Wisdom Tooth Extractions – Wauwatosa, WI
Keeping Your Mouth Healthy & Infection-Free
The wisdom teeth are the third set of molars in the mouth. They are located at the back of the mouth in the upper and lower jaws and generally erupt between the ages of seventeen to twenty- five. Although they don’t always cause problems, they can sometimes result in oral health consequences if they are not removed. Find out more about wisdom tooth extractions in Wauwatosa, WI on this page.
Why Choose Wauwatosa Dental Arts for Wisdom Tooth Extractions?
- Advanced Cone Beam CT Scanner
- We Accept Dental Insurance
- Experienced Team of Dentists
Do All Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?
In many cases, there may not be enough space in the jaw to accommodate the wisdom teeth properly. This can cause the wisdom teeth to erupt partially or at an angle, leading them to be stuck in the jaw at an undesirable position. Such a condition is known as wisdom tooth impaction and can become a reason for infection and damage to the other teeth around the impacted tooth.
Although it is not always necessary for an impacted wisdom tooth to be extracted, sometimes it could cause decay, pain, or swelling and needs to be removed. The removal of the tooth is performed under the effect of a local anesthetic. X-rays of the mouth are taken prior to the commencement of the procedure in order to understand the exact position of the tooth. After the procedure, we will provide you with detailed instructions on how to care for the extraction site to ensure appropriate healing. The area can take four or five days to heal. Caution should be exercised during this period, and the extraction site should be properly cared for.
Recovering from Wisdom Tooth Extraction
Below are a few tips for post-op care after undergoing a wisdom tooth extraction:
- A piece of gauze is placed at the extraction site to control bleeding. Gently bite down on it and keep it on for about an hour after the procedure is over.
- Do not rinse the mouth vigorously for a few days after the procedure.
- Avoid drinking from a straw.
- If swelling occurs, place an icepack on the side of the cheek adjacent to the surgical site.
- Stick to eating soft, cold foods for a few days after surgery.
- Avoid touching the site of the removed tooth with your fingers or tongue.
Understanding the Cost of Wisdom Tooth Extraction
Since every patient is unique, the cost of wisdom tooth extraction in Wauwatosa will vary significantly on a case-by-case basis. While you may not look forward to having a tooth pulled, it’s necessary to ensure the health and future of your smile. Before you schedule your procedure, you likely want to know what to expect in terms of the overall price. Don’t worry – our team will take the time to discuss your financing options and alleviate your concerns regarding the cost of this treatment.
Factors That Can Affect Tooth Extraction Cost
The first thing you’ll do is meet with your emergency dentist to determine whether or not a wisdom tooth extraction is necessary. Our team will conduct a detailed examination to provide you with an accurate estimate as to how much you can expect to pay for your procedure.
Here are some factors that can affect the overall price:
- Type of tooth that must be removed (i.e., incisor or molar)
- Location of the tooth inside the mouth
- Number of teeth you’ll need to have extracted
- Whether you require a surgical or simple procedure
- Specific restorative treatment needed to replace the extracted tooth (i.e., dental bridge, dental implant, denture)
Does Dental Insurance Cover Tooth Extractions?
You’ll be happy to know that most dental insurance companies consider wisdom tooth extractions to be a major restorative procedure. For that reason, you will find that a majority of plans will agree to cover them at about 50%. Of course, the exact percentage can vary depending on your deductible and how much of your yearly maximum is available.
It’s worth noting that your insurance may have a waiting period you’ll need to abide by. Rest assured – our team at Wauwatosa Dental Arts will gladly help you navigate your dental insurance policy and make the process as easy as possible.
Other Options for Making Tooth Extractions Affordable
Wisdom tooth extraction can be an unexpected expense for many people. That’s why we offer another way for you to pay and still keep your care affordable! With CareCredit financing, you can split up the overall cost of your extraction into smaller monthly installments so you can stay within your budget. Most payment plans come with little-to-no interest attached, allowing you to save even more money.
Wisdom Tooth Extractions FAQs
Even if you need wisdom tooth extractions in Wauwatosa, you might hesitate. In particular, you may still have concerns about the extraction you want to address. That’s only natural — getting more details about treatment can confirm if it’s right for you. Luckily, we at Wauwatosa Dental Arts can help: here are the answers to some big questions about wisdom tooth removal. Read them over to learn more about the procedure. Otherwise, you’re always free to contact our office for more help!
Why Do We Have Wisdom Teeth?
Since wisdom teeth often need to be pulled, you might wonder why we have them. Well, the explanation is rooted in ancient human history.
You see, early humans subsisted on various raw foods — uncooked meat, nuts, roots, etc. Consequently, they had broad jaws and strong molars to chew their meals. Wisdom teeth thus had the room they needed during those days and served a key purpose.
In contrast, people today soften food by cooking, baking, cutting, or preparing it. As a result, our jaws stopped making space for wisdom teeth — such molars are unnecessary now. However, that fact means the extra teeth cause problems when they start to erupt.
Does Everyone Have Wisdom Teeth?
Generally, most people around the world get all four wisdom teeth. In fact, these pearly whites consistently emerge between the ages of 17 and 21. That said, there are exceptions to this rule.
As it turns out, some lack at least one wisdom tooth or don’t have any. Current research even shows that 5-37% of people worldwide are missing one or more of these teeth. As for why this happens, genetics is likely a factor. If one or both of your parents don’t have all their third molars, you may miss at least one.
What’s the Best Age to Get Wisdom Teeth Removed?
Technically, there’s no set age at which wisdom teeth need to be pulled. Even so, most dentists will suggest getting them extracted in early adulthood.
The issue is that wisdom tooth roots further embed in your jaw as you age. As a result, pulling them is more complicated in older patients. Doing so can cause lasting injuries that take longer to heal after surgery.
Meanwhile, having the procedure is easier when a patient is in high school or college. Not only are the wisdom teeth less firmly embedded, but treatment can be planned around a long weekend or a holiday break.
Is Wisdom Tooth Removal Painful?
Fortunately, wisdom tooth removal is painless. Dentists take steps to ensure the surgery goes smoothly and comfortably.
Before wisdom tooth surgery even begins, the dentist will numb your mouth with a local anesthetic. This act ensures your body is less able to register pain. Plus, you’ll likely be sedated, so the numbing process is even more effective.
At most, you may feel slight soreness after the treatment. However, even that symptom is temporary and fades within a few days. So long you follow the proper aftercare, you’ll feel back to normal in no time.