If you or someone in your family is between the ages of 15 and 23, then a wisdom tooth extraction might be needed soon. Not all wisdom teeth have to be removed, but in certain emergency situations, the procedure is necessary for stopping pain and preventing harm to your overall oral health. Reach out to Downtown Family Dental of Leesburg today if you would like to set up a consultation with Dr. Pham to ask about having wisdom teeth taken out.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
You may sometimes hear wisdom teeth called third molars. Many people have four of them, but others have three or fewer, and some might not have any at all. Wisdom teeth are different from your other teeth in that they tend to appear much later in life. While at some point humans may have benefitted from having wisdom teeth, nowadays they’re not needed for a healthy bite, and there’s a very good chance of them becoming impacted due to a lack of room in the mouth.
Why Do Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?
First of all, it’s worth clarifying that wisdom tooth extraction isn’t necessary for everybody. Sometimes the third molars are able to erupt successfully and don’t cause problems for the rest of the mouth; if that’s the case, there’s no need to have them taken out.
So what makes an extraction necessary? There can be various reasons, but the most common are:
-
Impaction, which means the wisdom teeth stay hidden (or partially hidden) under the gums.
-
Bite misalignment due to wisdom teeth pushing the other teeth.
-
Constant or recurring pain or pressure.
-
Infection due to wisdom teeth being hard to properly care for.
What to Expect from the Wisdom Teeth Procedure
Impacted wisdom teeth can only be removed via surgery. The gums will need to be opened before the extraction can take place. Also, it might be necessary to break your wisdom teeth into smaller pieces that are easier to take out.
With wisdom teeth that have managed to erupt, the process is much simpler. The teeth in question are lifted with an elevator, and forceps are used to gradually loosen and eventually remove them.
Recovering from Wisdom Teeth Extraction
After your wisdom teeth are taken out, a piece of gauze will be applied to the extraction site to help the healing process. A blood clot will form over the socket; avoid doing anything that might dislodge it, such as spitting or drinking through a straw.
It’s best not to eat hard foods while your mouth is still healing. Stick to meals that require little or no chewing.
To make sure bleeding stays under control, keep your head raised when you go to bed, and refrain from engaging in any sort of strenuous exercise for at least a few days.
A certain amount of discomfort is to be expected, but we urge you to call us immediately if there’s severe pain.
Understanding the Cost of Wisdom Tooth Extractions
Your third molars, also called “wisdom teeth,” usually erupt sometime between the ages of 16 and 25. They were likely useful for our ancestors, but many people today don’t have enough room in their mouths to accommodate them. If you are needing your wisdom teeth extracted, it’s understandable for you to be anticipating what the bill looks like. During your consultation with us, we can discuss specific details about the cost of your treatment. Until then, here are some things for you to take into consideration.
Learn More
Factors That Can Impact the Cost of Wisdom Tooth Extractions
The cost of your procedure will be based on several different factors. Here are some of the most prominent ones:
-
Number of Teeth: Not everyone develops all four wisdom teeth. Some people only have one, two, or three of them.
-
Complexity: Impacted wisdom teeth often require surgical intervention. Ultimately, the more complex the procedure, the higher the cost.
-
Sedation: Depending on whether you need a simple or surgical wisdom tooth extraction, you may also need anesthesia or sedation. This can include a separate cost.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Wisdom Tooth Extractions?
The majority of dental insurance plans will cover at least part of the cost of your wisdom tooth extractions. However, this will depend on several different factors, like if you have met your deductible or maximum for the year. The best way to learn the specifics of what’s covered is to contact your insurance provider. If you have any questions regarding your insurance, we are also happy to help!
Other Options for Making Wisdom Tooth Extractions Affordable
If you don’t have dental insurance, this doesn’t mean you will be left completely on your own. With our Wellness Plan, you can save 20% on major procedures performed at our practice. To learn more about your financial options, don’t hesitate to reach out to one of our friendly team members.
To learn exactly how much you can expect your wisdom tooth extraction to cost, schedule a consultation with us. We are eager to help you work towards a healthy smile!
Wisdom Tooth Extraction FAQs
Are you preparing for an upcoming wisdom tooth extraction in Leesburg? It's natural to have questions and concerns about the process. At Downtown Family Dental of Leesburg, our team is here to address your inquiries and guide you through the entire experience. To help you feel informed and assured about the procedure, we have compiled a list of commonly asked questions and provided detailed answers. If you have any further questions, feel free to contact us . We're here to provide you with all the information you need!
Learn More
Why Do We Have Wisdom Teeth?
While wisdom teeth may seem like an inconvenience, they once played a crucial role in early humans. Our ancestors ate coarse, raw foods like meats, berries, roots, and nuts, which required additional chewing power. These foods were not sliced or cooked as we do today, resulting in the need for a third set of molars.
However, our diets have evolved to include softer and easier-to-eat foods, making wisdom teeth less necessary. Over time, our jawbones have adapted, often lacking the space for the eruption of wisdom teeth. As such, the removal of these teeth has become common as they serve little functional purpose in the modern diet.
Is Wisdom Tooth Removal Painful?
During your wisdom tooth surgery, the first thing we’ll do to ensure your comfort is administer a local anesthetic to ease your worries about pain. While you may experience slight pressure, it should not be painful.
Following the procedure, some soreness or general discomfort is expected. Diligently adhering to the provided aftercare instructions, including taking prescribed and over-the-counter medications as directed, will help you return to normal within approximately a week.
What’s the Best Age to Get Wisdom Teeth Removed?
Since every patient’s mouth is unique, there is no set age for when wisdom teeth should be extracted. However, it’s commonly advised to remove them during early adulthood for a smoother process and recovery. While extraction can still be performed in later adulthood, the roots of wisdom teeth tend to lengthen and become more firmly embedded in the jaw with age. If your dentist recommends removing your wisdom teeth, you should undergo the procedure sooner rather than later to minimize the risks associated with impaction, decay, cysts, and potential damage to neighboring teeth.
How Soon Can I Eat After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Following your surgery, it's recommended to wait at least one to two hours before eating. During this time, you need to keep the gauze pads in place as instructed by your dentist to minimize bleeding. While you may feel hungry, it's essential to adhere to your dentist's guidelines regarding the timing and types of food to consume.
Eating chewy foods while your mouth is still numb can inadvertently lead to biting your tongue, lip, or cheek, causing discomfort or injury without immediate awareness. Typically, a liquid diet is advised on the first day (avoiding straws), followed by soft foods for the next few days. As you gradually regain comfort, you can incorporate heartier foods into your diet after approximately four to five days.
