Wisdom Tooth Extractions – Arvada, CO
Gently Extracting
Unneeded Teeth
Wisdom teeth may have once had a purpose, but nowadays, you don’t need them for a healthy, fully functioning smile. If they become impacted (stuck) under the gums and are causing an excessive amount of pain, or if they start to pose a threat to someone’s oral health, it’s better to have them removed instead of leaving them in the mouth where they can cause additional problems. Is there anyone in your family around the ages of 17 to 25 who might need a wisdom tooth extraction in Arvada? If so, schedule an appointment with us today so Dr. Jeramiah Paylor can take care of problematic wisdom teeth before they cause any issues.
Why Choose West Arvada Family Dental for Wisdom Tooth Extractions?
- Sedation Available for Anxious Patients
- Knowledgeable, Experienced Dentist
- Small, Comfortable Private Dental Office
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the third molars and the last adult teeth to erupt in the mouth. Most people have four wisdom teeth, two on top, and two on bottom. Anthropologists believe that wisdom teeth were especially helpful for our prehistoric ancestors who needed serious chewing power to grind through rough plants, seeds, nuts, and foliage that made up the majority of their diets. As teeth would fall out, wisdom teeth could step in and act like a replacement as well. Now that we have a softer diet filled with carbohydrates and high-calorie foods, as well as a focus on dental care, wisdom teeth aren’t usually needed anymore. People can be born with none, one, two, three, or four wisdom teeth, and they don’t always need to be removed. It all depends on your individual smile.
Why Do Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?
A lot of the time, wisdom teeth need to be removed because they can pose a serious threat to oral health down the road. There are a variety of issues that can occur if wisdom teeth don’t have enough room to develop properly, such as overcrowding, oral hygiene issues, discomfort, impaction, increased risk for developing cysts or tumors, and possible jawbone damage. Here are some signs that you may need to have your wisdom teeth extracted:
- Pain while eating
- Jaw stiffness
- Facial swelling
- Bad breath
- Difficulty opening the mouth
- Repeated infection of soft tissue behind the lower last tooth
What to Expect From the Wisdom Teeth Procedure
To remove wisdom teeth that have already erupted, Dr. Paylor will use dental forceps and an elevator. If the wisdom teeth have yet to erupt, the process works a little bit differently. An incision will be made to expose the tooth and bone. Bone that blocks access to the tooth root will be removed. The tooth may be removed in pieces if it is easier. Afterwards, the site of the extraction will be cleaned of any debris and stitches may be used to close the wound if necessary. Gauze is placed over the extraction site to control the bleeding and to help blood clots form and begin the healing process.
Recovering From Wisdom Teeth Extraction
After your procedure, it is common to experience bleeding, discomfort, swelling, and bruising, but these should subside over the next few days. During this time, it is especially crucial to maintain an excellent oral hygiene routine, like rinsing and brushing gently while avoiding the extraction side. Stick to softer foods and don’t drink from a straw. Take all prescribed and over-the-counter medications as directed. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to give our office a call. This way, we can give you proper guidance.
Understanding the Cost of Wisdom Tooth Extractions
If you need to have any kind of tooth removed, you probably have a lot on your mind. We don’t want the financial component of your surgery to add to that. For that reason, we use every tool at our disposal to make paying for your treatment simple.
Of course, we’ll give you a complete estimate for what your care will cost when we meet you in person, but here’s what you should know before then about how you can make your treatment affordable.
Factors That Can Impact the Cost of Wisdom Tooth Extractions
Unfortunately, it can be a little bit difficult to tell you precisely what your wisdom tooth extraction is going to cost without knowing more about your situation. This is because there are several factors that can influence the cost of your dental care.
The first is the number of wisdom teeth that you’re going to remove; not everyone is born with all four. Some people’s wisdom teeth are also in better condition than others, which could change the intensity (and the cost) of the procedure you need. Patients whose wisdom teeth have emerged partially from the gums will have an easier time than those whose teeth are lodged completely in the jawbone. If the circumstances of your wisdom tooth removal are complicated enough, you may even need to see a specialist who will have their own rates for surgery.
Most patients will also get some type of sedation for the procedure, and the variety you use will impact the total cost of the treatment. We’ll tell you more about which of these options make sense for you and what you’ll need to consider when we meet you in person.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Wisdom Tooth Extractions?
Even dental plans that don’t ordinarily cover surgery will typically pay for at least a portion of your wisdom tooth procedure. That said, it’s still usually a good idea to check with your insurance company before your treatment. We’ll be happy to assist you with this process so that we can give you a sense of what level of coverage you’ll get.
Other Options for Making Wisdom Tooth Extractions Affordable
We also want our procedures to be affordable for patients without insurance, which is why we have financial services available that can make our services fit your budget.
For one, we have an in-house dental plan; for a flat monthly or annual fee, you can get substantial discounts on our services. This also includes several complimentary cleanings, x-rays, and dental exams over the course of a year.
We also accept financing through CareCredit, a firm that can allow you to split the cost of your services across several months. If you have any questions about how you can make your dental care affordable, make an appointment with us and we’ll be happy to tell you more at your consultation.
Wisdom Tooth Extractions Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re learning about wisdom teeth for the first time or noticing symptoms after they have already erupted, you’re likely feeling concerned about your future oral health. Thankfully, the removal of wisdom teeth is a very common practice for dentists that’s performed millions of times every year. If you have questions about wisdom teeth removal, please take a look at the most common questions our dental office receives today as you might find your answer below.