Wisdom Tooth Extractions – Carmichael, CA
Say “Goodbye” To Troublesome Teeth
Are you or your teen feeling a persistent pain towards the back of the jaw? If so, then wisdom teeth might be the culprit. These are usually the last set of teeth to come in, and for most people, they only cause problems when they do. Why? Because the majority of the population simply doesn’t have enough room in their mouth for them! The best way to stop the pain as well as avoid additional problems like teeth crowding and an infection is to simply remove these teeth, which is something Dr. Ji has become an expert at over the years. To learn more and schedule a consultation, give us a call today.
Why Choose Sheng Ji, DDS, MD for Wisdom Tooth Extractions?
- Oral Surgeon Trained in Medicine & Dentistry
- Multiple Types of Sedation Available
- Friendly & Professional Team
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the third molars and the last adult teeth to erupt in the mouth. Most people have four wisdom teeth – two on the top and two on the bottom. Anthropologists believe that wisdom teeth were once especially helpful for our prehistoric ancestors who needed additional chewing power to grind through rough plants, seeds, nuts, and foliage that made up the majority of their diets. As teeth would fall out over time, wisdom teeth could also step in and act as replacement teeth. Now that we have a softer diet filled with carbohydrates and high-calorie foods, as well as a focus on dental care, wisdom teeth aren’t usually needed anymore. People can be born with none, one, two, three, or four wisdom teeth, and they don’t always need to be removed. It all depends on your individual smile.
Problems Caused by Wisdom Teeth
As the wisdom teeth struggle to come in, they can cause all sorts of problems, including:
- Pain towards the back of the jaw
- Shifting of the surrounding teeth
- Creating a flap in the gums that traps plaque and food particles
- An infection in the gums and jawbone
- Swelling in the jaw and face
- A low-grade fever & nausea
In most cases, the only way to stop and/or prevent these symptoms is to simply remove the teeth.
Impacted Wisdom Teeth
It’s very common for the wisdom teeth to become impacted, or stuck, while they are trying to erupt. This can create all sorts of issues, such as creating a flap in the gums that easily traps plaque and food particles that can dramatically increase a person’s risk of cavities and gum disease. Fortunately, Dr. Ji is able to remove even the most intractable teeth in a comfortable and effective manner.
Wisdom Tooth Removals You Can Trust
Typically, extracting the wisdom teeth requires a minor surgical procedure in which the gum and bone tissue still housing the teeth has to be removed before the teeth themselves can be reached. In order to ensure a patient’s comfort, Dr. Ji uses a gentle touch, the latest techniques, as well as sedation dentistry to guarantee a pleasant experience both during and after the treatment. Under his care, recovery is swift, and most patients are back to normal in just a week or less.
What to Expect from the Wisdom Teeth Procedure
Ideally, a dentist will keep a close eye on a patient’s wisdom teeth during their regular checkups so they can recommend the teeth be removed before they cause any of the problems listed above. Once it is time for them to come out, that’s when a patient will visit Dr. Ji.
Before your procedure begins, Dr. Ji will administer a local anesthetic to ensure that you remain comfortable throughout the procedure. Sedation options are also available. To remove wisdom teeth that have already erupted, dental forceps and an elevator will be used. If your wisdom teeth have not erupted yet, the process works a little bit differently. An incision will be made to expose the tooth and bone. Any bone that blocks access to the tooth root will be removed. The tooth may be removed in pieces if it’s easier to do so. Afterward, the site of the extraction will be cleared of any debris and stitches may be used to close the wound if necessary. Gauze is placed over the extraction site to control bleeding and help blood clots form and begin the healing process.
Recovering From Wisdom Teeth Extraction
Some swelling and bleeding around the treatment sites are to be expected after a wisdom tooth extraction, but Dr. Ji will prescribe you pain medication to make the recovery process more comfortable. A patient will be asked to take the day of their procedure easy and initially stick to a soft food diet. After about a week, the mouth should be completely healed, and a patient will be able to go back to their normal routine and eat whatever they like.
Understanding the Cost of Wisdom Tooth Extractions
While most people will have their wisdom teeth removed at some point, that does NOT mean the procedure costs the same from person to person. In fact, there are a few determining factors when it comes to the final price. You can learn more about them and have a better idea of what to expect by clicking on the button below.
Factors That Can Impact the Cost of Wisdom Tooth Extractions
All of the following can influence the cost of a wisdom tooth extraction, and each will be discussed at your initial consultation:
- How Many Teeth Will Be Removed: For some patients, not all of their wisdom teeth need to come out. Or, if all four need to be extracted, sometimes it’s best to do them two at a time as opposed to all at once. And in some instances, patients are born with just one, two, or three wisdom teeth. Generally, the more teeth that have to come out, the more expensive the procedure.
- If the Teeth are Impacted: If the wisdom teeth are “impacted,” this simply means they are trapped within the jawbone or beneath the gum line. This can be due to a lack of room in the mouth, or the teeth might be coming in at an awkward angle. Regardless, removing impacted teeth is a more complicated procedure versus extracting ones that have fully erupted, so the treatment will cost more.
- Sedation: While we will always use anesthesia to keep patients comfortable, some may also benefit from sedation to calm their nerves and reduce other unpleasant physical sensations. We offer four types of sedation, each one with a different strength and associated cost.
- Seeing a Specialist: Typically, having your wisdom teeth extracted by an oral surgeon will cost more compared to having it done by a general dentist. This is because a surgeon, like Dr. Ji, has much more experience and training performing this treatment, and therefore is able to deliver a better result (less pain, more options, shorter recovery, and a lowered chance of complications).
Does Dental Insurance Cover Wisdom Tooth Extractions?
In many cases, yes, dental insurance can be used to help pay for a wisdom tooth extraction. The exact percentage will be different based on the details of a specific plan and whether or not a patient has met their deductible for the year. Other things like the dentist being in or out-of-network and extras like sedation may also affect how much insurance will pay. We will go over your plan with you at your initial appointment so you won’t have any questions heading into the procedure.
Other Options for Making Wisdom Tooth Extractions Affordable
Fortunately for our patients, Dr. Ji is in-network with many PPO dental insurance plans, accepts virtually all out-of-network plans, and also offers low-to-no-interest financing through CareCredit. No matter your situation, we will help you find an arrangement that allows you to get the care you need without incurring financial stress.
Wisdom Tooth Removal FAQs
What Happens the Night Before Wisdom Tooth Removal?
Because wisdom teeth removal is a surgery, you may require IV sedation to stay completely comfortable during your visit. We’ll give you a series of instructions to follow the night before the actual procedure so that you can avoid unnecessary complications. This may involve avoiding food, alcohol, or smoking for about 6 to 8 hours before your visit (although the exact amount of time will vary). Make sure you brush your teeth thoroughly to reduce the chance of an infection while your mouth is healing. Also, don’t forget to bring a responsible adult with you to drive you home afterwards.
What is the Process Like?
After you have been sedated or your mouth has been numbed, we’ll expose the impacted or partially impacted wisdom teeth by making small incisions in your gums. We may also need to take out a small amount of bone tissue. Once we have access, we can start the actual extraction process; in some cases, we may take the tooth out in sections instead of as a whole. Before we close the site again, we’ll be sure to clean away any remaining bacteria or debris, and we’ll use a piece of gauze to stop any bleeding that’s occurring.
What Kind of Aftercare is Required?
You’ll receive a series of instructions to follow after the extraction. During the next few days:
- Avoid spitting so as not to disturb the blood clot protecting your exposed socket.
- Take any prescribed pain medication or over-the-counter medication to control your discomfort.
- For the first 24 hours, it is advised to apply ice packs over surgical areas 20 minutes on and then 20 minutes off.
- Eat only liquid or soft foods for the first two days and reintroduce other foods into your diet as your mouth heals.
- After 24 hours, you can start brushing your teeth again. Be very gentle around the site where the tooth was removed.
How Long Will It Take to Fully Recover?
If IV sedation was used, it will take about a day for it to wear off. After that, you can focus on letting your mouth heal. Soft tissue recovery takes about 1-2 weeks under most circumstances, and during this time the pain and swelling in your mouth should gradually fade. Following the provided care instructions will help the healing process run more smoothly. Call us immediately if the pain becomes more severe or if you notice warning signs of an oral infection (such as a persistent bad taste).
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