
Say goodbye to painful extractions with the expertise of our experienced team. We specialize in wisdom tooth removal for patients throughout the greater City area.
Why Remove Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the final teeth to arrive, usually around the age of 17. For many patients, the mouth doesn’t have enough room for these extra molars. The eruption of the four wisdom teeth (also called third molars) can pose a threat to your oral health. Wisdom teeth often become impacted and can severely disrupt the alignment of your smile, cause infection, damage the jawbone and lead to long-term oral health issues. Therefore many dental professionals recommend having wisdom teeth, or third molars, extracted as soon as possible.
Symptoms
of Wisdom Teeth Issues
The following are symptoms
of wisdom teeth….
- Red, tender, bleeding or swollen gums
- Jaw joint pain or aches
- Headaches
- Swelling around the jaw
- Halitosis (chronic bad breath)
- A sour taste in your mouth
- Difficulty opening and closing your mouth
- Occasional swollen lymph nodes in the neck
More About Wisdom Teeth Removal
Is this usually a preventative procedure?
More than 10 million wisdom teeth are removed in the United States each year and approximately 60 percent of these extractions are elective and not required at the time.
Why shouldn’t I wait on wisdom teeth removal?
We recommend wisdom teeth removal for patients in their late teens to early twenties. During this developmental time frame the teeth roots are not completely developed and take up less space within the jaw. If you wait too long for wisdom teeth removal your jawbone and teeth begin to set. As they get harder, the wisdom teeth are even more difficult to remove, and the procedure becomes even more complex. Though you can have wisdom teeth removed at any age, younger patients tend to recover more quickly following surgery.
How much does it cost?
The cost of third molar extractions depends upon a few different factors – how many wisdom teeth will be extracted, anesthesia used, any issues that may complicate the treatment, and your dental insurance. During your consultation we will provide you with an estimate of your treatment and any anticipate insurance coverage.
What should
I expect?
Conscious Sedation
To keep you pain-free and comfortable during the procedure, our experienced team will sedate you. You will not experience discomfort or remember the procedure, but you will be conscious enough to respond to your doctor.
Procedure
Our highly skilled team typically removes four wisdom teeth in about an hour.
Recovery
You can expect to feel a bit groggy after your procedure. We will monitor you until we feel you are ready to head home with the person who brought you.
Aftercare
We will give you some aftercare instructions before you leave. Full recovery time depends on your age and the extent of the procedure. Typically you can expect to resume normal activities after a day or two.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Insurance Cover Wisdom Tooth Removal?
Coverage depends on your insurance plan and medical necessity documentation.
Are Stitches Required After Extraction?
Some cases require dissolvable sutures to support healing and protect the surgical site.
When Can I Resume Normal Activities?
Most patients return to light activities within two to three days, depending on healing progress.
What Is Dry Socket?
Dry socket occurs when the protective blood clot dislodges prematurely, exposing bone and causing significant discomfort.
How Can I Reduce Swelling After Surgery?
Applying cold compresses, following medication instructions, and resting help reduce swelling and discomfort during recovery.
What Should I Eat After Wisdom Tooth Removal?
Soft foods such as yogurt, soups, and mashed vegetables are recommended during initial healing to avoid irritation.
How Long Does Wisdom Tooth Extraction Take?
Most procedures take less than one hour depending on tooth position and number of extractions required.
What Symptoms Indicate Wisdom Teeth Should Be Removed?
Common symptoms include pain, swelling, infection, jaw stiffness, gum inflammation, or damage to neighboring teeth.
What Are Impacted Wisdom Teeth?
Impacted wisdom teeth are third molars that cannot fully erupt due to limited space or improper positioning within the jawbone.
We can’t wait to meet you!
Call (435) 465-1923 or request an appointment online to set up your first visit.
