Wisdom Tooth Extractions – Lincoln, NE
Protect Your Smile with This Common Rite of Passage
Removing a tooth can feel like a drastic step to take, but it sometimes is the best or only available option for your best oral health. Although our team at Williamsburg Dental can handle any kind of tooth extraction, wisdom teeth often present a unique set of challenges. Read on to learn more about these teeth, how our team can make the entire process a smoother and more pleasant experience for everyone, and what we can do to preserve your smile for the long run after wisdom tooth extractions in our Lincoln, NE dental office.
What Wisdom Teeth Are
In the late teenage years through early 20s, a third set of molars, commonly called wisdom teeth, erupts at the back of the mouth. Before dental hygiene became a priority in history, our ancestors needed these teeth to replace ones they had lost early on to decay or injury. However, today people retain most or all their teeth and often don’t require this extra set.
When Wisdom Teeth Should Be Removed
In nearly every scenario where we would recommend extraction, there simply isn’t enough room in the mouth to fit these third molars. The wisdom teeth may be impacted or erupt at an angle, which can potentially lead to infections. They can also push against the other teeth, making them shift out of position and cause soreness. When you or your child enters this phase in life, we’ll closely monitor the wisdom teeth’s development and eruption early to make sure that you don’t have to experience these problems.
Process for Removing Wisdom Teeth
Once we have determined that extraction is the best course of action for your smile, we’ll make sure that you’re completely comfortable with a local anesthetic. This should numb any pain or discomfort throughout the entire procedure. Then, depending on whether teeth have erupted or not, we’ll carefully remove the wisdom teeth. If still under the gums, we’ll make a small incision and surgically extract the teeth. For erupted teeth, we’ll gently rock them back and forth with dental pliers until they come free.
Understanding the Cost of Wisdom Tooth Extractions
At Williamsburg Dental, we believe in being transparent with our patients. However, because the circumstances for each person can be unique, we are not able to provide accurate estimates for this procedure until we have had the chance to examine your specific set of teeth. Only then will we know what measures we will need to take to safely and effectively perform this procedure as well as know the appropriate pricing for treatment.
Factors That Can Impact the Cost of Wisdom Tooth Extractions
When calculating the cost of extracting wisdom teeth, we consider several things, including the number of teeth being extracted, whether or not they have erupted through the gums, and the difficulty accessing these teeth. A patient who is having just one wisdom tooth removed will likely pay less than someone having all four extracted. For some patients, wisdom teeth are still well below the surface, which means we’ll need to approach treatment surgically. In this situation, the cost is higher because the procedure is more complicated.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Wisdom Tooth Extractions?
Fortunately, most dental insurance plans do include benefits that reduce the cost of wisdom tooth extraction. However, keep in mind that it will probably not pay for the entire procedure, which means you’ll need to be prepared to fund the rest of the cost after insurance pays its portion. If you have questions about your insurance coverage, don’t hesitate to ask our front desk team. We’ll be happy to go through specific numbers with you as soon as your treatment plan is created.
How to Make Wisdom Tooth Extractions Affordable
Whether you do or do not currently have dental insurance, we offer a couple of other financial options that can help you with the cost of your wisdom tooth extraction. As an alternative to insurance, our in-house membership plan comes with a 15 percent discount on most procedures, which can help you save significantly. In addition, we can help you apply for low-interest financing for whatever cost you pay out-of-pocket. With financing, you can make payments over time, instead of all at once.
Aftercare for Wisdom Tooth Extractions
Following your wisdom teeth removal, it is imperative that you take care of yourself and follow our instructions. Failing to do so could result in complications and painful infections, like dry socket. Here are some things to do to heal properly:
- Rest for a few days from rigorous activity.
- Keep fresh gauze on the site, replacing it every few hours.
- Gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water to keep the site clean.
- Eat soft foods (e.g., mashed potatoes, yogurt, oatmeal, eggs) for a couple of days, slowing working your way back to a normal diet.
- Do not use a straw for at least 48 hours after the procedure.
- Do not smoke or use tobacco products for at least 48 hours after the procedure.
If you have questions or concerns about the healing process after extraction, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team!
Frequently Asked Questions about Wisdom Tooth Extractions
Although not as risky as other surgical procedures, wisdom tooth removal can still be intimidating for some patients. We want you and your teen to be completely comfortable throughout the entire process, which means that we’re happy to answer any questions you may have. Here are our responses to some of them, but feel free to contact us if you think of others.
I Don’t Feel Any Discomfort. Do My Wisdom Teeth Still Need to Be Removed?
At Williamsburg Dental, we keep a close watch on wisdom teeth starting when a teenager turns 15 or 16. When they develop under the surface, we evaluate the current spacing of the teeth, as well as the orientation of the wisdom teeth. It’s entirely possible that we may identify potential problems before you or your teen experiences any symptoms. We may recommend removing troublesome wisdom teeth in advance so that you don’t have to endure symptoms later on.
How Can I Prepare for the Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
Before the procedure, we’ll take every precaution to make sure everything goes smoothly. We’ll ask you about medications you’re taking, including vitamins, antibiotics, and prescriptions. It may be helpful for you to write down a list of your medications so that we can be aware and plan accordingly, if necessary. On the day of the procedure, be sure you follow our instructions and arrive on time. If you are undergoing the wisdom tooth extraction, arrange to have a friend or family member drive you home afterward.
When Should I Call Williamsburg Dental?
Don’t be alarmed if you continue to see blood on the gauze a few hours after you get home. Also, some pain for a few days is normal following wisdom tooth extraction, but it should subside and be controlled with pain medication. However, if you experience any of the following, you should give us a call:
- Bleeding that lasts longer than 48 hours
- Persistent or worsening swelling after a few days
- Fever
- Pus in the socket
- Numbness or loss of feeling at the site
- Increasing pain even with pain medication
Is a Blood Clot on the Surgical Site a Good Thing?
Yes! That blood clot is essential to the healing process. Basically, it protects the vulnerable, sensitive nerves and bone tissue underneath from bacteria. Sucking on a straw or eating hard, chewy foods too soon may dislodge the clot, increasing your chances of infection. Once a blood clot has formed on the site, usually between 24 to 48 hours after the procedure, make sure it stays there by continuing to be gentle with your mouth for a couple of days.