Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to emerge. It is called this because, presumably, we are wiser when wisdom teeth come out. Many cultures have different meanings for these teeth. Medically speaking, they can be an obstacle or a disturbance for individuals. So what is wisdom teeth removal? And how much does it cost?
What is wisdom teeth removal?
Wisdom teeth extraction is a dentist or surgeon’s process to remove one or multiple wisdom teeth. Untreated wisdom teeth can cause many problems, such as:
- A small jaw cannot fit the tooth. It becomes impacted and unable to break through the gums.
- Wisdom tooth might break mid-way through your gums. Tissue can grow over the tooth, which traps food and bacteria, which leads to swelling, redness, and constant aching.
- Growing wisdom teeth can cause damage to other teeth by overlapping or crowding limited space.
- Wisdom teeth can come out at an abnormal angle, which can lead to pain.
Your dentist might recommend wisdom teeth removal if you have any of the following:
- Crowding in the back of the teeth.
- Stuck wisdom tooth that didn’t break through the gums.
- Red, swollen, and painful gums.
- Gum disease and tooth decay.
The extraction is generally a safe procedure that can be done at the dentist’s office. You might face some risks and side effects after the removal:
- Non-stoppable bleeding for 24 hours.
- Pain and swelling in the area where the tooth was removed.
- Difficulty and pain with opening your jaw.
- Slow-healing gums.
- Numbness in the mouth and lips.
- A painful inflammation
- Infections
Before removing the tooth, your dentist will give you a local anesthetic in the area where the procedure will occur. The dentist will open the gum tissue and remove any bones and tissue surrounding the tooth.
After the extraction, stitches might be applied. Some stitches deserve on their own, while others have to be removed after a few days. A folded cotton gauze pad is placed over the wound to help stop the bleeding. Your dentist will guide you on how to care for yourself post-surgery. You might be advised to do the following:
- Bite gently on the pad periodically for the next 24 hours.
- Replace the pad after it becomes soaked in blood.
- Do not bite your tongues, gums, or tongue.
- Avoid lying flat.
- Relax after surgery.
- Use an ice pack on your cheek.
- Eat soft and liquid foods such as soups, pudding, and gelatin.
- Do not use a straw.
- Gently your mouth with salt water after 24 hours.
- Avoid smoking 24 hours after the surgery.
- Do not touch or rub the area.
- Brush teeth and tongue carefully.
It is not medically necessary to remove your wisdom teeth if you meet any of the following conditions:
Individuals who have never had any problems with wisdom teeth.
- Younger people (Late teens and early ’20s) have wisdom teeth that haven’t
- fully developed roots. Meaning it is easier to extract them.
- Most problems with wisdom teeth occur between the age of 15 to 25.
- If you are older than the age of 30, then you have only a small risk of om wisdom teeth.
Wisdom teeth removal cost without insurance
Wisdom tooth removal costs vary depending on the location, amount of teeth, and condition. For instance, a regular wisdom tooth extraction costs $200 per tooth. While impacted wisdom teeth cost upwards of $600.
Wisdom teeth removal cost with insurance
Insurance plans cover medically necessary wisdom teeth removals. Meaning, if the wisdom teeth pose a risk to your health condition or it is impacted. An insurance plan covers the surgery costs and NOT other expenses before and post-surgery. If you want to know which insurance companies offer wisdom teeth extraction coverage, you can contact our experts at The Art Of Insurance free of charge.
Wisdom teeth are a milestone that signifies the last emerging teeth. Depending on your life choices and habits, you may not need to remove it.
