Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last teeth to erupt in the mouth, typically appearing in your late teens or early twenties.
Unfortunately, due to jaw size limitations, wisdom teeth often don’t have enough space to emerge properly. This can lead to a variety of issues, including overcrowding, impaction (where the tooth is trapped beneath the gum line), infection, and damage to nearby teeth.
Early intervention is crucial to avoid these complications. Timely wisdom tooth removal by a qualified oral surgeon can minimize discomfort, prevent future problems, and ensure a smooth recovery. Our experienced oral surgeons have removed thousands of wisdom teeth, so you or your child are in good hands at Oral & Facial Reconstructive Surgeons of Utah.
Creating a content outline for a Wisdom Tooth Removal Service page involves providing detailed, patient-friendly information about the process, benefits, risks, and what patients can expect before, during, and after the procedure.
Watch For These Signs
Wisdom teeth can cause various problems if they don’t erupt properly. When there’s not enough space in your jaw, wisdom teeth become trapped. This can cause them to grow in at an odd angle or get stuck entirely, leading to other complications.
Impacted wisdom teeth are more susceptible to infection, which can cause pain, swelling, and redness in the gums.
Wisdom teeth can also crowd your existing teeth, pushing them out of alignment and making it difficult to clean them properly.
Symptoms To Look Out For
Pain is the most frequent symptom, and it can vary in intensity. You may experience constant throbbing pain in the wisdom teeth area, or a sharp pain that comes and goes. The pain can also radiate to your jaw, ear, or head, making it difficult to pinpoint the source.
You may experience swelling in your gums, cheeks, or jaw due to wisdom teeth. This swelling can make it difficult to close your mouth completely or chew comfortably.
Any difficulty opening your jaw could indicate infection or inflammation around the wisdom teeth. In severe cases, it may be difficult to open your mouth wide enough to eat or speak properly.
Redness and inflammation of the gums around the wisdom teeth is a common sign of infection. You may also notice tenderness or bleeding in the gums when brushing or flossing.
Food particles can become trapped around wisdom teeth that are erupting partially or are impacted. This can lead to bad breath (halitosis) or a persistent bad taste in your mouth.
Pressure from erupting or impacted wisdom teeth can cause damage to nearby teeth. This damage can manifest as cracks in the enamel, loosening of the teeth, or even complete displacement.
Regular dental check-ups are crucial for early detection of wisdom teeth issues. X-rays taken by your dentist can reveal if your wisdom teeth are erupting properly. Early detection and treatment can prevent more serious problems down the road.
The Wisdom Tooth Removal Process
The initial visit involves a thorough examination of your mouth and teeth by one of our oral surgeons. X-rays or even 3D imaging may be taken to assess the position and angulation of your wisdom teeth, as well as the amount of surrounding bone and jaw structure. These images provide valuable information for treatment planning.
For example, if your wisdom teeth are deeply impacted within the jawbone, a 3D cone beam CT scan can offer a more detailed view of the tooth’s position relative to nerves and blood vessels. This detailed information helps the dentist or surgeon choose the safest and most effective approach for your wisdom tooth removal.
Following the examination, we explain the details of the wisdom tooth removal procedure specific to your case. They will discuss the differences between simple and complex extractions.
Simple extractions involve wisdom teeth that have fully erupted through the gum line and are easily accessible. Our oral surgeon can typically remove these teeth with just a few instruments and minimal manipulation.
Complex extractions involve wisdom teeth that are partially or completely impacted, requiring more surgical intervention to remove them. In some cases, the wisdom tooth may be completely buried within the jawbone, requiring an incision in the gum tissue and bone to expose the tooth for removal.
Sedation and Anesthesia Options
To ensure your comfort during the procedure, various sedation and anesthesia options will be discussed. These may include local anesthesia (numbing the area around the wisdom teeth), nitrous oxide (laughing gas) for relaxation, or general anesthesia (putting you to sleep). The choice of anesthesia will depend on the complexity of the extraction and your individual preferences.
Local anesthesia is often used for simple extractions, while more complex procedures may require sedation or general anesthesia. Your dentist or surgeon will discuss the pros and cons of each option to help you choose the most suitable one for your needs.
What To Expect Before, During, After Surgery
During your consultation, we’ll discuss your medical history and any medications you’re taking. We’ll also have fasting recommendations, depending on the type of anesthesia we’ll use for the procedure.
You’ll want to arrange transportation after surgery, as you or your teenager will be groggy from anesthesia and not in any condition to drive.
On the Day of Surgery
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- Arrival: Please be 10-15 minutes early to your scheduled appointment.
- Preparation: You’ll be prepped for surgery, rinsing your mouth with an antiseptic solution.
- Anesthesia: The chosen anesthesia will be administered to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure.
- Extraction: Our oral surgeon will remove your wisdom teeth according to the planned approach discussed during the consultation (simple or complex extraction).
- Stitches (if needed): Dissolvable stitches may be used to close the incision sites in your gums after tooth removal.
- Post-operative Instructions: We will provide detailed instructions on caring for your mouth and managing pain after surgery.
After Surgery (Post-Operative Care)
You’ll likely experience some pain and swelling after surgery. We may prescribe pain medication and recommend over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
Stick to a soft food diet for the first few days after surgery. Gradually introduce solid foods back into your diet as you heal. Avoid hot, spicy, or crunchy foods that can irritate the extraction sites. Avoid strenuous exercise or activities that could strain your mouth for the first few days after surgery.
For daily care, gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water several times a day to keep the area clean and prevent infection. Avoid vigorous rinsing or spitting, which can dislodge the blood clot forming in the extraction socket.
Minor bleeding is normal after surgery. Apply gentle pressure with gauze to the extraction site if needed.
Complete healing of the extraction sites can take several weeks. Be patient and follow your dentist or surgeon’s instructions for a smooth recovery.
Avoid smoking for at least a week after surgery, or ideally, quit altogether. Smoking stunts the healing process and increases the risk of infection.
Wisdom Teeth Removal Cost
We understand that wisdom tooth removal can raise financial concerns.
Many dental insurance plans cover wisdom tooth removal, especially if deemed medically necessary. This typically includes cases of impaction, pain, infection, or potential damage to surrounding teeth.
Contact your insurance provider to confirm coverage details like co-pays, deductibles, and annual maximums. We can also assist you with obtaining pre-authorization if required by your plan.
Our team is experienced in handling dental insurance claims. We will file the claim electronically on your behalf to expedite the reimbursement process.
We offer flexible payment options to accommodate your needs. For patients without insurance or with remaining out-of-pocket costs, we accept all major credit cards and can discuss financing plans through reputable third-party providers. We’ll work with you to find a payment solution that fits your budget.
Schedule Your Consultation
Selecting Oral & Facial Reconstructive Surgeons of Utah for your wisdom teeth removal ensures you receive unparalleled care and expertise.
When you choose our oral surgery practice, you’re not just receiving excellent oral surgery care—you’re gaining partners in achieving a healthier, happier smile.
If you’re ready to remove those problematic third molars, schedule a consultation with Oral & Facial Reconstructive Surgeons of Utah today. Our compassionate team is dedicated to helping you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile.
