Wisdom Teeth Removal

WHAT ARE WISDOM TEETH?

Wisdom Teeth are your third molars and are the last molars to erupt in the back of your mouth. Their name comes from the fact that they usually begin coming in between the ages of 17 to 21, which has been called the coming of age time period (or the period of wisdom) in a person’s life. While many teens and adults develop a full set of permanent teeth, they do not realize that their third molars are present because they are impacted. Impacted molars form beneath the surface of the gums and are often undetectable without regular dental examinations.

WHY SHOULD I GET MY WISDOM TEETH REMOVED?

Wisdom teeth removal is necessary because patients are more susceptible to other problems when they keep their molars, including:

• Bacterial growth, gum disease, and tooth decay
• Misalignment of healthy teeth
• Swelling, stiffness, tenderness, and pain
• Bad breath in the mouth caused by periodontal disease
• Increased risk of tumor growth and cyst development

WHAT DOES REMOVAL REQUIRE?

Your course of treatment depends on the root development and position of the molars. If they have fully grown through the gums, they can be extracted like any other tooth; however, when they are still beneath the gums, they will require a surgical procedure. During treatment, an incision is made into the gums, and any bone that lies over the tooth is removed. When the tooth is extracted from the mouth, the tooth will be extracted in smaller pieces to minimize the amount of bone that is removed.

Most thirds extractions require local anesthesia (an injection to numb the gum around the tooth being extracted). Intravenous (IV) sedation may also be utilized to help ease any presurgical anxiety you may have. We will discuss with you what type of anesthesia is best for your needs. Before your procedure, you will receive a thorough oral examination, X-rays, and possibly 3D scanning of the mouth to determine the position and size of the teeth.

The surgeons at Greater Modesto Dental Implant & Oral Surgery Center recommend that wisdom teeth be removed early, usually during the mid to late teens. The removal and recovery process is generally much more rapid if wisdom teeth are removed early. Please contact us to make an appointment.

Cost of Wisdom Teeth Removal

At Greater Modesto Dental Implant & Oral Surgery, we offer wisdom teeth removal at costs that are competitive in Modesto and the surrounding regions. Wisdom teeth often cause problems later in life if they are not removed, which is why we try to make our services affordable for all patients. Our prices are fair, and we accept a variety of forms of payment, including financing through CareCredit^®, which requires a short credit application.

Determining the exact cost of your wisdom teeth removal will involve a consultation appointment. At this appointment, one of our doctors can perform a thorough exam, which will help us develop an estimate for treatment. The price will depend on several factors, including

• The number of teeth requiring removal
• Their level of development
• Whether or not they are impacted
• Your choice of anesthesia
• Your insurance coverage

THE VALUE OF WISDOM TEETH REMOVAL

Many people don’t realize the dangers associated with wisdom teeth if they are left in the mouth. Most people’s mouths are too small for the teeth to grow in properly, which means they often grow incorrectly. Improper development generally results in impaction, which can then cause more serious problems, such as infection, cysts, dental crowding, and even tumors. The value of having your third molars extracted far outweighs the cost of the removal procedure. Once the teeth are extracted, there is no longer a risk of them damaging adjacent teeth or bone, which can be costly to repair. Additionally, you won’t experience the discomfort that occurs when wisdom teeth grow toward your other teeth or become stuck beneath the gums and cause infection.