Are you or someone you know looking to have wisdom teeth removed? If so, you’re not alone. According to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, 90 percent of Americans have or will develop at least one impacted wisdom tooth that needs extraction. Although this is incredibly common, wisdom teeth removal is still a surgical procedure. Because of that, you probably have questions about what to expect. Many patients in the Spokane Valley, Washington area turn to Dr. Bryan McLelland, Dr. Brenen Olsen, and the knowledgeable team at Liberty Oral Surgery for guidance and treatment. Below are some of the questions patients ask most often.
WHAT ARE WISDOM TEETH?
Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars. These flat teeth help grind food and typically appear last in the mouth. Most adults develop four, though some grow fewer or more. They usually emerge behind the first two sets of molars, but some people never develop them at all.
I’VE BEEN TOLD THAT MY WISDOM TEETH ARE IMPACTED, WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?!
Wisdom teeth often show on a dental X-ray around age 12. Many teens and young adults see them try to emerge between ages 17 and 25. If your dentist says your wisdom teeth are impacted, it means they are trapped and unable to move into the correct position. Bone or neighboring teeth often block their path. When the jaw cannot accommodate them, they remain stuck under the gums and may cause discomfort.
WHY DO WISDOM TEETH NEED TO BE REMOVED?
Not everyone removes their wisdom teeth, but an estimated 90 percent of people will need at least one extracted. The American Dental Association recommends removal if wisdom teeth:
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Become impacted
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Cause shifting due to overcrowding
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Grow sideways or in an unusual direction
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Partially emerge and then stop
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Lead to jaw discomfort
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Lack enough room to erupt normally
DOES EVERYBODY HAVE THEIR WISDOM TEETH REMOVED?
No. Some wisdom teeth grow fully, fit comfortably, and cause no issues. In these cases, removal isn’t necessary. However, your dentist should continue monitoring them during regular exams to ensure no problems develop.
WHAT IF I CHOOSE TO KEEP MY WISDOM TEETH?
At the end of the day, the choice is entirely up to you. However, you must consult with your dentist and have an honest discussion about why you would object to having your wisdom teeth removed if this is the recommended action to preserve your oral health. Because they are in the very back of your mouth, wisdom teeth can be challenging to keep clean, and this only becomes more difficult if they grow in at odd angles.
HOW MUCH WILL IT COST TO HAVE MY WISDOM TEETH REMOVED?
The cost you incur to have your wisdom teeth will vary from situation to situation. For some people, they may only be having one wisdom tooth removed and only require local anesthesia, while somebody else may need all four removed due to them becoming impacted and requiring general anesthesia. To estimate the cost, you should consult with your oral surgeon and insurance provider. Most insurance providers will cover some portion of the procedure, and your oral surgery office may provide a payment plan for the balance not covered.
If you are interested in learning more about wisdom tooth extraction in the Spokane Valley, Washington area, please reach out to Dr. Bryan McLelland and Dr. Brenen Olsen at Liberty Oral Surgery. They will be more than happy to discuss the wisdom tooth extraction process with you and answer any questions about it. To schedule an appointment at Liberty Oral Surgery, please call (509) 822-2774 today!
