Wisdom Tooth Extractions – Tappan, NY

Why Choose Smile More Dentistry for Wisdom Tooth Extractions?

• Sedation Dentistry Makes Any Procedure a Breeze
• Dental Office Led by Many Dental Specialists
• Committed to Gentle & Comfortable Care

What are Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth, or “third molars,” are the last adult teeth to erupt in a person’s life. They emerge between the ages of 17 and 25 (when present), sitting in the very back of the mouth.

Unlike other kinds, wisdom teeth don’t serve a purpose for people today. They’re relics that helped our caveman ancestors but aren’t needed for modern diets. This factor has led to fewer wisdom teeth – people can be born with one, two, three, or none. Such teeth don’t always need removal, either.

Why Do Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?

In the end, wisdom teeth can pose grave threats to a patient’s smile. Many qualified dentists will often remove them to preserve your long-term oral health.

You see, most wisdom teeth lack space to erupt correctly. Modern people’s mouths simply don’t have room for these molars to emerge well. As a result, wisdom teeth often get trapped in the gums and cause pain, infections, cysts, etc. An emerging wisdom tooth can also lead to dental overcrowding, making your smile crooked.

Common signs you need a wisdom tooth removal are:

• Pain while eating
• Facial swelling
• Jaw stiffness
• Difficulty opening your mouth
• Bad breath

What to Expect from the Wisdom Teeth Procedure

Depending on the patient, a wisdom tooth extraction can vary in its steps. Whether the relevant teeth have erupted will affect the process.

For example, our team will perform a simple removal if the teeth have erupted. This option would start by numbing your mouth so you don’t feel pain. Next, we’ll use an elevator to lift the wisdom teeth and make them easier to see. We’ll then use forceps to grip and wiggle them free of their sockets.

If the wisdom teeth are impacted, our team will take a surgical approach. We’ll start by making an incision in your gums once your mouth is numb. With the teeth now plainly visible, we’ll then extract them whole or break them into smaller pieces, removed one by one.  

Recovering from Wisdom Teeth Extraction

Once the extraction is over, your mouth will feel sore or sensitive for a while. This effect should fade within a few days and won’t have any lasting impact on oral health. To help you manage it, please use the following after-care instructions:

• Take over-the-counter or prescribed medications as needed.
• Try not to drink through a straw.
• Rinse your mouth with salt water 24 hours after surgery to clean the area.
• Stay clear of tobacco products.
• Get ample rest for the best recovery time.
• Use a cold compress to decrease swelling.

If you have any treatment concerns, don’t hesitate to call our office. We’re eager to help you deal with wisdom teeth and the rest of your smile!

Understanding the Cost of Wisdom Tooth Extractions

Wisdom teeth seem to cause nothing but trouble for some. One of the factors that many people worry about is the cost of their procedure, so we’re here to help. During your consultation, we will discuss the financial aspects of your treatment in detail, including your payment options. Until then, here are some things to keep in mind.

Factors That Can Impact the Cost of Wisdom Tooth Extractions

The cost of wisdom tooth extractions can vary on a variety of factors. Here are two that have the biggest influence on cost:

• Number of Teeth: Some people don’t develop all four of their wisdom teeth; some people don’t need to have all of their wisdom teeth extracted. When we examine your mouth we will determine what the best solution is for you.
• Impaction: If you have wisdom teeth that are impacted, the procedure is more complicated. This can lengthen treatment time, increasing the cost.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Wisdom Tooth Extractions?

Wisdom tooth extractions are considered by most dental insurance plans to be a “major restorative procedure.” This means that this type of procedure is usually covered by about 50% when medically necessary. However, everyone’s dental insurance plan is a little bit different, so you should confirm this with your provider ahead of time to be safe. We would also be happy to help with this process. At Smile More Dentistry, we are eager to help maximize your benefits and minimize your out-of-pocket costs.

How to Make Wisdom Tooth Extractions Affordable

If you don’t have dental insurance, this doesn’t mean that you will be left completely on your own. By joining our in-office oral health savings plan, you can save on treatments completed at our practice. We are also happy to accept payments through CareCredit – a third-party financing company that can split the cost of your treatment into manageable monthly installments with little to no interest. To learn more about your financial options, don’t hesitate to reach out to one of our friendly team members.