Wisdom Tooth Extractions – Dallas, TX
Is It Time to Have Wisdom Teeth Removed?
The wisdom teeth come in much later than your other teeth – usually between ages 17 and 21. At that point, there may not be enough room for the wisdom teeth to fully erupt, and as such, they’re likely to become impacted beneath the gums. They could cause a lot of pain or other oral health problems unless you have them removed as soon as possible. Is someone in your family around the age where they need to start thinking about their wisdom teeth? Give Soleil Dental a call to discuss options for wisdom tooth extractions in Dallas, TX.
Why Choose Soleil Dental for Wisdom Tooth Extractions?
- Two Gentle and Caring Dentists
- Bilingual Dental Office
- Multiple Forms of Sedation Available
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
The last three molars in the back of your mouth are known as your wisdom teeth. They got their name since they typically come out later in life when a person is “wiser” with age. Interestingly, however, most humans no longer require these final molars.
Since we process and cook our foods, we have a softer diet that doesn’t need us to grind as much. Our jaws have also become much smaller than in the past, meaning some people don’t even have enough room in their mouths to accommodate their wisdom teeth. If left alone, they can end up causing issues later on.
Why Do Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?
It’s actually a misconception that wisdom teeth always need to be removed; some people do have mouths that are big enough to accommodate the extra molars. However, wisdom teeth do need to be removed if they become impacted or cause any of these symptoms:
- Pain in the back of your mouth
- Swollen, tender, or bleeding gums
- Stiffness or pain in your jaw
- Constant sinus issues
- Overcrowded or crooked teeth
- Cysts near the wisdom teeth
- Repeated tooth infections and cavities
What to Expect from the Wisdom Teeth Procedure
Your wisdom tooth extraction will be performed in a certain way depending on how it’s positioned in your mouth. During your initial examination, our team will assess your situation and determine the proper approach for removing it. We’ll first completely numb your mouth and provide you with a sedative to keep you relaxed. Then, we’ll either separate the wisdom tooth from your gums with an instrument known as an elevator or we’ll divide your tooth into pieces to surgically extract them one piece at a time. Our team will walk you through the details of your procedure before starting, and you’ll have specific guidelines on how to prepare for your visit.
Recovering from Wisdom Teeth Extraction
After your wisdom teeth are removed, you should make time to relax for the next couple of days. Keep your head elevated and use an ice pack at regular intervals to lessen swelling. When you eat, stick to soft foods only and chew with the other side of your mouth. Make sure you’re drinking plenty of water while your mouth is recovering. If you’ve been prescribed any pain medicine, follow the instructions carefully; missing a dose could make it harder to soothe the pain later on.
Understanding the Cost of Wisdom Tooth Extractions
Every mouth is as different as the patient who owns it, so it can be difficult to come up with an exact cost for a wisdom tooth extraction. The best way to find out is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Vazquez or Dr. Aldana. They can give you a full assessment and a personalized price estimate. Read more below to see what factors can contribute to the cost of the procedure so you’ll have an idea of what to expect.
Factors That Can Impact the Cost of Wisdom Tooth Extractions
Wisdom tooth extractions can be incredibly simple or very complex, which is why a consultation at Soleil Dental is necessary to pinpoint a price. Here are some factors that can cause the cost of your treatment to fluctuate:
- The Number of Teeth Being Removed: While many patients have all four wisdom teeth, some will only receive one to three. Every additional extraction required will increase the complexity of the case.
- If Your Wisdom Teeth Are Impacted: Impacted wisdom teeth haven’t fully broken through the gumline and may even be growing into the jawbone. This can make them very difficult to extract and may require oral surgery, increasing the cost of your treatment.
- If You Need Sedation: We offer two types of sedation at our office, nitrous oxide and oral conscious sedation in pill form. If you need either of these to relax and get through your procedure, it will cost a bit more.
- If You Need a Specialist: Our experienced dentists can remove most wisdom teeth in-office and have expertise in oral surgery. However, they will always do what is best for a patient, even if that means referring you to a dedicated oral surgeon. This will cost more, but it’s a very rare occurrence.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Wisdom Tooth Extractions?
While some dental insurance plans do cover wisdom tooth extractions, coverage is not universal to all providers. Some plans may cover the procedure only if it’s medically necessary, others may only cover a small portion of the total cost. Before your treatment, we’ll help you sort through the details of your benefits and even file claims for you! Our mission is to provide a stress-free experience before, during, and after treatment.
Other Options for Making Wisdom Tooth Extractions Affordable
Even if you don’t have private dental insurance, you still have options to decrease the burden of your dental work on your budget. At Soleil Dental, we offer both financing through Sunbit as well as an in-house membership plan. We believe every patient can use a hand up when it comes to their care. So, don’t hesitate to give us a call. We’re more than happy to help you receive the treatment you need.
Wisdom Tooth Extraction FAQs
How Should I Prepare for My Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
Our patients often ask us if there are any special preparations they need to perform before getting their wisdom teeth extracted. The truth is that every procedure is different, so what works for one case might not work for another. However, there are several ways Dr. Vazquez or Dr. Aldana may ask you to prepare your mouth and your schedule, such as:
- Arrange for someone to drive you to and from your appointment if sedation is used.
- Stock your fridge and pantry with soft foods for the next week.
- Avoid smoking or vaping for at least 12 hours before your procedure.
- Wear comfortable clothes for your appointment.
- Brush, floss, and rinse your mouth with a non-alcoholic antibacterial mouthwash to reduce the risk of infection.
How Do You Make Wisdom Teeth Pain Go Away?
If you still have your wisdom teeth, they are going to continually move, shift, and cause discomfort as long as they remain. The only sure way to alleviate the pain of wisdom teeth is to have them extracted. That said, there are some temporary strategies you can use to help.
- Use a cold compress for 20 minutes at a time, reducing swelling and numbing the area.
- Over-the-counter pain medication like ibuprofen and acetaminophen can provide some temporary relief when used as directed.
- Oral topical gels with benzocaine can numb the affected area and provide comfort.
- Rinse your mouth with warm salty water to inhibit bacteria and wash away food particles.
Is Wisdom Tooth Removal Painful?
When you come in for your extraction, the first step is always administering a local anesthetic to completely numb the area. This prevents the nerves in your teeth and gums from sending pain signals to your brain. In addition, you can choose to undergo sedation dentistry with either a pill you take before the procedure or with nitrous oxide to further dull your senses. Both steps will prevent you from feeling pain during your procedure, though some patients may still feel a little pressure as it’s being performed.
Should Wisdom Teeth Be Removed If They Don’t Hurt?
Generally, we don’t like to wait for potential problems to get worse before we help you. Even if your wisdom teeth aren’t hurting or causing issues now, they could become infected or damage other teeth in the future. However, before considering extraction, our team will give your mouth a thorough examination and check for problems that could arise down the line. If we believe your wisdom teeth should be extracted, we’ll let you know and work with you to ensure stress-free treatment.
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