Wisdom Tooth Extractions Richardson
Prevent Future Dental Problems with Wisdom Tooth Extraction
Wisdom teeth, also called third molars, are the last teeth to grow in the mouth, usually erupting between 16 and 25 years old. While some patients may not have any wisdom teeth, others can have one, two, three, or four of them. While it’s not always necessary to extract these third molars, in many cases, doing so can help prevent future dental complications, like tumors, cysts, and crowding. Call our office today to schedule your consultation for wisdom tooth extractions in Richardson!
Why Choose Richardson Oral Surgery Center for Wisdom Tooth Extractions?
- Oral Surgery Dentist with 20+ Years of Experience
- Convenient Saturday Appointment Times Available
- State-of-the-Art Technology & Comfort
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the last set of molars to erupt in the very back of the mouth. They got their name because they have come to symbolize a rite of passage of the transition from teenage-hood into adulthood. Many patients first begin noticing their eruption because they experience dental discomfort or soreness in the back of their mouth.
Why Do Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?
It’s not always necessary for wisdom teeth to be removed. However, in many cases, they can pose more of a threat to your dental health than good by resulting in the following potential complications:
- Dental and jaw pain
- Cysts
- Infections
- Increased risk of dental health problems like decay
- Misalignment due to not having enough room in the mouth to accommodate them
What to Expect from the Wisdom Teeth Extraction Procedure
If your wisdom teeth are impacted, a surgical procedure would be necessary to remove the entire teeth. Dr. Ahn will create an opening in the gumline, and if necessary, separate the teeth into smaller pieces so they’re easier to remove.
For wisdom teeth that have already erupted through the gumline and are completely visible, our team can gently shift them from their sockets and remove them from the mouth using a dental elevator and forceps.
Recovering from Wisdom Teeth Extraction
There are a few important aftercare instructions that are crucial for you to follow to minimize your risk of dry socket after your procedure. These include:
- Don’t drink from a straw or spit.
- Take any prescribed medications as directed.
- Maintain a soft diet for the recommended time.
- Avoid physical exertion.
- Control bleeding by placing sterile gauze over the extraction site.
- Use a cold compress to control the swelling.
- Call our office if you experience worsening symptoms or pain.
Understanding the Cost of Wisdom Tooth Extractions
The cost of wisdom tooth extractions in Richardson can vary drastically from patient to patient. Your treatment will be planned around a number of factors that will be unique to your case, like how many wisdom teeth you have and whether they’re impacted. We’ll provide you with a detailed cost estimate at your initial consultation so you know exactly what to expect before scheduling your procedure.
Factors That Can Impact the Cost of Wisdom Tooth Extractions
There are three primary factors that will determine the cost of your wisdom tooth extraction:
- How many wisdom teeth you have can make your treatment longer or shorter as well as more or less expensive. Our team will let you alert you to how many you need to have removed at your consultation.
- Whether you require a simple or surgical extraction will depend on if your wisdom teeth are impacted below the gumline. Typically, simple extractions are much less complicated and don’t require sedation, while surgical extractions can take longer.
- If you require dental sedation, this service will incur a separate fee, affecting the overall cost of your extraction.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Wisdom Tooth Extractions?
While most dental insurance plans will cover at least a small portion of the cost of wisdom tooth extractions, it’s likely that you’ll have out-of-pocket expenses. Our team can help you get the most out of your benefits by assisting you in filing any insurance claims and also walking you through your financing options.
Wisdom Tooth Extractions FAQs
Why Do We Have Wisdom Teeth?
In our contemporary world today, wisdom teeth tend to cause more trouble than they’re worth and are removed often. As a result, many patients wonder why we have them in the first place.
It’s believed that our ancient ancestors developed them to compensate for any molars that were damaged or dislodged during their youths. Early humans lived on a diet of rough foods like raw meat, berries, nuts, leaves, and roots. They didn’t use forks and knives to cut food, and didn’t have access to dental care. As a result, they were much more likely to develop cavities, disease, or damage their teeth.
Today, we bake, grill, cook, or otherwise prepare most foods so they’re much more palatable. Plus, we have better medical services that help us keep our mouths and bodies happy and healthy. As a result, wisdom teeth have become a vestigial feature, meaning that they no longer serve a functional purpose.
Does Everyone Have Wisdom Teeth?
Although most people have four wisdom teeth (one for each quadrant of their mouths), some people only grow one or two while others are lucky enough never to have any. One article published in 2015 shared that researchers have found and estimated 5% to 37% of people are missing one or more of these late molars.
There’s no one reason why some people don’t grow wisdom teeth and others do, but genetics could play an important role in how many you have. If your parents don’t have all of them, you’re more likely not to as well. However, remember that just because you don’t see any new molars trying to erupt doesn’t mean they’re not there. Often, they become trapped beneath your gumline and require an X-ray to be viewed accurately.
How Should I Prepare for My Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
Our team will provide you with detailed instructions to follow before your procedure, which include helpful tips like:
- Arrange for someone to drive you to and from the office, since you won’t be able to take yourself home after receiving anesthesia or sedation.
- Be honest about the prescribed or over-the-counter meds you take regularly and how often you drink alcohol or use recreational drugs. It’s essential to keep you safe while you’re under sedation.
- Don’t smoke for at least 12 hours prior to your procedure.
- For those receiving general anesthesia, avoid eating or drinking after midnight the evening prior.
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing.
- Stock up on soft foods at home to enjoy after your appointment.
- If you wear contacts, you might want to consider glasses instead so closing your eyes is more comfortable.
How Do You Make Wisdom Teeth Pain Go Away?
The best way to address pain from wisdom teeth is to have them taken out to remove the source of your discomfort. Thankfully, there are things you can do to ease your aches until it’s time for your procedure, including:
- Wrap a clean cloth around an ice pack and hold it to the side of your face for no more than 20 minutes at a time for a temporary numbing sensation.
- Usually, it’s safe to take over-the-counter meds like Tylenol or ibuprofen to reduce inflammation and soreness.
- Apply an over-the-counter numbing gel that contains benzocaine for topical relief.
- Rinse your mouth with warm salt water to eradicate germs and naturally soothe your irritated teeth and gums. To mix, add one or two teaspoons of salt into an eight-ounce glass of water. Stir the solution, then sip and swish it around your mouth. Spit and repeat until your cup is empty.
Dental Implants Oral Surgery Sedation Dentistry Tooth Extractions View Our Services