What are wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth are also known as third molars, and they are the final teeth in your mouth to erupt. They are located in the very back of your mouth, near the entrance to your throat, and they typically complete their development and erupt between the ages of 15 and 20.
Why do wisdom teeth need to be removed?
Because wisdom teeth are the final teeth to erupt, there is almost never enough space in the mouth to accommodate them. This can cause them to push your remaining teeth out of position, leading to misaligned teeth and smiles. Wisdom teeth may also become impacted, or trapped and unable to erupt, which may cause infection and tooth damage as well as other problems. Our oral surgeon may recommend that you remove your wisdom teeth to avoid these problems and keep your mouth and smile healthy.
Are there symptoms leading up to wisdom teeth removal?
There are a few signs that you may need your wisdom teeth removed, including:
Please note that not everyone experiences visible or noticeable symptoms or wisdom teeth pain. The best way to determine if your wisdom teeth need to be removed is to keep your regular dental visits. The X-rays taken at your exams will show these teeth coming in.
What is the best age to have wisdom teeth extracted?
We recommend that you have your wisdom teeth extracted as soon as you learn that there is not enough space in your mouth for these teeth to erupt properly. Wisdom teeth can be removed as young as 11 or 12 years of age, though many patients wait until they are 17 or 18. Our oral surgeon will work with you to determine when the best time to have your wisdom teeth removed is.
Why are wisdom teeth more difficult to remove than other teeth?
Wisdom teeth do not usually come in the way that your other teeth do. In many cases, they come in at an angle and need to be sectioned into pieces when extracted. If they have not yet erupted, our oral surgeon may also need to make an incision in the tissue before the tooth can be accessed and removed. Wisdom teeth also often have multiple roots and may have an unusual shape or structure, which means that additional precautions need to be taken to ensure they are removed properly.
What happens when my wisdom teeth are removed?
First, you will determine whether you would like to be sedated during your procedure. Our oral surgeon will offer several sedation options for you to consider. On the day of the procedure, you may also take some medications to help minimize postoperative pain and swelling. We ask that you be accompanied by a parent or other responsible adult, as you will be unable to drive yourself home following your procedure. The extraction itself will take about an hour, and you can expect to be in our office for up to two hours. Plan to spend the remainder of your day resting and recovering from your procedure and from any anesthesia you have received. We will provide you with detailed post-op instructions to help you recover.
What will I feel like after my wisdom teeth are removed?
You may experience some discomfort or swelling and will feel tired for a day or so following your procedure. Please follow your post-op instructions closely, as they will help you feel more comfortable and help you begin healing. Most patients will fully recover within 7 to 10 days, though some may experience shorter or longer healing periods.
How much does wisdom teeth removal cost?
Your treatment cost will depend on the position of your wisdom teeth and the anesthesia option you receive. Our oral surgeon will review your X-rays and create your treatment plan before providing you with an estimate of your treatment cost. Please check with both your medical and your dental insurance providers to determine the coverage of wisdom teeth removal and your out-of-pocket liability.