Wisdom Teeth Removal

Wisdom teeth removal is a surgical procedure to take out your third molars, the last teeth to emerge in your mouth. Most people get their wisdom teeth between ages 17-25, but there’s often not enough room for them to come in properly. When wisdom teeth are impacted (stuck under the gum or against other teeth) or causing crowding, pain, or infection, we recommend removing them to protect your oral health.

Not everyone needs their wisdom teeth removed, but about 85% of people eventually do. If your wisdom teeth have enough room to come in straight and you can clean them properly, they can stay. However, most mouths don’t have adequate space, leading to impaction, crowding, decay, or gum disease. Dr. Fenton will evaluate your specific situation with X-rays and recommend removal only if necessary.

The procedure itself is comfortable because we use local anesthesia to numb the entire area completely. Dr. Fenton also offers sedation options including nitrous oxide and IV sedation to help you relax during the procedure. You’ll feel pressure and movement but no sharp pain. Afterward, expect some swelling and discomfort for 3-5 days, but prescription pain medication and ice packs help manage this effectively.

Removing all four wisdom teeth typically takes 45-90 minutes, depending on how complex your case is. Simple erupted teeth come out quickly, while impacted teeth buried in the jawbone take longer. The procedure time also depends on the number of teeth being removed – some patients only need one or two removed. We’ll give you a time estimate after examining your X-rays.

Most people feel back to normal within a week, though complete healing takes 2-3 weeks. The first 2-3 days involve the most swelling and discomfort. Plan to take it easy for a few days – no heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, or activities that might dislodge the blood clots. Stick to soft foods, use ice packs, and take pain medication as directed. Most people return to work or school within 2-4 days.

Focus on soft, cool foods for the first week while your mouth heals. Great options include yogurt, smoothies, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, ice cream, and soup (once it’s cooled down). Avoid anything crunchy, chewy, spicy, or hot that might irritate the extraction sites. Don’t use straws for at least a week – the suction can dislodge blood clots and cause painful dry socket.

Wisdom teeth removal typically costs $200-$600 per tooth, depending on the complexity. Simple extractions are less expensive, while impacted teeth requiring surgical removal cost more. Removing all four wisdom teeth usually ranges from $1,000-$3,000 total. Most dental insurance plans cover wisdom teeth removal at 70-80% when it’s medically necessary, which significantly reduces your out-of-pocket costs.

Yes, dental insurance typically covers wisdom teeth removal very well, usually at 70-80% of the cost. Most plans consider it a necessary procedure when teeth are impacted or causing problems. Some plans have annual maximums that might affect coverage if you need other dental work the same year. Our team will verify your specific benefits and help you understand your coverage before scheduling the procedure.