Wisdom Tooth Removal
What is Wisdom Tooth Removal?
Wisdom Tooth Removal is a common tooth removal procedure that aims to address various oral health concerns associated with the third molars, commonly known as wisdom teeth. These teeth typically erupt between the ages of 17 and 25, a time when individuals have matured into young adults and gained some wisdom—hence the name.
However, wisdom teeth often cause problems due to their late eruption, misalignment, or inadequate space in the jaw. As a result, dentists often recommend their removal to prevent potential complications and maintain overall dental health. Before you deciding on whether Wisdom Tooth Removal are right for you, there are some things you should know:
- Who Needs Wisdom Tooth Removal?
- What Are The Advantages Of Wisdom Tooth Removal?
- What Are The Potential Risks Or Complications Of Wisdom Tooth Removal?
- How Much Does Wisdom Tooth Removal Cost?
- What Are The Steps In The Wisdom Tooth Removal Procedure?
- Can I Have Wisdom Tooth Removal If I Am Pregnant?
If you have any further questions about Wisdom Tooth Removal or other dental services offered at Atlas Dental, please contact us.
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Who Needs Wisdom Tooth Removal?
Determining whether someone needs wisdom tooth removal depends on various factors, including the individual’s oral health, the position and alignment of the wisdom teeth, and the presence of any associated complications. While it’s best to consult with a dental professional for an accurate assessment, here are some common indications that may suggest the need for wisdom tooth removal:
- Impacted Wisdom Teeth: Wisdom teeth often don’t have enough space to fully emerge, leading to impaction. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain, swelling, and infection. They may also push against adjacent teeth, causing dental crowding or damaging nearby structures.
- Partially Erupted Wisdom Teeth: When wisdom teeth only partially erupt through the gumline, it creates an opening for bacteria to enter and cause infection. This condition, known as pericoronitis, can result in discomfort, swelling, and difficulty in maintaining oral hygiene.
- Overcrowding: The presence of wisdom teeth can contribute to overcrowding in the mouth, especially if there is limited space. This overcrowding can lead to misalignment of teeth, bite problems, and the need for orthodontic treatment.
- Tooth Decay and Gum Disease: Wisdom teeth are located at the back of the mouth, making them challenging to clean properly. Their position and difficulty in reaching them with a toothbrush or floss can increase the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral infections.
- Cysts or Tumors: In some cases, wisdom teeth may develop cysts or tumors around them. These growths can lead to bone damage, tooth root resorption, and other serious complications if left untreated.
- Orthodontic Treatment: For individuals undergoing orthodontic treatment, removing wisdom teeth may be necessary to prevent any adverse effects on the alignment and positioning of the teeth.
It’s important to note that not everyone requires wisdom tooth removal. Regular dental check-ups and X-rays are crucial for assessing the condition of the wisdom teeth and determining whether their removal is necessary to maintain optimal oral health. If you have further questions about Wisdom Tooth Removal, please contact us.
What Are The Advantages Of Wisdom Tooth Removal?
Wisdom tooth removal offers several advantages that contribute to maintaining oral health and preventing potential complications. Here are some of the key benefits of wisdom tooth removal:
- Prevention of Dental Problems: Wisdom teeth often pose a risk of various dental issues, including tooth decay, gum disease, and infections. By removing wisdom teeth, these potential problems can be eliminated or significantly reduced, promoting better oral health and preventing future complications.
- Alleviation of Pain and Discomfort: Impacted or partially erupted wisdom teeth can cause significant pain, discomfort, and swelling. Wisdom tooth removal eliminates the source of discomfort, providing relief and improving overall well-being.
- Prevention of Dental Crowding: The arrival of wisdom teeth can lead to overcrowding in the mouth, especially if there isn’t sufficient space for them to erupt properly. Removing wisdom teeth can help prevent dental crowding and maintain the alignment of existing teeth, reducing the need for orthodontic treatment in the future.
- Reduction of the Risk of Infections: Wisdom teeth that don’t fully emerge through the gumline or are difficult to clean properly can be prone to infections. By removing these teeth, the risk of infections, such as pericoronitis (inflammation of the surrounding gum tissue), can be significantly reduced.
- Preservation of Adjacent Teeth: Impacted or misaligned wisdom teeth may push against adjacent teeth, causing damage to their roots or the surrounding bone. Removing the wisdom teeth helps preserve the health and integrity of nearby teeth, preventing potential complications.
- Prevention of Cysts and Tumors: Wisdom teeth can sometimes develop cysts or tumors around them, which can lead to serious oral health issues if left untreated. Removing the wisdom teeth eliminates the risk of these growths and the associated complications they can cause.
- Facilitation of Orthodontic Treatment: Wisdom teeth can interfere with the progress and effectiveness of orthodontic treatment. By removing these teeth, the alignment and positioning of the remaining teeth can be better managed, optimizing the results of orthodontic procedures.
Remember, the decision to undergo wisdom tooth removal should be made in consultation with a dental professional who can assess your specific situation and provide personalized recommendations based on your oral health needs. If you have further questions if Wisdom Tooth Removal is right for you, please contact us.
What Are The Potential Risks Or Complications Of Wisdom Tooth Removal?
While wisdom tooth removal is generally a safe and routine procedure, there are potential risks and complications that can arise. It’s important to be aware of these possibilities and discuss them with your dentist or oral surgeon before undergoing the extraction. Some potential risks and complications include:
- Pain and Discomfort: It is common to experience pain, swelling, and discomfort after wisdom tooth removal. This is usually temporary and can be managed with pain medications prescribed by your dentist or oral surgeon.
- Infection: There is a risk of developing an infection after the extraction. Your dentist will provide you with post-operative instructions on how to care for the extraction site and minimize the risk of infection. Signs of infection may include increased pain, swelling, redness, pus, or fever. If you notice these symptoms, it’s important to contact your dentist promptly.
- Dry Socket: Dry socket, or alveolar osteitis, is a condition where the blood clot that forms in the extraction site becomes dislodged or dissolves prematurely. This can cause severe pain and delay the healing process. Following the post-operative care instructions, such as avoiding smoking, using straws, and rinsing vigorously, can help reduce the risk of dry socket.
- Nerve Damage: In rare cases, the nerves in the lower jaw, specifically the inferior alveolar nerve, can be affected during wisdom tooth removal. This can lead to temporary or, in very rare instances, permanent numbness or tingling in the lower lip, chin, or tongue. Your dentist or oral surgeon will evaluate the positioning of the nerves before the procedure to minimize this risk.
- Sinus Problems: Wisdom teeth in the upper jaw are situated close to the sinuses. Removing these teeth can sometimes cause a communication between the mouth and the sinus cavity, leading to sinus issues, such as sinus infections or a persistent runny nose. This complication is more common when removing upper wisdom teeth.
- Bleeding: Some bleeding is expected after wisdom tooth removal. However, excessive or prolonged bleeding may occur in rare cases. Applying firm pressure to the extraction site with a clean gauze pad can help control bleeding. If bleeding persists or becomes severe, contact your dentist.
- Jaw Stiffness: It is common to experience temporary jaw stiffness or difficulty in opening the mouth wide after the procedure. This usually resolves with time, but your dentist may recommend jaw exercises to alleviate the stiffness.
It’s essential to follow all post-operative instructions provided by your dental professional to minimize the risk of complications and promote proper healing. If you have any concerns or notice any unusual symptoms during the recovery period, please contact us.
Cost of Wisdom Tooth Removal
Wisdom Teeth Removal can cost $213-684 depending on the level of difficulty. It can be simple (uncomplicated), involving removal with only a pair of forceps. Oftentimes, because the tooth is buried under the gum or trapped behind the second molar (impacted), removals are more difficult and will involved incisions into overlying gum cutting the tooth into pieces, and trimming bone. The codes relevant to wisdom tooth removal in the Ontario Dental Association’s Suggested Fee Guide appear as follows:
Removals, Erupted Teeth, Uncomplicated
- 71101 – Single tooth, Uncomplicated: $213
Removals, Impaction, Requiring Incision of Overlying Soft Tissue and Removal of the Tooth
- 72111 – Single tooth: $318
Removals, Impaction, Requiring Incision of Overlying Soft Tissue, Elevation of A Flap and EITHER Removal of Bone and Tooth OR Sectioning and Removal of Tooth
- 72211 – Single Tooth: $477
Removals, Impaction, Requiring Incision of Overlying Soft Tissue, Elevation of a Flap, Removal of Bone AND Sectioning of Tooth for Removal
- 72221 – Single Tooth: $637
Removals, Impactions, Requiring Incision of Overlying Soft Tissue, Elevation of a Flap, Removal of Bone, AND/OR Sectioning of the Tooth for Removal AND/OR presents Unusual Difficulties and Circumstances
- 72231 – Single Tooth: $684
Wisdom tooth removals are considered a basic service under all dental insurance plans and should be covered to your maximum insurable limit, but be sure to find out from your dental insurance plan provider how much you are eligible for before going ahead with dental treatment. Our fees are consistent with the ODA Fee Guide.
For patients without dental insurance, Atlas Dental is pleased to offer dental financing through Dentalcard. Affordable payment plans start at 7.95% for terms of 6 months to 6 years. To learn more about Dentalcard dental treatment financing, follow this link.
What Are The Steps In The Wisdom Tooth Removal Procedure?
The wisdom tooth removal procedure typically involves the following steps:
- Initial Consultation: Please review these pre-operative instructions before your visit. You will first have an initial consultation with your dentist or oral surgeon. They will examine your mouth, take a panoramic x-ray and CBCT scan if required, and discuss your medical and dental history. This evaluation will help determine if wisdom tooth removal is necessary and if any special considerations need to be taken into account.
- Anesthesia: On the day of the procedure, your dentist or oral surgeon will administer anesthesia to ensure your comfort during the extraction. There are different options available, including local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia, depending on the complexity of the extraction and your preference.
- Incision and Access: Once you are properly anesthetized, your dentist or oral surgeon will make an incision in the gum tissue overlying the wisdom tooth or teeth that need to be removed. In some cases, a small portion of bone may need to be removed to gain access to the tooth.
- Wisdom Tooth Removal: The dentist or oral surgeon will carefully extract the wisdom tooth. This may involve gently rocking the tooth back and forth to loosen it or dividing the tooth into smaller sections for easier removal. The area may be irrigated with a sterile solution to ensure cleanliness.
- Stitches (if required): Depending on the case and the incision made, your dentist or oral surgeon may place dissolvable stitches to help the gum tissue heal properly. These stitches will typically dissolve on their own over time.
- Post-Operative Care: After the extraction, your dentist or oral surgeon will provide you with post-operative care instructions. This may include guidance on managing pain and swelling, maintaining oral hygiene, and dietary restrictions. Follow these instructions carefully to promote healing and reduce the risk of complications.
- Follow-Up Appointment: You will be scheduled for a follow-up appointment to monitor the healing process. During this visit, your dentist or oral surgeon will assess the extraction site and ensure that you are healing properly.
It’s important to note that the exact steps involved in the wisdom tooth removal procedure may vary depending on the individual case, the position of the teeth, and the complexity of the extraction. Your dental professional will provide you with specific information and guidance tailored to your situation. If you have further questions about Wisdom Tooth Removal, please contact us.
Can I Have Wisdom Tooth Removal If I Am Pregnant?
The decision to proceed with wisdom tooth removal during pregnancy should be carefully considered and discussed with both your dentist and obstetrician. Generally, elective dental procedures, including wisdom tooth removal, are often postponed until after pregnancy, especially during the first and third trimesters. However, there may be situations where immediate treatment is necessary due to severe pain, infection, or other complications.
Here are some important factors to consider regarding wisdom tooth removal during pregnancy:
- Timing: The second trimester is generally considered the safest period for dental procedures, including wisdom tooth removal. During this trimester, the risk of potential harm to the developing fetus is lower compared to the first and third trimesters.
- Anesthesia: Local anesthesia with or without sedation is usually recommended for dental procedures during pregnancy. Your dentist will work with your obstetrician to choose the most appropriate anesthesia option that ensures your comfort while minimizing any potential risks.
- Dental X-rays: X-rays are typically necessary for evaluating the position of the wisdom teeth and planning the extraction. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists states that diagnostic X-rays, with proper shielding and precautions, pose minimal risk to the fetus. However, if possible, dental X-rays are usually postponed until after pregnancy. In emergency situations, lead aprons and thyroid shields can be used to minimize radiation exposure.
- Medications: Pain management and antibiotics may be prescribed before and after the procedure. It’s important to inform your dentist about your pregnancy and provide a list of any medications you are currently taking. They will prescribe pregnancy-safe medications when necessary.
- Risks and Benefits: It’s essential to weigh the risks versus the benefits of wisdom tooth removal during pregnancy. If the procedure is necessary due to infection or severe pain that cannot be managed with conservative measures, the benefits of removing the affected teeth may outweigh the potential risks to the pregnancy.
Ultimately, the decision to proceed with wisdom tooth removal during pregnancy should be made collaboratively between your dentist and obstetrician, taking into account your individual situation, the urgency of treatment, and the potential risks to both you and your baby. If you have further questions about Wisdom Tooth Removal during pregnancy, please contact us.
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