(412) 854-2310Wisdom Tooth Extraction – Pittsburgh, PA
Remove Problematic Wisdom Teeth to Preserve Grin
Are you a young adult or have you been feeling sore or achy in your jaw or behind your molars? If so, you may have additional teeth trying to grow in. Although they’re notorious for causing issues when they arrive, our team at Advanced Dental Solutions of Pittsburgh can remove problematic wisdom teeth to preserve your grin.
Continue reading to learn more about this procedure and why it’s often required, and feel free to contact us for additional information!
Why Choose Advanced Dental Solutions of Pittsburgh for Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
- Multiple Award-Winning Dentists
- Trusted Members of the American Dental Association
- Various Sedatives to Improve Patient Comfort
What are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth arrive years after the others have erupted already, usually between the ages of 17 and 25. It’s believed that our ancestors developed them for survival because they subsisted on a hard diet of nuts, berries, roots, and chewy meats. These molars likely compensated for any lost that were or damaged in their youth so they could continue eating normally. Now, these chompers are considered a vestigial feature because they no longer fulfill a necessary function.
Most people are born with four wisdom teeth, one for each quadrant of the mouth. However, it’s possible only to have one, two, or three, and some lucky individuals are born with none!
Why Do Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?
Today, wisdom teeth cause more problems than they’re worth so they’re extracted more often than not. Some common concerns they’re known for causing include:
- They often push neighboring teeth out of the way in their attempt to breach your gums, causing bite and jaw misalignments.
- They can leave your jaw, teeth, gums, face, neck, and head feeling tender and sore.
- They frequently get trapped in your jawbone and become infected because they don’t have enough space to grow in correctly.
- A painful fluid-filled sac, or cyst, can develop in your jaw or gums if your wisdom tooth becomes infected.
- Dental issues. Because they don’t usually fully clear your gums, they trap food and debris easily. They’re also harder to clean thoroughly because they’re in the very back of your mouth, increasing the likelihood of developing cavities, gum disease, or other concerns.
What to Expect from the Wisdom Teeth Procedure?
First, our team will numb the area with a local anesthetic to block the nerves in your teeth and gums from sending pain signals to your brain. We also offer nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and oral conscious sedation for patients who are overly anxious or require a surgical extraction. Once you’re comfortable, we’ll place a tool called an elevator to apply enough pressure to your tooth to separate it from the ligaments in the socket. Then, we can grasp it with forceps and gently wiggle it free.
Surgical removal may be required if your tooth has become impacted or infected. This involves numbing or sedating you and making a small cut in your gums to access your tooth. Sometimes, we must then break it into small pieces to be pulled safely from your jawbone.
Recovering from Wisdom Teeth Extraction
Your mouth must form a blood clot over the recently exposed bone tissue and nerves to prevent a potentially painful condition called dry socket. Many post-op instructions are intended to keep it intact. After your procedure, we recommend that you:
- Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water directly from a glass because the force of suction from using a straw can dislodge your blood clot.
- Get plenty of rest. Avoid exercise or strenuous activities that elevate your heart rate or blood pressure.
- Keep your mouth clean. In the first 24 hours, rinse with salt water to gently remove bacteria or debris that could infect the extraction site. You can usually resume gently brushing and flossing after that.
- Stick to soft foods. To avoid triggering aches or inflammation, stick to options that are easy to eat and digest, like scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, yogurt, or applesauce.
- Address aches. It’s normally to experience some mild to moderate discomfort, but it’s usually safe to take Tylenol or ibuprofen to reduce symptoms.
If you experience severe pain or it lasts for more than a week, contact our office so we can ensure that you’re healing as intended.
Understanding the Cost of Wisdom Tooth Extractions
If you’re hurting or having dental problems due to wisdom teeth, the last thing you want to have to worry about is your budget. However, it’s natural to want to know what you can expect to pay for your procedure to ensure you can afford it.
Continue reading to learn more about how the rate of your wisdom tooth extraction is determined, and feel free to let us know if you have additional questions!
Factors That Can Impact the Cost of Wisdom Tooth Extractions
You might not pay the same rate as someone else for your treatment because the cost significantly depends on your unique situation. Once our team has examined your condition, we can provide a detailed estimate.
Some factors that influence the amount due include:
- The number of teeth being removed. Those having only one tooth pulled can expect to pay less than those having 3 or 4 extracted.
- The severity of your condition. If your tooth is trapped in your jaw or infected, you’ll likely require a surgical extraction which is more complex and expensive.
- Medications used. We offer two options for sedation, and each has its own pricing.
- Whether a specialist is required. More challenging cases sometimes require an additional outside specialist who must also be paid. Thankfully, we have a skilled oral surgeon already on staff.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Wisdom Tooth Extractions?
Many dental insurance policies include at least partial coverage for oral surgeries like wisdom tooth extractions. However, it’s worth checking the details of your plan because there’s no guarantee. Some also have qualifications that must be met before benefits kick in, like paying your annual deductible or completing a waiting period first.
Please let us know if you require assistance finding the necessary information or submitting insurance claims. Our friendly office staff is familiar with the process and are glad to help you maximize your benefits!
How to Make Wisdom Tooth Extractions Affordable
Problematic wisdom teeth can put your dental health at risk, and we don’t want your budget to keep you from smile-saving care. If you don’t carry dental insurance, don’t worry! We also have partnered with a third-party financer, CareCredit, to offer flexible financial payment plans. If your application is approved, this program allows you to break up your final invoice into smaller more manageable installments over 6, 12, or up to 60 months.
Wisdom Tooth Extractions FAQs
How Should I Prepare for My Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
Prior to your appointment, we will answer any questions to ensure you feel prepared in the weeks leading up to it. We will also provide you with some guidelines on what to do, like wearing something comfortable to your appointment, and what not to do, like smoking. If you’re being sedated, then we may also ask you to fast beforehand to prevent you from feeling nauseous.
Tip: If you don’t have cold compresses, OTC pain medication, or soft foods in your pantry, stock up before your appointment! That way, you can focus on resting after your procedure instead of running errands afterward to ensure you have everything you need.
Is Wisdom Tooth Removal Painful?
Whether you’re having one wisdom tooth removed or all four, the first step of the treatment process is always the same: to numb your mouth thoroughly beforehand. That way, you can relax comfortably in the treatment chair while we work. Once we’re done, we will tend to the extraction site and provide you with a list of aftercare instructions to ensure the recovery period is smooth and painless.
Should Wisdom Teeth Be Removed If They Don’t Hurt?
You might be surprised, but the answer is “yes.” At least, they should be removed if there isn’t enough room in your mouth, your risk of experiencing orthodontic issues increases considerably, or their presence puts you at risk for cysts, infections, and other problems. In short, problematic wisdom teeth are often accompanied by jaw pain and discomfort, but those aren’t the only reasons dentists recommend having them removed.
How Soon Can I Eat After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
You need to wait until the numbing agent has completely worn off, which usually takes a few hours. Once you’ve regained full sensation, you can eat, but make sure it’s something extremely soft, like plain yogurt, low-sugar applesauce, and cottage cheese. It’s also important to check the temperature of whatever you’re eating beforehand because the area around the extraction site is going to be more sensitive than usual.
When Can I Use a Straw After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
In an effort to prevent a dry socket, patients are asked not to use a straw immediately after having their wisdom teeth removed. But how long do you need to wait, exactly? While the answer depends on a few factors, including your rate of healing, the general consensus is that it’s best to wait at least three days. It may be a bit difficult if you’re used to drinking coffee, water, or soda through a straw, but it’s worth the wait; the last thing you want is for something to delay the healing period even further.