Wisdom Tooth Extractions West Jordan
Saying Goodbye to Extra Teeth
Wisdom tooth removal has become so common that it’s often looked at as a “rite of passage” for older teenagers and young adults. However, not everyone needs to have them removed or even have their third set of molars. That’s why it’s so important to schedule routine dental exams at our West Jordan dental office! Throughout the years, we will monitor their development and, if there comes a time when they need to be removed, we can do just that.
Why Choose Salt Lake Smiles for Wisdom Tooth Extractions?
- In-House Oral Surgeon for Expert Care
- We Extract Erupted & Impacted Wisdom Teeth
- CareCredit Financing Available
What are Wisdom Teeth?
Like many other patients, you might have never really thought twice about the term “wisdom teeth” until it was time to have yours extracted. They are actually just the third set of molars. Since they emerge later in life (typically between the ages of 16 and 25), and wisdom comes with age, they earned the nickname “wisdom teeth.”
Why Do Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?
When these third molars make their appearance (or lack thereof), it often causes pain and aches. However, that’s not the only reason we recommend having them removed. They can also lead to serious oral health problems, including cysts and infections. That’s why we offer erupted and impacted wisdom tooth extractions in West Jordan should you or your child need help saying goodbye to these extra teeth. Call us today to discuss the process and how our in-house oral surgeon can ensure optimal safety and comfort.
What to Expect from the Wisdom Teeth Procedure
Removing wisdom teeth requires either a simple or surgical procedure. For those molars that have partially erupted and can be seen above the gumline, the use of dental forceps is often enough to move the teeth back and forth until they detach. However, if these teeth are impacted (beneath the gumline), a more invasive procedure is necessary.
When a surgical approach is required, our on-staff oral surgeon will make a small incision in the gums after administering local anesthesia. Once the underlying tooth is exposed, it will be sectioned for easier removal. This prevents irritating the bone and makes for a more comfortable and successful procedure.
Recovering from Wisdom Teeth Extraction
Before you leave our office, we will provide you with a list of aftercare instructions to help you heal comfortably, such as:
- Keep your head elevated, even while you sleep
- Take prescribed or OTC pain medication as directed
- Brush carefully around the extraction site
- Eat only extremely soft foods, like cottage cheese
- Drink lots of water (just don’t use a straw!)
- Don’t smoke
Whether you’ve been told you need your wisdom teeth removed or you simply have a suspicion that’s the case, don’t hesitate to take the next step: give us a call. We’ll go the extra mile to make the entire treatment process smooth and stress-free, starting with scheduling an appointment.
Understanding the Cost of Wisdom Tooth Extractions
Determining the cost of wisdom tooth extraction requires an oral examination. Our team at Salt Lake Smiles will review the state of your smile and consider various factors before creating your cost estimate. We will present this information to you during your appointment and discuss various payment options, such as dental insurance and flexible financing.
Factors That Can Affect Wisdom Tooth Extraction Cost
When meeting with our team for a free consultation, we will review the following factors before establishing the expected price for treatment:
- How many teeth do you need to have removed? There are usually four wisdom teeth, so the more that require removal, the more expensive the treatment will be.
- Are your wisdom teeth impacted or partially erupted? This will determine if you need a simple or surgical procedure. The latter is generally more expensive because it requires opening the gum tissue.
- Will you need dental sedation? You will receive local anesthesia, but if you need sedation, this will be an added expense.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Wisdom Tooth Extractions?
Every dental insurance plan is different, so you will need to review your policy to determine if it covers wisdom tooth extractions. It’s not uncommon for companies to pay a portion of the total cost (around 50%), but the remaining balance is your responsibility. Fortunately, our Salt Lake Smiles team is here to make sure you pay as little as possible, as we’ll work to maximize your available benefits and take care of the claims filing process. We are pleased to be in-network with most PPO dental insurance plans.
How to Make Wisdom Tooth Extractions Affordable
To help with the out-of-pocket expenses associated with wisdom tooth extraction, you can also inquire about enrolling in a flexible financing plan through CareCredit or Mountain America. These third-party financiers allow you to pay off your treatment over time, similar to paying down a credit card.
With no surprise fees, low-to-no interest rates, and varied payback times, you can remain within your budget and feel confident and at ease about receiving essential treatment.
Wisdom Tooth Extractions FAQs
Should Wisdom Teeth Be Removed If They Don’t Hurt?
Although discomfort is very common, particularly with impacted wisdom teeth, that’s not the only reason we recommend having them removed. They should also be extracted if there simply isn’t enough room for them in your mouth, increasing your risk of infections, cysts, and other oral health problems in the process. Rest assured, we only recommend this emergency dental procedure when it’s absolutely necessary, and we’d be happy to address any questions or concerns you have if you’re unsure if it’s the best way to proceed.
How Soon Can I Eat After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
It’s important to wait at least an hour or two to eat so the gauze stays in place. This will also give the numbing agent a chance to wear off so you don’t accidentally bite your tongue, lips, or the insides of your cheeks. Just make sure that you stick to a liquid diet for the first day and extremely soft foods after that (i.e., plain yogurt, pudding, cottage cheese). Around the five-day mark, you should be able to add heartier foods into your diet.
How Do You Sleep After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Sleeping soundly can be challenging following any surgical procedure, which is why we provide our patients with helpful aftercare instructions. A few general ones include taking prescribed or OTC pain medication as directed, using a cold compress for 10 minutes at a time, and changing the gauze pads as needed. Propping yourself up on a few pillows so your head stays elevated is also a good idea since it prevents blood from rushing to your head, exacerbating your discomfort in the process.
Are Wisdom Tooth Extractions Covered by Insurance?
One way to find out if your wisdom tooth extraction in West Jordan is covered by your insurance provider is by reading through the fine print on your plan. That said, it can be difficult to fully understand the ins and outs of your coverage between the lengthy paperwork and unfamiliar jargon. Fortunately, we can help! We’re proud to be in-network with most PPO plans, and we’d be happy to help you utilize your available benefits.
Important reminder: Dental insurance isn’t the only financial solution available! At our office, we welcome flexible financing with CareCredit as well, which means you can space out the cost of your care into smaller, more manageable chunks instead of having to pay for it in one lump sum.
Is There a Way to Speed Up the Healing Process?
Although you can’t speed up the healing process, you can slow it down. That’s why our aftercare instructions include what NOT to do, like smoking, using a straw, or exercising. Instead, focus on getting plenty of rest, eating soft, nutrient-dense foods, and drinking lots of water. Before you know it, you’ll be completely recovered!