Wisdom Tooth Extractions – Casper, WY
A Smooth Rite of Passage
Are you starting to experience chronic jaw pain? If you’re in your late teens or early 20s, then your wisdom teeth may be the culprit. Since they are the last molars to emerge into your smile, they often bring a variety of potentially serious problems with them. If that’s the case, then our talented emergency dentist, Dr. Prach, will recommend having them removed. Our team will do everything we can to handle wisdom tooth extractions in our Casper, WY dental office as smoothly and comfortably as possible, so you can get back to enjoying your smile soon.
Why Choose Dr. Erin M. Prach for Wisdom Tooth Extractions?
- Able to Handle Many Extractions In-House
- Partnered with Local Specialists
- Dental Insurance Welcomed & Maximized
What are Wisdom Teeth?
Basically, wisdom teeth are the third set of molars. They earned the nickname “wisdom teeth” due to the fact that they typically make an appearance between the ages of 16 and 25. That said, there are some cases where patients only have three of them, two of them, or even none of them, which is just another reason your biannual visits to our Casper dental office are so important. Throughout the years, we will closely monitor their development with X-rays and, if needed, put a plan in place to have them removed.
Why Do Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?
Wisdom teeth often need to be removed because they are more harmful than helpful. In addition to them often getting impacted underneath the gumline, they can negatively impact the health and function of your smile if they do emerge. If Dr. Prach determines during an evaluation that it would be better to have your wisdom teeth removed, she will let you know, answer any questions you have, and create your custom treatment plan.
What to Expect from the Wisdom Teeth Procedure
The process of removing a wisdom tooth always begins with numbing the area around the tooth. From there, there is some variation depending on if the tooth has broken through the gumline or it’s trapped underneath. If the wisdom teeth are easy to access, then Dr. Prach can remove them herself. However, if the teeth are still stuck within the gum and bone tissue, she’ll refer the patient to a local specialist so they can get the care they need at the highest possible level, ensuring a comfortable experience.
Recovering from Wisdom Teeth Extraction
Patients often imagine that the recovery period is spent eating ice cream and watching TV. However, there is a bit more to it. To ensure you heal comfortably, we will provide you with a list of aftercare instructions, like:
- Changing the gauze as needed
- Keep your head elevated
- Drinking lots of water (not through a straw)
- Eating soft foods, like applesauce
- Taking prescribed or OTC pain medication as directed
- Not using any tobacco products
If you have a few more questions for us, or you’re ready to schedule an appointment with our emergency dentist, then take the next step – get in touch!
Understanding the Cost of Wisdom Tooth Extractions
If your wisdom teeth push their neighbors out of alignment, cause pain, or are difficult to clean, they could potentially put your oral health at risk. Extracting them removes the problem before they have a chance to do serious harm. However, it’s natural to have questions about your upcoming appointment, and one of the first inquiries many patients have is how much their procedure will cost.
You might not pay the same amount as someone else because the rate can depend on your unique circumstances. Continue reading to learn more about how the total is determined, and feel free to contact us if you have additional questions.
Factors That Can Impact the Cost of Wisdom Tooth Extractions
Before you can proceed with oral surgery, you must consult with Dr. Prach, who will examine your mouth to verify that it’s the best treatment for you. Based on her findings, our team can provide a detailed estimate for your extraction so you have a clear understanding of what’s involved. Then, we’ll walk you through the information and await your approval to move forward.
Some factors that can influence the cost of your extraction include:
- The number of removals required. If you have 3 or 4 molars pulled, you can expect to pay more than someone removing 1 or 2.
- Whether they’re impacted. If your wisdom teeth are stuck beneath your gums or trapped in your jawbone, a specialist may be needed to remove them, which can raise the rate.
- Types of anesthesia/sedation needed. The type and amount of medication required to keep you comfortable can potentially increase how much you owe.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Wisdom Tooth Extractions?
Many dental insurance policies cover at least some of the cost of wisdom tooth extractions, though not all of them include dental surgeries. Every plan is different, so be sure to check your information to see what’s included in yours.
If you’re having trouble finding your policy details or need help submitting claims paperwork, please let us know! Our office staff is familiar with the process and is happy to help you maximize your benefits.
How to Make Wisdom Tooth Extractions Affordable
Having your wisdom teeth removed can alleviate jaw aches and preserve oral health, but not everyone has dental insurance to help with finances. We wouldn’t want you to miss out on smile-saving procedures because of your budget! If you’re concerned about paying for your wisdom tooth extraction, you can apply for flexible financing through CareCredit. If you’re approved, you’ll be able to break down your total invoice into more manageable monthly installments to cover the price of your procedure.
Wisdom Tooth Extractions FAQs
Does Everyone Have Wisdom Teeth?
Actually, upwards of 37% of patients are missing one, a few, or all of their wisdom teeth. Research suggests that genetics play a large role in this. So, if your parents or grandparents never had their third set of molars come in, you might not either!
Why Are Wisdom Teeth Called That?
In short, wisdom teeth earned their nickname because of when they typically make an appearance. Most patients get them between the ages of 16 and 25, and, since wisdom comes with age, they earned the nickname “wisdom teeth.” That’s the prevailing theory, at least!
How Should I Prepare for My Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
If you’re being sedated for the procedure, then you will need to arrange for someone you know and trust to drive you to and from your appointment. Other steps we recommend taking are stocking up on soft foods, buying OTC pain medication, and avoiding all tobacco products and alcohol. The morning of your appointment, choose something soft and comfortable to wear, opt for glasses instead of contacts, and eat a healthy, well-balanced meal (unless instructed otherwise).
How Do You Make Wisdom Teeth Pain Go Away?
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to alleviate the discomfort stemming from your wisdom teeth in the short-term, like taking OTC pain medication and using a cold compress. For long-lasting relief, however, you need to have them removed. Rest assured, you won’t feel any pain during the procedure because your mouth will be thoroughly numbed. Plus, we will provide you with aftercare instructions to ensure you heal comfortably too.
Should Wisdom Teeth Be Removed If They Don’t Hurt?
Pain is an obvious indication that something is wrong. That said, it isn’t the only warning sign that you need to have your wisdom teeth removed. If there isn’t enough room in your mouth, your molars are growing in sideways, or their presence would greatly increase your risk of cysts, infections, and other serious oral health problems, then they should be taken out.
Important note: If you have a question about your treatment plan – whether it’s regarding the procedure or why it’s necessary in the first place – don’t hesitate to ask! Dr. Prach and the rest of our Casper dental team want you to feel completely confident moving forward.
How Soon Can I Eat After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
There are two things that need to happen before you can eat: the bleeding needs to slow down, and the numbing agent needs to wear off (which usually takes a few hours). Keep in mind that you need to avoid crunchy, hard, and sticky foods entirely as well. Instead, choose things like plain yogurt, vegetable soup, and applesauce.