Sometime in adolescence, most people develop a third set of molars at the back of their mouth. These teeth, known as wisdom teeth, usually have to be removed! If you or someone in your family is in need of wisdom tooth extractions, we invite you to visit our Meriden dental team for a consultation. We perform this advanced service with great care and attention to detail. We want the experience to be as comfortable as possible!
Why Choose Meriden Dental Group for Wisdom Tooth Extractions?
- Experienced & Caring Team
- Comfortable & Efficient Treatment
- Prevent Future Oral Health Problems
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars, which develop at the back of the mouth. Most people get four wisdom teeth, though some get more or fewer. A small percentage of the population never gets wisdom teeth at all! Although these teeth may have been essential for ancient human ancestors, who ate a rough diet, they are largely viewed as unnecessary today.
Why Do Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?
While some patients may be able to comfortably keep their smiles complete, others experience serious problems with their third molars. These teeth are the last to erupt from the gums, and if they are impacted (stuck beneath the gumline), or there is not enough room for them within the mouth, it can cause serious pain and damage. If left alone for an extended amount of time, they can cause the other teeth to shift out of place, and they may even become infected. It is even possible that cysts and tumors will develop.
This is why we will always keep an eye on your wisdom teeth during your regular checkups. Ideally, we would like to be able to remove them before you have to deal with any issues. But, if you start to feel pain in the back of your jaw, we can remove them right in our office with a minor surgical procedure
What to Expect from the Wisdom Teeth Procedure
If a wisdom tooth has fully erupted from the gumline, removing it should be fairly straightforward. After numbing your mouth, we will lift the tooth with an instrument called an elevator. Then, we will grip it with forceps and gently rock it back and forth to break the connective tissues holding it in place. Once it is out of your mouth, we will clean the socket.
If a tooth is impacted, removing it can be more challenging and complex. It might be necessary to create incisions in your gums or break the tooth into pieces in order to completely extract it.
Recovering From Wisdom Teeth Extraction
Most patients are well-recovered from wisdom tooth extractions within 1 – 2 weeks of their procedure. In the meantime, you can support your body’s healing process by doing the following:
- Take pain relievers as necessary.
- Do not drink from a straw.
- Do not smoke.
- Prop your head up on pillows when you sleep.
- Avoid hard and crunchy foods. Instead, eat items that are soft and easy to chew.
- Contact our office if you run into any questions or concerns.
Understanding the Cost of Wisdom Tooth Extractions
The cost of wisdom tooth extractions varies from case to case and depends on a range of factors. During your consultation, our team can provide an estimate for you and help you understand your payment options, which may include things like financing and insurance. We do not want you to feel overly stressed about paying for your care, so feel free to ask questions. We will do all we can to make the financial aspect of your visit as easy as possible.
Factors That Can Impact the Cost of Wisdom Tooth Extractions
The primary factors that influence the cost of wisdom tooth extractions in Meriden include:
- The number of teeth that need to be removed. Often, patients choose to get all four wisdom teeth removed at once. However, depending on circumstances, we might remove fewer. Logically, the more teeth we extract, the higher the fee will be.
- Whether or not your wisdom teeth are impacted. If a tooth is impacted, that means it is stuck fully or partially beneath the gumline. Impacted teeth require surgical removal, which costs more than non-surgical extractions. The type of impaction (whether a tooth is stuck in the bone or gums) can also have a bearing on price.
- The use of sedation. Sedation can make your extraction procedure much easier, but it is an added cost.
- Who performs your procedure. We can perform most wisdom tooth extractions right here in our office. However, if we need to refer you to a specialist, you can expect them to have a different pricing structure.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Wisdom Tooth Extractions?
Many dental insurance plans do provide coverage for wisdom tooth extractions. Here are some notes on what to expect:
- The procedure might be classified as major or minor, which means coverage levels can range from 50% to 80%.
- Not all plans cover wisdom tooth removal, so be sure to check the details of your policy.
- Our team welcomes insurance, and we will be happy to help you figure out how your benefits may apply.
Other Options for Making Wisdom Tooth Extractions Affordable
Beyond insurance, other useful provisions for affording wisdom tooth extractions include:
- We work with third-party lenders, such as CareCredit and Sunbit, to provide low-interest payment plans for qualified patients.
- Essential Dental plan. Designed for patients without insurance, this membership plan provides discounts on most of the services available in our office.
Wisdom Tooth Extractions FAQs
Why Do We Have Wisdom Teeth?
In modern times, wisdom teeth are largely viewed as a nuisance. For ancient human ancestors, though, they were essential. Our predecessors needed wisdom teeth to help them chew rough, fibrous foods such as roots, nuts, and raw meats — the standard diet of times long past. Over the centuries, as diets have evolved and food preparation methods have improved, the necessity for wisdom teeth has decreased. However, our jaws have also become smaller, which means there is often not enough room for wisdom teeth to emerge properly.
Does Everyone Have Wisdom Teeth?
Not everyone will develop wisdom teeth. While most individuals have four wisdom teeth, some may have fewer, and a small percentage of people will not develop any at all. This variation is entirely natural and largely influenced by genetics. If you are curious about the presence or absence of your wisdom teeth, our Meriden dental team can provide a comprehensive evaluation using digital x-rays. (This evaluation is important because some people have wisdom teeth but are unaware of them because they do not always erupt properly from the gumline.)
How Do You Make Wisdom Teeth Pain Go Away?
If you are experiencing discomfort from your wisdom teeth, it is important to seek professional dental advice. Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water, applying a cold compress to the outside of your cheek, or taking over-the-counter pain relievers can provide temporary relief. However, these measures will not address the underlying cause of the pain, which is often due to impaction, infection, or gum inflammation.
At our Meriden dental practice, we prioritize your comfort and well-being. Our team will carefully evaluate the source of your pain using x-rays and a thorough visual examination. In many cases, we may recommend extraction of the problematic tooth to put a permanent end to your pain.
Is Wisdom Tooth Removal Painful?
Many patients feel anxious about wisdom tooth extractions because they fear pain. However, modern dental techniques and anesthesia make the procedure much more comfortable than ever before. At our Meriden, CT, dental office, our team uses local anesthesia to numb the area so you should feel very little during your extraction appointment.
After the procedure, you may experience some swelling, mild discomfort, or soreness, which is normal and typically subsides within a week or so. We will provide you with detailed aftercare instructions and recommend appropriate pain management strategies to promote a smooth recovery.
What Is the Best Age to Get Wisdom Teeth Removed?
The ideal time for wisdom tooth removal is often during the late teenage years or early twenties. At this stage, the roots of the teeth are not yet fully developed, which can result in a quicker and less complicated recovery. Early evaluation by a dental professional is key to determining the best timing for your specific needs.
Of course, even if you are older, successful wisdom tooth extractions in Meriden can be performed. Our team has helped many mature adults with this procedure.