Wisdom Tooth Extractions Cottonwood Heights
Painlessly Removing Problematic Molars
Wisdom tooth extractions are so common these days that they are basically viewed as a rite-of-passage. That said, you might not know much about this emergency dentistry procedure, including what to expect during your time in the treatment chair or how to prevent a dry socket during the recovery period. Don’t worry – we’re covering all of that information and more right here. Plus, you can schedule a consultation if you’d prefer to speak directly with our dental team near Cottonwood Heights.
Why Choose White Peak Dental for Wisdom Tooth Extractions?
- High-Quality Family-Friendly Dentistry
- Highly Experienced Dentist & Team
- We Accept & Maximize Dental Insurance
What are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth have their name because they typically begin growing in in the late teens or early twenties. Since wisdom comes with age, they earned the nickname “wisdom teeth” (that’s the prevailing theory, at least). Although they were vital for our ancestors who had vastly different diets and oral hygiene, they are often more harmful than helpful for patients today.
Why Do Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?
Oftentimes, dentists recommend wisdom teeth be removed to prevent future oral health concerns from arising, like cysts that can burst and damage the jawbone, pain, and an increased risk of orthodontic issues like crowding. During your biannual dental checkups, we will monitor the development of your third set of molars. If they start to cause problems or have the potential to negatively impact your oral health, we will recommend having them removed.
What to Expect from the Wisdom Teeth Procedure
If the wisdom teeth aren’t impacted below the gumline, Dr. Hansen can easily remove them by lifting them out of their sockets and wiggling them free of any connective tissues. To ensure your comfort throughout the extraction, our team can administer local anesthesia or dental sedation before your treatment. Afterward, we’ll provide you with detailed aftercare instructions to preserve the blood clot and help you make a speedy recovery.
Recovering from Wisdom Teeth Extraction
To ensure the healing period is smooth and comfortable, we will provide you with aftercare instructions, like:
- Change the gauze pads as needed
- Waiting to eat until you’ve regained full sensation in your mouth
- Sticking to a soft foods diet consisting of yogurt, applesauce, and the like
- Brushing carefully around the extraction site
- Taking OTC pain medication as directed
- Keeping your head elevated, even while you sleep
- Using a cold compress or towel-wrapped ice pack for 10 minutes at a time
Understanding the Cost of Wisdom Tooth Extractions
Much like many other dental treatments, the cost of your wisdom tooth extraction can vary by patient due to a variety of factors that are unique to the individual. While it is impossible to give you an exact price quote until Dr. Hansen has examined your teeth in person, many patients find it helpful to know what goes into determining their total. To get a more accurate estimate, please schedule a consultation with White Peak Dental today, and we will be happy to go over all the details of treatment, including your price and payment options.
Factors That Can Impact the Cost of Wisdom Tooth Extractions
The cost of wisdom tooth extractions can vary based on a variety of factors which Dr. Hansen will discuss with you at your consultation. These include:
- How many wisdom teeth need to be removed – Not everyone is born with four wisdom teeth. In fact, you can have only one, two, or three of them, or even five or six!
- Whether or not your wisdom teeth are impacted – Impacted wisdom teeth require surgical intervention and must be removed by an oral surgeon.
- Which type of anesthesia/sedation is required – If you require a higher level of sedation, this can incur a separate cost.
- The type of dental specialist you see – For more complex wisdom tooth extractions you may need to see an oral surgeon, which may be a higher cost depending on your dental insurance coverage.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Wisdom Tooth Extractions?
Unfortunately, not all dental insurance plans offer benefits for dental surgery. However, most will cover at least part of the cost of wisdom tooth extractions. This will depend on whether you’ve met your deductible or your maximum for the year. The best way to learn about your specific benefits is to call your insurance provider directly. Selecting an in-network provider may also help you minimize any out-of-pocket costs.
Other Options for Making Wisdom Tooth Extractions Affordable
In addition to being in-network with a variety of popular dental insurance plans, at White Peak Dental we are proud to offer our patients the following options to make their wisdom tooth extractions more affordable:
- The White Peak Membership Plan – This program is perfect for patients who don’t have dental insurance and want to save money on important oral health care throughout the year. For a flat annual fee, you can enjoy a variety of benefits including preventive care and a 25% discount on needed treatments like wisdom tooth extractions.
- Flexible financing through CareCredit – Our preferred third-party financier, CareCredit can help you break up the cost of your dental treatments into flexible, low-to-no interest payments that are better suited to your budget.
At White Peak Dental, we’re ready to help you protect your smile by removing your wisdom teeth. If you’d like to learn more about this treatment, including the cost of care, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Hansen today.