Now Is the Time for Wisdom Teeth Removal (blog)

Has your child been told they need wisdom teeth removal? Has your kid graduated high school or college, or are they a college student on summer break? If so, there couldn’t be a better time for wisdom teeth extraction than the summer. Even if you never had those teeth extracted when you were younger, now may be a good time if your summer schedule is more flexible.

With three Oakmont family dentists skilled in oral surgery, you can get your extraction done in the comfort of our office. Not only do we have years’ experience in extractions, but we also offer sedation options to make your experience worry-free and pain-free. After all, those are the two biggest concerns we hear most from our patients who need their wisdom teeth extracted .

To set up a consultation for your child or an appointment to move forward, call 412-206-6825 today. Then find out more below about what to expect at your appointment.

Before Your Extraction

If we haven’t already assessed you recently for your tooth removal, we’ll do a thorough exam to make sure you actually need your wisdom teeth removed. Many people starting at age 17 do need to have these teeth removed, as that’s about the age they start coming in. We often recommend it if the teeth may come in at odd angles, may have problems coming in, or could contribute to decay or pain. Because these teeth are at the very back of the mouth, they can be difficult for patients to keep clean, especially if they don’t emerge all the way. And food can get trapped back there more easily, too.

If you have had braces in the past, that’s another reason we may recommend extraction. If there isn’t enough room for your wisdom teeth (also called third molars), then those teeth could move other teeth and undo the orthodontic work you’ve had done. Even if you’ve never had braces, we may recommend wisdom teeth extraction if they’ll contribute to crowded teeth.

You’ll benefit from the state-of-the-art technology we use here. Digital X-rays and 3D imaging can let us see every detail of your mouth. With that information, we can anticipate any problems or any anatomy that needs to be considered during your procedure. This makes the procedure more predictable and comfortable for you, and it can also improve your recovery process. Who doesn’t want that?

If you have impacted wisdom teeth, your care may be better handled by a specialist. We can recommend a trusted oral surgeon we work with regularly if this is the case for you.

Before your appointment, we’ll let you know if you should avoid food. We also recommend someone driving you to and from your appointment as that’s one less thing to worry about.

Paying for Your Wisdom Teeth Extraction

Like a lot of our other patients, you may be concerned about the cost of wisdom teeth extraction. That’s understandable, so don’t be afraid to share your concerns. We’ve already set up several options for your convenience, and we’ll discuss them with you at your consultation.

We want to make good oral health and good smiles affordable for all. Many insurance plans will pay most or even all of the cost of the treatment. CareCredit third-party financing can also allow you to put part or all your costs on a monthly low-interest or no-interest payment plan.

During Your Extraction

If you’re concerned about pain during your extraction, rest assured we have your comfort at the top of our priorities. We use a numbing agent to make sure you don’t feel pain. You can let us know if you still feel anything, and we can adjust it to suit your comfort level.

Also, many patients opt to use sedation with their extraction. Whether you don’t want to feel any pain or are just nervous about the procedure, sedation can make you comfortable and care-free. We offer:

  • Laughing gas, which works almost immediately for a very relaxed feeling
  • Oral sedation, which you’ll take before your procedure and may doze off and remember very little about your visit

Remember, too, that our technology and our doctors’ experience go a long way in increasing your comfort. So do our private rooms and extended appointments if you prefer to take things slowly. We are always willing to listen to you and answer any questions you have. You will not feel rushed under our care.

After Your Wisdom Teeth Appointment

Many of our patients appreciate that we provide them the post-care instructions they need to make recovery as quick and easy as possible. Some that you might receive from us include:

  • Keep gauze on the extraction sites, and change it out regularly with new gauze as directed.
  • Take pain relievers per our directions. We may prescribe one or recommend regular doses of an OTC like Tylenol.
  • Drink lots of water (no straws!), and eat soft room-temperature foods for the first 24-48 hours. Avoid eating at the extraction site. Not following this can lead to dry socket, which is painful. Feel free to call us if you have specific food-related questions, too.
  • Don’t brush your teeth or rinse your mouth for the first 24 hours.
  • Don’t smoke or use any tobacco during the healing process.
  • Take it easy for the first couple of days! This is a surgical procedure, so your body will need time to relax and heal.
  • Keep the foods, prescribed medications, and entertainment distractions ready before your visit and easily accessible afterward. This will help you rest without having to run errands or have someone else do it for you.

If you have any questions related to post-op care, please ask at your appointment. No question is too simple, and no question will feel like a waste of our time. We are here to serve you and give you the information you need to feel comfortable.

The sooner your wisdom teeth come out, the easier the procedure and recovery. So do yourself a favor and contact Oakmont Advanced Dentistry today to set up a consultation for your or your child’s wisdom teeth removal in Oakmont. Request your visit online or call 412-206-6825.