Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, typically come in during the late teenage years to early adulthood, generally between the ages of 17 and 25 (though this timing varies widely, and not everyone will develop wisdom teeth). Nearly 85% of people will need to have their wisdom teeth removed. Some of those teeth never even erupt through the gums, while others only do partially.
When 3rd molars are unerupted or impacted to where they physically can’t come in, the process to remove them is different than a simple extraction. In dental terms, the procedure is referred to as a surgical extraction.
How are wisdom teeth removed?
Wisdom teeth removal is a common surgical procedure often performed to prevent or address problems related to the eruption of the third molars. When wisdom teeth are fully erupted and visible, the extraction process is relatively straightforward. The dentist or oral surgeon will administer a local anesthetic to numb the area around the tooth. Then, using specialized dental instruments, the tooth is loosened from the surrounding tissues and gently extracted. In cases where the tooth is difficult to remove, it may be sectioned into smaller pieces for easier extraction. Post-surgery, patients typically experience some swelling and discomfort, which can be managed with pain relievers and ice packs.
Impacted wisdom teeth, which remain below the gum line and are often impacted, require a more complex extraction procedure. These teeth may be completely encased in the jawbone or partially covered by gum tissue. The surgeon first makes an incision in the gum to expose the tooth and, if necessary, removes a portion of the bone covering the tooth. The tooth is then divided into sections and extracted piece by piece to minimize damage to the surrounding bone and tissue. This surgical extraction often involves a longer recovery period, with patients experiencing more pronounced swelling and discomfort. Proper aftercare, including following the surgeon’s instructions, is crucial to prevent complications such as infection or dry socket.
Are Impacted Wisdom Teeth a Real Problem?
You may be thinking to yourself, “If my tooth isn’t even in, there’s no way it can cause any problems. Why should I bother having it removed?”
The truth is, even wisdom teeth that haven’t erupted can cause big issues that affect your oral health. Approximately 25% of adults will see side effects like cysts, infections, tumors, or harm to adjacent teeth due to the way their wisdom teeth are developing. Your dentist can screen for issues like these with routine diagnostic x-rays, giving you a head’s up before you start to develop additional symptoms.
What About Partially Erupted Wisdom Teeth?
Let’s say your tooth is only erupting slightly through the gums, but is otherwise “trapped” further down due to lack of space in your jaws or the fact that it’s coming in at an angle. You or your dentist can spot a small opening or even a fraction of the tooth peeking through, but the rest will never find its way into your mouth.
Sometimes partially erupted wisdom teeth are even worse than the ones that don’t come in at all. Their location and situation makes them especially challenging to clean. It’s easy for food and bacteria to find their way under the gum opening and build up around the tooth underneath. Since a toothbrush and floss can’t clean these areas out, they almost always start to develop cavities and gum disease.
“So, I’ll just get my wisdom tooth pulled when it starts to hurt” you start to tell yourself. Well, that’s not the best way to proceed. Partially erupted and infected wisdom teeth – and even asymptomatic wisdom teeth, can cause the neighboring tooth to become infected as well and may also push nearby existing teeth out of alignment. Instead of worrying about just your 3rd molars, now you’re having to deal with the health of all your 2nd molars as well. Follow your dentist’s advice on when to remove your wisdom teeth. They may advise you to have the teeth extracted to prevent future problems, or may opt to keep an eye on the impacted tooth and see whether it needs to be removed or not.
Who Can Extract or Pull Impacted Wisdom Teeth?
Now you see why having your impacted wisdom teeth pulled can be beneficial to the other teeth in your mouth. So, who can provide such a surgical extraction? Is this something you can do at your family dentist’s office? In some cases, yes. But many general dentists will usually refer you to a specialist like an oral surgeon.
While seeing a specialist can be more expensive in the long run, you can rest assured that the procedure will be efficient and predictable. Most oral surgeons or dentists pulling wisdom teeth will also offer sedation to help you relax or “nap” through the surgery.
What can I eat after wisdom teeth extraction?
After wisdom teeth removal, it is essential to follow a soft food diet to facilitate healing and minimize discomfort. Initially, you can consume foods like applesauce, yogurt, smoothies, and mashed potatoes, which are easy to eat and do not require chewing. Cold foods, such as ice cream and milkshakes (without a straw), can help reduce swelling and provide relief. Soups and broths are also excellent options, provided they are not too hot, as extreme temperatures can irritate the extraction site. It’s crucial to avoid using a straw for the first few days as the suction can dislodge the blood clot, leading to a painful condition known as dry socket.
As healing progresses, you can gradually introduce slightly more substantial foods such as scrambled eggs, oatmeal, and soft pasta. Soft fruits like bananas and avocado, as well as cooked vegetables, can be added to your diet as your mouth starts to feel better. It’s important to avoid crunchy, chewy, or hard foods like nuts, chips, and raw vegetables, which can cause injury to the healing site or get lodged in the extraction sockets. Spicy foods should also be avoided as they can cause irritation.
How Much Does Wisdom Teeth Extraction Cost?
As you plan to have wisdom teeth removed — especially ones that haven’t already come in yet — there are a variety of costs to consider: the dentist you’re using, sedation, where the procedure is taking place (an office vs. a hospital), the type of extraction, and what your insurance is going to pay. At the time of your initial consultation, your provider should be able to give you an estimate of your out-of-pocket expenses left over after benefits are exhausted.
Costs vary, but in general:
Simple Extraction: For wisdom teeth that have fully erupted and are easy to remove, the cost typically ranges from $75 to $200 per tooth.
Surgical Extraction: For impacted wisdom teeth that require a more complex surgical procedure, the cost is higher. This can range from $225 to $600 per tooth, depending on the depth of the impaction and the specific surgical requirements.
Additional Costs: If general anesthesia or sedation is used, this can add to the overall cost. Anesthesia fees may range from $200 to $600.
Dental insurance plans often cover a portion of the cost if the extraction is deemed medically necessary. Typically, insurance covers up to 50% of the total cost, but this depends on the specifics of the insurance policy and annual maximum limits, which are typically $1,500.
If you’re trying to overlook your wisdom tooth pain because you don’t have insurance, check out the various dental plan options from Aetna. You can compare both Aetna dental insurance and Aetna dental savings plans — an alternative to dental insurance which can reduce dental care costs by as much as 15%-50%. Contact Aetna Dental Offers to find out more or enroll today.