The wisdom teeth are usually the last set of molars to come in, arriving around the late teens or early twenties. Unfortunately, most people simply don’t have enough room in their mouths for these teeth, which is why they are extracted so often. So, if you or your child is struggling with persistent jaw pain, schedule a consultation with us; the wisdom teeth are likely the culprit. At Advanced Dental Care, we have the training and equipment to safely remove them so you can get the care you need right here at our Costa Mesa office.
In short, the wisdom teeth are the third set of molars. Back in ancient times, our caveman ancestors relied on them to chew their rough diet, which consisted mostly of tough plant roots and meat. Typically, the first molars would wear out over time, and the wisdom teeth would replace them. However, as time progressed and cooking techniques advanced, food became easier to eat, and the wisdom teeth became less necessary. Over the millennia, the human jaw has even shrunk, so now when the wisdom teeth try to come in, they often become stuck and need to be removed.
The wisdom teeth typically become impacted, or stuck, as they try to come in simply because there isn’t a clear path for them to erupt. As a result, they end up pushing on the teeth and gum tissue, which can create consistent pain towards the back of the jaw. This can cause the teeth to try to come in crooked as well – sometimes even sideways! Left alone, they can eventually push the other teeth out of place and even develop an infection. Instead of letting this happen, we simply remove the teeth at the earliest sign of trouble.
At Advanced Dental Care, we’re proud to have a talented, experienced, and caring oral surgeon, Dr. Kevin Coppelson. If the teeth that need to be removed have broken through the gumline, then he can gently rock them loose before tending to the extraction site. If they are underneath the gumline, then he will need to create a small incision in the gums first. In both cases, the first step is always the same: to numb your mouth thoroughly so you can relax comfortably in the treatment chair throughout the entire process.
Before you leave our office, we will provide you with a list of aftercare instructions to help you heal comfortably, including:
Even if you understand that wisdom tooth extractions are the best way to resolve your pain and preserve your oral health, it’s still perfectly reasonable to ask how much the treatment will cost. Each wisdom tooth extraction treatment is unique, and there are a variety of factors that will contribute to the total bill. The team at Advanced Dental Care will be happy to provide you with a detailed cost estimate during your consultation, but here’s a quick guide to how wisdom tooth extractions are priced to help you get a fair idea of what to expect.
A few principal factors will determine most of the cost of your wisdom tooth extractions. These will include:
While dental insurance plans do not always cover oral surgery, most policies will pay for at least part of the cost of wisdom tooth extractions since they are considered medically necessary. How much coverage you can expect depends on whether you have met your deductible or maximum for the year, and choosing an in-network provider may help you keep your bill to a minimum. Our staff will be happy to help you navigate your insurance policy during your consultation and file any claims.
We understand that many patients may need a little help fitting their wisdom tooth extractions into their budgets, and we offer several options that can make the treatment more affordable. These include:
Following your procedure, you should wait at least an hour. Not only does this allow the gauze to remain in place and slow down the bleeding, but it also ensures the numbing agent has a chance to wear off. Once you are in the clear, eat something extremely soft, like plain yogurt, applesauce, or a seedless fruit smoothie. As the days go on, you can begin to incorporate more substantial foods into your diet, like pasta. Just make sure to check the temperature first since the area around the extraction site will still be sensitive.
If your wisdom tooth extraction in Costa Mesa is coming up, this is probably the question at the forefront of your mind. The good news is that the first step of the entire procedure is always the same: to numb the area thoroughly. So, you don’t have to worry – you won’t feel any pain as we work to remove your third set of molars. We’ll even provide you with detailed aftercare instructions to help you stay comfortable throughout the healing period as well!
Actually, no! In fact, an article published in the Dental Research Journal estimated that between 5% and 37% of American adults are missing at least one of their wisdom teeth. The leading theory is that genetics plays a key role. So, if your parents or grandparents didn’t have a third set of molars, you may not either.
Since wisdom tooth extractions are typically considered medically necessary by dental insurance providers, patients usually aren’t responsible for paying for the entire cost out-of-pocket. Ultimately, the best way to learn about your benefits is by reading through the fine print on your plan. You’re also welcome to reach out to us! We’re proud to welcome several of the nation’s leading providers, including Aetna, Cigna, Delta Dental, and GEHA, and we’d be happy to help you understand and utilize your coverage.
We covered what you should do following your wisdom tooth extraction above, but is there anything you need to do beforehand? The short answer is “yes!” Some general guidelines include not using tobacco products, arranging for someone you know and trust to drive you to and from the procedure, and picking up everything you need for the recovery period, including OTC pain medication. As always, if you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to give us a call.
While chronic jaw pain is a common reason that wisdom teeth are removed, it isn’t the only one. In fact, the third set of molars can lead to several issues, including infections and cysts. If that’s a risk, then we will proceed with an extraction to help keep your smile happy and healthy.
I Need a Checkup & Cleaning I am Looking for a Dentist for My Child I am Concerned About Bleeding Gums I Have a Cavity or Broken Tooth I am Missing One or More Teeth I am Unhappy with My Smile I Want a Straighter Smile I am Scared of the Dentist I am In Pain & Need Help View Our Services