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Wisdom teeth are notorious for erupting at strange angles or becoming impacted, a condition in which the tooth does not fully erupt but remains fully or partially submerged below the gum line. Having your wisdom teeth removed is a common oral surgery intended to preserve your oral health and protect your other teeth from future problems.
What are wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth are located at the very back of the mouth on either side of both upper and lower dental arches (jaws). They are typically the last permanent teeth to appear (erupt) between the ages of 17-25. Most people have four wisdom teeth, although some may have more, fewer or, in rare cases, none at all.
Why do we have wisdom teeth?
Many researchers believe that early humans developed wisdom teeth to help chew uncooked food, like roots and raw meat. Our jaws were more pronounced back then, so the extra teeth fit in and enhanced the ability to consume and digest food. Now, with our smaller jaws and reduced need for extreme chewing power, along with dental care that extends the life span of our teeth, wisdom teeth are often just a troublesome relic of history, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Why do wisdom teeth need to be removed?
Here are some of the reasons why your dentist may recommend removing your wisdom teeth:
They’re impacted – If your wisdom teeth are impacted, it means that they’re trapped in your jaw or under the gums. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain, infection, and the development of cysts that can damage the roots of your other teeth, and even cause bone loss.
They came in at the wrong position –Wisdom teeth can erupt from under the gums at odd angles When this happens, they may press against other teeth and allow food to become trapped, giving cavity-causing bacteria an area to grow.
There’s not enough room in your mouth – If your jaw has no space for an extra set of molars, your wisdom teeth could crowd or damage nearby teeth.
Your wisdom teeth have significant cavities – Since wisdom teeth are located in the far back of your mouth, they can be difficult to brush and floss, which may lead to tooth decay or even gum disease.
At what age should wisdom teeth usually be removed?
Dentists often recommend removing wisdom teeth during the late teens or early 20s. Your wisdom teeth are still developing during this stage, so they may be easier to extract with less risk of complications.
What is the recovery timeline for wisdom teeth extraction?
Recovery from a wisdom teeth extraction takes three to four days for most people. However, if your wisdom teeth were impacted or came in at the wrong angle, it could take a week or even two weeks to fully recover from surgery.
Your oral surgeon will provide post-surgical instructions to help you stay as comfortable as possible as you heal. Here are some guidelines they may provide, though always consult your oral surgeon and follow their instructions for you specifically.
- Rest as much as you can for the first couple of days
- Avoid strenuous activities for 48 to 72 hours
- Hold an ice pack against your jaw periodically to help with swelling and soreness
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Eat soft foods like rice, soup, pudding and yogurt
- Take all prescribed medications
- Lightly soak surgical sites with antimicrobial mouthwash to keep them clean
- Gently open and close your mouth to exercise your jaw
How much does wisdom teeth extraction cost?
People tend to get wisdom teeth extracted all at once, rather than going through the procedure several times. It’s also more cost-effective, as you don’t have to pay for multiple consultations, sedation, and other costs. Talk to your dentist about whether you need to have all your wisdom teeth extracted, if it’s best to do the extractions in one procedure, or whether you may be able to retain some of your wisdom teeth.
The cost of wisdom teeth removal varies by the type of extraction and whether you have insurance: A simple extraction costs between $300 per tooth. If your wisdom tooth/teeth are impacted, the average cost is about $525 per tooth. There may be additional costs for procedures such as x-rays ($150-$300+) and sedation ($150-$500) as well.
A dental savings plan can help pay for wisdom teeth extraction. While dental insurance does typically cover the procedure, your annual spending cap is likely to be between $1,000 to $1,500. If you need multiple wisdom teeth extracted, you could easily exhaust your dental insurance for the year and be left paying the rest out of pocket. If you have insurance, and need other dental care procedures as well as an extraction, you can speak to your dentist about coordinating your dental insurance and a dental savings plan to reduce costs. You can’t use a dental savings plan and insurance plan on the same procedure but can often use the different plans for different parts of your treatment plan, in accordance with your insurance policy’s rules.
Dental savings plans provide quick activation, and unlike dental insurance there are no annual limits, and no restrictions based on current health conditions. You can easily explore your savings options at DentalPlans.com, the largest dental plan marketplace, with more than 25 plans from the most trusted brands in healthcare. Dental savings plan members report an average savings of 50%* on their dental care.
Call us at 1-833-735-0399 if you want to discuss how a dental savings plan can save you money on wisdom teeth removal and more. We’ll be happy to walk you through the options and provide a personalized plan recommendation that fits your needs and budget.
Want a quick peek right now at how much you can save with a dental savings plan? Use our calculator below.
*Discount Health Program consumer and provider surveys indicate average savings of 50%. Savings may vary by provider, location, and plan.
All cost averages obtained from DentalPlans.com procedure search tool, and independent research.