Wisdom teeth are also referred to as your third molars. They are the last teeth to come into the mouth, typically showing up sometime between age 17 and 25. The wisdom teeth aren’t necessary for proper oral function. At times, they can even cause dental issues when they come in. Your Whittier family dentist may determine that it’s best for your oral and overall health to have these teeth removed.
In many cases, people simply don’t have enough space in their mouth for four more teeth. Because of this, the wisdom teeth can adversely impact adjacent teeth as they try to come in, pushing against the roots and causing damage.
Even if you have room in your mouth for your wisdom teeth, you might find that they’re difficult to clean. If they’re hard to reach, it’s almost impossible to thoroughly clean those teeth. Poor oral hygiene can result in dental decay and gum disease, which will impact both your wisdom teeth and the teeth around them.
Another situation that commonly arises is that, as the wisdom teeth come in, they cause the other teeth to shift – either to make more room in the mouth for them or because the wisdom teeth are erupting incorrectly. The result is crowded, crooked teeth that are difficult to clean. Some people are embarrassed by crooked teeth and try to hide their smile. But beyond esthetics, another reason this type of shifting is unhealthy is that it adversely impacts the bite, which can result in:
There is no set time, date, or age as to when you should have your wisdom teeth extracted. The ideal time is when we notice they’re going to be a problem. We can do this when a patient is still a teen. When they come in for regular visits, and we do an ortho consultation or take x-rays, we can see if the teeth are impacted, if they’re likely to damage the adjacent teeth, or if there’s simply no room for them to come in.
However, if you’re not a teen and you notice your wisdom teeth coming in, or you’re older and have had your wisdom teeth for years, we can still extract them if they start to cause problems.
To prevent potential issues, many people undergo a routine wisdom tooth extraction in which these four teeth are removed before they come in. You may or may not need to be referred to an oral surgeon. It depends on the complexity of your case.
Your dentist or oral surgeon will use one of two techniques to remove the teeth.
Since you are numb, you won’t feel anything but pressure. After the procedure, your gums and jaw will be a bit sore. The soreness will dissipate within a few days as the gum tissue heals. Anti-inflammatory medication can help, as can placing an ice pack on your jaw.
The cost of an extraction depends on:
Your portion of the cost will depend on whether you have insurance. Many insurance companies cover extractions between 50% and 80% depending on the plan. It is best to call your insurance company to learn more about how much they plan to cover. Before your appointment, we can review your co-payment estimate and come up with a payment plan.
Dr. Omid and his team want to make all your appointments as comfortable as possible. If you need your wisdom teeth out, we can simply numb the teeth. If you’re at all anxious, we can use nitrous oxide or prescribe oral sedatives. We will do whatever it takes to keep you comfortable physically and emotionally during your appointment.
Do you think you or your child might need to have some wisdom teeth removed? Contact us for an examination.
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