Wisdom Tooth Extractions West Jordan
Saying Goodbye to Extra Teeth
It’s often viewed as a “rite of passage” for older teenagers and young adults between the ages of 16 and 25 to have their wisdom teeth removed. When these third molars make their appearance (or lack thereof), it often causes pain and aches as well as potential problems for healthy teeth. This is 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 for you or your child.
Why Choose Salt Lake Smiles for Wisdom Tooth Extractions?
- Patients Can Sign-Up for CareCredit Financing
- In-House Oral Surgeon for Expert Care
- We Extract Erupted & Impacted Wisdom Teeth
The Wisdom Tooth Extraction Process
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), it requires a more invasive procedure.
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.
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!