How to Prepare for Wisdom Tooth Extraction
Before the removal of your wisdom teeth, your oral and maxillofacial surgeons will recommend sedation options based on your specific needs, preferences, and the difficulty of your extraction surgery. Some standard sedation options used for wisdom tooth extraction include:
- Local anesthesia
- Nitrous oxide
- IV sedation
- Oral sedation
- General anesthesia
Based on the sedation option necessary for your procedure, your dentist will give you a set of pre-surgery instructions that you should follow to prevent any complications during your surgery. For example, general anesthesia might require you to fast for a specific amount of time prior to your oral surgery.
Your dentist will also take imaging, including x rays, perform an oral exam, and discuss your health history and any medication you are taking at your initial appointment, as some medications can negatively interfere with certain types of sedation. Using all of this information, your dentist will design a treatment plan that addresses your specific preferences and dental needs. In some cases, you might need all four molars removed; in others, you might only need one extracted. Your dentist can be a valuable resource to answer any questions you may have prior to your wisdom tooth extraction appointment, and many dentists recommend this as a preventive measure to protect your oral health.
What Happens During Wisdom Teeth Extraction
While no two wisdom teeth removal surgeries are identical, they will likely follow similar steps. This is a common procedure that your oral surgery team has performed many times. Your oral surgeon will begin by numbing your mouth with local anesthesia and giving you sedation to keep you comfortable throughout the procedure. Once your mouth is numb, they will make a small cut in your gums to expose your wisdom tooth and access the surrounding bone. Depending on the level of impaction, your oral surgeon might need to break the wisdom tooth into pieces to be removed. Before closing the incision with sutures, your oral surgeon will clean the socket to ensure no infection remains. A gauze pad will be placed over the wound to slow bleeding.
This procedure usually takes under an hour to complete but can take longer for more difficult and complex cases. At Birch Family Dental, our doctors understand that wisdom teeth extraction can be a scary experience, and we are here to ensure your surgical procedure is as smooth and comfortable as possible, minimizing the risk of surgical complications.
Tips for Recovering After Wisdom Teeth Removal in Green River, WY
You will likely have some mild pain, swelling, and bleeding after your wisdom teeth removal surgery. In general, a diet of soft foods is recommended in the first week after your procedure. It is vital you follow your oral surgeon’s post-operative instructions to set yourself up for success in your healing and prevent complications from happening. Here are some additional recommendations you can take to help relieve discomfort and promote healing:
- Rest as much as possible
- Use an ice pack to reduce swelling
- Keep your extraction sites clean, and rinse gently with warm salt water as directed
- Continue brushing and flossing the rest of your teeth daily
- Avoid exercise until your doctor clears you
- Avoid hard and chewy foods
- Avoid sugary or carbonated drinks
- Avoid drinking through a straw
- Monitor the surgical site for signs of infection
Recovery after wisdom teeth removal typically takes one to two weeks, but most people can resume normal daily activity within the first three to five days. While many people report an increase in swelling and pain around days three and four, these symptoms should begin to subside over the next week. If you see any signs of infection like pus at the extraction socket, experience severe pain or excessive bleeding, your pain or bleeding worsens after day four, or you experience a dry socket where your blood clot becomes dislodged and exposes the jawbone underneath (a painful condition), you should contact your dentist immediately for treatment. Don’t wait longer than necessary to seek care if you notice these warning signs.
Why You Might Need to Remove Wisdom Teeth
For most people in their late teens or early twenties, the time will come when they need their wisdom teeth removed. If that time is now for you or for someone in your family, Dr. Birch and the team at Birch Family Dental are here to help. Call 307-875-3658 today to schedule an appointment with our dentist for wisdom teeth removal in Green River, Wyoming
The third molars, which are commonly called the wisdom teeth, are typically the last teeth to come in, usually appearing behind your second molar. Because they are the last to erupt, there is often not enough space for the wisdom teeth to grow in as they should. When there is not sufficient space for the wisdom teeth, they may become impacted (unable to fully break through the gum tissue and jawbone) or grow in at an incorrect angle. Impacted wisdom teeth that do not erupt as they should can lead to several dental problems, such as:
- Disturbance of the natural tooth alignment or orthodontic treatment
- Damage to the neighboring teeth
- Tooth decay
- Infection and inflammation in the gums and other tissues (gum disease can develop around partially erupted back molars)
- The formation of cysts
- Damage to the jawbone and bone structure
Our dentist may recommend wisdom teeth removal to avoid these serious complications, prevent long term complications, and to keep your smile healthy. Early removal of problematic wisdom teeth can contribute to better oral health outcomes. We will carefully evaluate your smile, including the positioning of your teeth and wisdom teeth, to determine whether your smile would benefit from wisdom teeth removal. Our team will ensure that your wisdom teeth removal treatment in Green River, WY is as painless and comfortable as possible, protecting both your gum tissue and oral health. To learn more about wisdom teeth removal, please contact us today. We are committed to keeping your smile in the best possible health.
Cost and Financing Options for Oral Surgery
The cost of wisdom teeth removal at Birch Family Dental is available for as low as $100 per month through financing options, with the final price depending on factors such as the complexity of extraction, whether the teeth are impacted, and if sedation is required. While the monthly payment plan makes this necessary procedure more accessible, the total investment varies based on your specific case and the number of wisdom teeth being removed. We recommend scheduling a consultation for a personalized assessment and quote tailored to your unique oral surgery needs.
Key Factors Affecting Wisdom Teeth Removal Costs:
- Extraction Complexity: Simple versus impacted wisdom teeth removal procedures.
- Number of Teeth: Whether you need one, several, or all wisdom teeth extracted.
- Anesthesia Options: Local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia options affect pricing.
At Birch Family Dental, we understand that oral surgery is both a health necessity and a financial consideration. We offer flexible financing plans to make wisdom teeth removal more affordable, and our team will work with you to maximize any insurance benefits to reduce your out-of-pocket expenses.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wisdom Teeth Removal
How long does the wisdom teeth extraction procedure take?
Most wisdom teeth removal procedures typically take less than an hour to complete. However, the exact duration depends on factors such as the number of teeth being extracted, whether the teeth are impacted, and the complexity of your case. Simple extractions may take only 20-30 minutes, while more complex cases involving impacted wisdom teeth or removal of all four molars may require additional time.
When can I return to eating solid foods after my procedure?
After your wisdom tooth extraction, you should stick to soft foods for the first few days to allow proper healing of the surgical site. Most patients can gradually reintroduce solid foods after about 3-5 days, though complete healing of the extraction socket and gums may take 1-2 weeks. It’s important to avoid anything that could irritate the surgical site or dislodge the blood clot during the initial healing period.
What are the signs of complications after wisdom teeth removal?
While wisdom teeth extraction is generally safe, you should contact your dentist immediately if you experience excessive bleeding that doesn’t stop after applying pressure with a gauze pad, severe pain that worsens after day four, signs of infection such as fever or pus at the surgical site, or symptoms of dry socket (a painful condition where the blood clot becomes dislodged). These symptoms could indicate surgical complications that require prompt attention to protect your oral health.
Why do dentists recommend removing wisdom teeth even if they’re not causing pain?
Many dentists recommend early removal of wisdom teeth as a preventive measure, even before problems develop. Impacted wisdom teeth or those without enough space to erupt properly can lead to gum disease, damage to nearby teeth, infection in the gum tissue, and long term complications affecting your bone and overall oral health. Removing problematic wisdom teeth earlier, typically in late teens or early twenties, often results in easier recovery and better oral health outcomes than if you wait longer until complications arise.
