
Wisdom tooth removal has become a rite of passage for many young adults. Indeed, it is often necessary in order to prevent long-term oral health problems because for most people, their mouths are too small to accommodate the wisdom teeth. Here at All Dental, we extract these teeth as gently and precisely as possible. This page explains more about what is involved in wisdom tooth extractions in our Westborough, MA dental office.
The wisdom teeth are the third set of molars at the back of the mouth. They usually start to develop when a person is in their late teens or early 20s. Scientists agree that humans have wisdom teeth because our ancient ancestors needed them in order to consume a rough diet. Today, though, these teeth are unnecessary.
Most people’s mouths are too small to comfortably accommodate their wisdom teeth. As a result, a range of complications can occur, including the following:
If you are experiencing pain or swelling toward the back of your mouth, or if you notice any other unusual symptoms around your wisdom teeth, you should certainly get them checked out to see if it is time to get them extracted.
Due to their positioning, removing wisdom teeth can be more complex than removing other teeth. However, we do everything in our power to make this procedure easy for patients. We administer plenty of local anesthetic to numb the area, and we may provide sedation as well.
To remove a fully erupted wisdom teeth, we may lift it with an instrument called an elevator. Then, we grasp it with forceps and rock it back and forth to break the tissues holding it in place. If the tooth is impacted (stuck partially or fully beneath the gumline), you may require surgical tooth removal.
Most patients are back to feeling normal within 1 – 2 weeks of their wisdom tooth extraction procedure. In the meantime, there are some things you can do to promote your comfort and lower the risk of post-op complications:
The cost of wisdom tooth extractions depends on a few factors. During your consultation, we can share some specific numbers and help you understand your payment options. We welcome insurance, and most patients qualify for low-interest financing. With the help of available provisions, we hope you will not find it too stressful to fit this procedure into your budget. It is a valuable treatment that can preserve your long-term oral health!
The cost of your wisdom tooth procedure might be affected by:
In many cases, yes, dental insurance does cover the cost of wisdom tooth extractions. This procedure is usually classified as a major service, so up to 50% of its cost might be covered, up to the amount of your plan’s annual maximum. Our practice welcomes insurance, and we are even in-network with many popular plans. We will be happy to help you understand how your benefits apply and how you can minimize your out-of-pocket expenses.
Beyond insurance, other provisions that might make this procedure easier to afford include: