Wisdom Tooth Extractions – Cambria, CA
Safe & Effective Care Right at Home
Did you know that the wisdom teeth are the most often extracted teeth? It’s true, and for many other family dental offices, this procedure requires them to refer patients to an outside dentistry specialist. Having to go to an unfamiliar doctor for minor surgery is a bit nerve-wracking to say the least, so we like to save our patients the stress by performing wisdom tooth extractions right here at Cambria Smiles. Our team has the skills and special training needed to ensure patients get exactly what they need and enjoy a fast and comfortable recovery.
Why Choose Cambria Smiles for Wisdom Tooth Extractions
Procedure performed in-house without the need of an outside specialist
Kind, friendly, & experienced team
Sedation & local anesthetic make the procedure practically painless
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
What are the wisdom teeth, and why are they so wise? In truth, they get their name from the fact that they are typically the last set of teeth to come in, appearing sometime around the late teens or early twenties. They are a third set of molars, and while they were important to our caveman ancestors, they just tend to cause problems for humans today.
In the past (as in thousands of years ago), the human diet mostly consisted of very tough and hard to chew foods, such as uncooked plants, roots, and meats. This meant that the teeth primarily needed to break the food down (the molars) usually became worn out and cracked over time, so having an extra set came in very handy.
However, thanks to modern cooking methods that make food much easier to chew and the invention of dentistry, these teeth are now basically unnecessary. So, overtime, the size of the average human jaw began to shrink, but the teeth themselves never went away. As a result, most people simply don’t have enough room in their mouth for the wisdom teeth, which is why they often need to be extracted.
Why the Wisdom Teeth Are Usually Removed
As the wisdom teeth start to come in, they tend to cause a whole array of problems. Often, they put pressure on the teeth currently in the mouth, which can cause pain and even crowding if left alone for too long. This can eventually cause the wisdom teeth to shift and try to come in sideways, which can lead to even more pain. They often become impacted, or stuck within the gums or jawbone, and this can cause them to develop an infection that, if left untreated, can reach all the way down to the jawbone, damaging the foundation of the back teeth.
Thankfully, simply removing these teeth in a timely manner can help a patient avoid all of these issues, and that’s our primary goal here at Cambria Smiles.
How a Wisdom Tooth Extraction Works
Ideally, we would have the chance to remove the wisdom teeth before they cause any problems. We would do this by taking X-rays at a patient's regular checkups, and if we see that the wisdom teeth are about to become an issue, we can recommend that they be removed. However, if a patient is already experiencing pain or pressure, we can organize for the procedure to be performed right away.
First, we will numb the patient’s mouth using local anesthesia, and we’ll likely administer nitrous oxide sedation to help calm any nerves someone might be feeling.
At this point, the position of the wisdom teeth will influence what we do next. If a tooth is already mostly erupted, we’ll simply hold it with a pair of dental forceps and gently rock the tooth back and forth until it slips out on its own.
However, if a tooth is still stuck within the gums or jawbone, we’ll need to remove any tissue blocking it before it can be safely extracted. Afterward, we’ll close the treatment site with self-dissolving stitches.
What to Expect After a Wisdom Tooth Extraction
Right after a wisdom tooth extraction, a patient will be advised to take the rest of the day easy and stick to a soft food diet for the next few days. They should keep their head elevated to ensure the area clots properly, plus they’ll need to change their dressings every few hours.
The total healing time can vary from patient to patient, but in most cases, patients should be able to resume their normal activities and their regular diet after about a week. One tip is for patients to stock up on softer foods (soup, noodles, gelatin, pudding, etc.) before their procedure so they don’t have to go to the store while recovering.
We’re Here to Help
If you or your child are starting to have problems concerning the wisdom teeth, getting treatment as soon as possible is the key to relieving any pain and having a quick recovery. To learn more about the wisdom teeth and how we can help you at Cambria Smiles, give us a call today.
Understanding the Cost of Wisdom Tooth Extractions
Your third molars, also known as your “wisdom teeth,” usually erupt when you’re between the ages of 16 and 25. They were probably useful for our distant ancestors, but many people these days don’t have enough room in their mouths to handle them. If you need to have your wisdom teeth extracted, you may be wondering what the bill will look like. During your consultation with us, we can give you specific details. In the meantime, here are some things to take into consideration.
Factors That Can Impact the Cost of Wisdom Tooth Extractions
The cost of your procedure will be based on several different factors. Here are some of the prominent ones for you to consider:
- Number of Teeth: Some people don’t develop all four of their wisdom teeth. In fact, some people have none, one, two, or three!
- Complexity: Impacted wisdom teeth can be much more complicated to remove. The more difficult the removal, the higher the cost tends to be.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Wisdom Tooth Extractions?
The majority of dental insurance plans will partially cover your wisdom tooth removal. However, this will depend on several different factors, like if you have met your deductible and maximum. The best way to learn more about your plan is to contact your insurance provider. We would also be happy to help. We are happy to submit all insurance forms for you and help you recover the most from your benefits!
Other Options for Making Wisdom Tooth Extractions Affordable
If you don’t have dental insurance, this doesn’t necessarily mean that you are completely left on your own. You can sign up for the Kleer Membership Program. For one low annual fee, you’ll instantly gain access to a wide variety of completely and partially covered services, ranging from checkups and cleanings to crowns and more. We also work with CareCredit – a third-party financing company that can split the cost of your treatment into manageable monthly installments with little to no interest. To learn more about your financial options, don’t hesitate to reach out to one of our friendly team members.
Wisdom Tooth Extractions FAQs
Does Everyone Have Wisdom Teeth?
It’s currently estimated that upwards of 37% of people are missing at least one of their wisdom teeth. So, no, not everyone has them! Since genetics is one of the biggest factors, you may not have all four emerge if your parents or grandparents didn’t.
How Should I Prepare for My Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
We mentioned previously what we recommend doing after your tooth extraction, but what about before? First, we recommend asking your dental team if there are any specific instructions they have for you, like fasting prior to your appointment. Outside of that, it’s a good idea to spend some time getting prepared. That includes everything from making sure you have OTC pain medication and soft foods and extends to arranging for someone you know and trust to drive you home from the procedure.
How Do You Make Wisdom Teeth Pain Go Away?
For long-term relief, you need to have them removed. Fortunately, there are several things you can do in the short-term to alleviate the discomfort, sensitivity, or pain you’re experiencing sooner, starting with using a cold compress for 10 minutes at a time. It’s also a good idea to eat soft foods that don’t require a lot of chewing, rinse periodically with warm saltwater, and take OTC pain medication as directed on the label.
Is Wisdom Tooth Removal Painful?
If you’re worried that the wisdom tooth removal process will be painful, don’t – the first step is numbing your mouth with a local anesthetic. That means you won’t feel any pain in the treatment chair, and likely for even the first several hours after returning home. Once it wears off, you can take OTC pain medication to keep discomfort, soreness, and sensitivity at bay.
Should Wisdom Teeth Be Removed If They Don’t Hurt?
Sometimes, yes! After all, even if your wisdom teeth don’t hurt right now, they could in the future. Plus, their presence could increase your risk of several serious oral health problems, including tooth decay, infections, and cysts.
Note: If you want to learn about the treatment your dentist recommended and why, don’t hesitate to ask! At Cambria Smiles, we’re happy to answer any questions our patients have regarding their oral health so they can feel confident moving forward.
Why Are Wisdom Teeth Called That?
While the first and second molars emerge in early childhood, wisdom teeth typically don’t make an appearance until the late teens or early 20s. Since wisdom comes with age, the third set of molars earned the nickname “wisdom teeth.” Having them removed has become so commonplace that it’s often looked at as a right-of-passage; something that everyone experiences with their favorite TV show on and a bowl of ice cream in-hand.