Wisdom Tooth Extractions Allen
Preserve Your Oral Health
Wisdom tooth extractions are often viewed as a sort of rite of passage for teens and young adults. Yet, you may still wonder what is involved in this procedure. Read this page to learn more about wisdom tooth extractions in Allen, why they are often necessary, and what you can expect from this procedure. If you are concerned that it may be time to get your wisdom teeth taken out, contact our team to schedule a consultation.
Why Choose Advanced Dental Care of Allen for Wisdom Tooth Extractions?
- Partnered with Local Anesthesiologist
- Expert, Caring Dental Team
- Prevention of Oral Health Problems
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the third molars at the back of the mouth. They tend to develop well after all the other teeth, when a person is older and “wiser” than they were previously. Most people grow four of them, two on the top and two on the bottom. However, some people have fewer or more. A small percentage of people never develop their wisdom teeth at all.
Why Do Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?
Wisdom teeth do not always need to be removed. In some cases, they can remain in the mouth for a patient’s lifetime without causing any adverse effects. In other cases, however, they can lead to serious complications. For example, if your mouth is too small to accommodate your wisdom teeth, they can push against the nearby dentition, causing your smile to become misaligned. They may also contribute to the development of cysts, infections, and other issues. Your dentist in Allen will help you determine whether your wisdom teeth should be removed.
What to Expect from the Wisdom Tooth Extraction Procedure
If your wisdom teeth have fully erupted from the gumline, extracting them is fairly simple. Dr. Kar will use an elevator to lift each tooth before using forceps to gently remove them from their sockets.
If a tooth is impacted, the procedure is more complex. Dr. Kar invites a specialist into our office to perform this kind of surgery. It may involve making incisions in the gums or breaking a tooth into pieces.
Regardless of which kind of tooth extraction you undergo, you can be confident that our team will do all we can to make you comfortable during your procedure.
Partnered with a Local Anesthesiologist
Dr. Kar partners with a local anesthesiologist to offer safe IV sedation dentistry during advanced surgical procedures like wisdom tooth extraction in-office. With over 20 years of experience, our certified anesthesiologist will help you feel comfortable while you’re in the treatment chair, all while monitoring your vitals and ensuring your safety throughout your procedure. Plus, our specialist’s fees tend to be lower than if you were to visit an oral surgeon’s office.
Recovering from Wisdom Teeth Extraction
It is normal to feel some soreness after wisdom tooth removal. Here are some tips to make your recovery as easy as possible:
- Avoid vigorous physical activity for a few days.
- Eat a soft diet that consists of things like smoothies and brothy soups.
- Take all medications as recommended by our team.
- Do not smoke or use a drinking straw for at least a few days.
- If you experience any severe or unusual side effects, call us right away for guidance.
Your Guide to Wisdom Tooth Extraction Recovery
If you have an upcoming appointment for wisdom tooth extractions, it is understandable if you are a bit nervous about what to expect after your procedure. Some soreness, swelling, and other side effects are quite common. However, if you carefully follow your dental team’s post-op instructions, there is a very small chance that you will run into any complications. Here is a basic guide on what you may experience during wisdom tooth recovery:
Full Recovery May Take Up to Two Weeks
Everyone heals at different rates. Generally speaking, though, most people are back to feeling normal within 10 – 14 days of their surgery. Here is an overview of how your recovery might proceed:
- Within the first 24 hours, blood clots should form at your extraction sites.
- After two or three days, swelling of the mouth and cheeks should be significantly reduced.
- After 7 days, stitches are removed (for patients who do not receive dissolvable stitches).
- Within 7 – 10 days, jaw stiffness and soreness usually go away.
- Complete recovery typically happens within 14 days.
Tips for a Smooth Recovery
Of course, any instructions from your dental team should supersede generalized guidelines. However, the below tips can give you a broad idea of what you can do to facilitate an easy and smooth recovery.
Immediately After Your Surgery
You may need to bite down on a gauze pad for a while to control any bleeding. Your dentist might also recommend that you ice your face in 15-minute intervals to keep swelling to a minimum. If you were sedated during your surgery, you may feel groggy for several hours (or longer), so you should have a friend or family member drive you home from the dental office.
Your Diet
As long as your mouth is still sore, it would be wise to stick to a soft diet. Foods like brothy soups, smoothies, and even ice cream are acceptable. Crunchy, hard, and chewy foods should be avoided until you are fairly well-recovered.
Get Enough Rest
It would be wise to take at least 2 – 3 days off of work or school following your procedure. Pushing yourself to do too much too soon could slow down your healing process and make you feel exhausted. It is also recommended that you avoid vigorous physical activity for at least several days.
Avoiding Dry Socket
Dry socket is a complication that occurs when the blood clot at an extraction site gets prematurely dislodged. You can reduce your risk of suffering from it by not drinking from a straw, avoiding smoking, and not spitting for at least the first 24 – 48 hours of your recovery period. You should also avoid brushing your surgical sites for at least 3 or 4 days.
Wisdom tooth recovery goes smoothly for most people. Of course, if you run into any questions or concerns while you are healing, you should call your dental team right away. They will do all they can to help you!
Understanding the Cost of Wisdom Tooth Extractions
If you have an upcoming wisdom tooth extraction, you may be wondering about the cost. While it's natural to have questions, it’s important to know that the total price can vary depending on your specific situation. During your consultation, our team will provide a detailed estimate so you can feel informed and confident moving forward. We’re committed to making this necessary procedure as affordable as possible, offering a range of financial solutions to fit your budget.
Factors That Can Impact the Cost of Wisdom Tooth Extractions
The price of wisdom tooth extraction depends on several factors, such as:
- Number of Teeth Removed: While many patients need all four wisdom teeth extracted, some only have one or two that require removal. Fewer extractions generally reduce the total cost.
- Impaction Level: Impacted wisdom teeth, which haven’t fully emerged through the gums, can be more complex to remove. Whether a tooth is partially erupted or completely embedded in the jawbone will influence the final cost.
- Sedation Options: Sedation helps ensure your comfort during the procedure. The type and amount of sedation you choose can affect pricing.
- Specialist Involvement: In cases involving severely impacted teeth, Dr. Kar brings in a trusted specialist to ensure the best possible care. This collaborative approach may add to the cost, but it ensures a safer and more efficient outcome.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Wisdom Tooth Extractions?
Many dental insurance plans offer at least partial coverage for wisdom tooth extractions. However, the exact amount covered depends on your individual policy, whether you've met your deductible, and if you're within your annual maximum. We encourage you to check directly with your insurance provider for the most accurate information. Choosing an in-network provider can also help minimize your out-of-pocket costs.
Other Options for Making Wisdom Tooth Extractions Affordable
Our practice understands that cost is a major concern. That’s why we offer several ways to make your treatment more affordable, such as third-party financing. This option allows you to break your total cost into manageable monthly payments (often with low or no interest) depending on the plan.
We’re here to help make your experience stress-free, from the consultation to the final bill. Reach out today to learn more about your financing options or schedule your appointment.
Wisdom Tooth Extraction FAQs
Do wisdom teeth always have to come out?
No! While not common, sometimes the wisdom teeth come in and don’t cause any problems. When this is the case, we leave them alone. There are millions of people walking around with all of their wisdom teeth right now. During your checkups, we’ll keep an eye on your wisdom teeth so we can identify any complications as they occur. If none ever develop, you won’t need them extracted.
Will I get all four of my wisdom teeth out at once?
Not necessarily. There are situations where it’s best for a patient to not have all of their wisdom teeth removed during the same procedure. This may depend on how they respond to anesthetic (some patients don’t go numb like others, so there wouldn’t be time to take out all 4) and whether all of the wisdom teeth are actually causing problems. Also, it might be best to wait a little bit and let some of the wisdom teeth start to come in before removing them because they will be in a better position that allows for a more conservative procedure.
When should I get my wisdom teeth removed?
The perfect time to remove wisdom teeth is different for each patient. Typically, we recommend an extraction as soon as they start to cause problems or look like they will in the near future. For most people, the timing tends to be around their late teens or early twenties. At your checkups, we’ll take X-rays of your wisdom teeth and will suggest they be removed at the optimal time so we can minimize any problems they might cause and ensure a smooth treatment.
Will my dental insurance help pay for a wisdom tooth extraction?
Most dental plans do include coverage for a wisdom tooth extraction if it is medically necessary (and it is in 99% of cases). The amount of coverage can vary from plan to plan, but it tends to hover around 50% of the procedure since it is an advanced restorative treatment. We’ll go over your benefits with you before the procedure so you have a clear idea of your financial commitment. If needed, we can discuss financing as well to make it even more affordable.