Wisdom Tooth Extractions Protect Plano Smiles
Dr. Sam Antoon is pleased to offer the highest quality family dentistry to patients in and around Plano — and that includes specialty services like wisdom tooth extractions.
The so-called “wisdom teeth” are the third set of molars that often erupt, or appear, in the late teenage years. Wisdom teeth (and their associated problems) are so common that having them removed is something of a rite of passage for people after high school. If you or your child require a wisdom tooth extraction, you can trust Dr. Antoon and his team to perform the procedure with the utmost care and expertise.
Why Do We Have Wisdom Teeth?
If you are wondering why we even have wisdom teeth if they usually need to be removed anyway, you are not alone. Actually, they are a holdover from long, long ago, when having an extra set of teeth came in handy due to a rough diet and lack of dental hygiene. These days, however, our diets are softer and most of us brush and floss regularly — meaning tooth loss is less common, so there is usually not enough room for these “extra” teeth.
Warning Signs
You may not know that you have wisdom teeth if they aren’t causing any problems, but if you have an impacted or infected one, you are likely to feel it. Be conscious of these warning signs of problematic wisdom teeth to ensure you get the treatment you need ASAP.
- Pain or aching sensation in the back of the jaw
- Difficulty opening the mouth
- Earache
- Visibly erupted/impacted wisdom tooth
- Food getting trapped in the back of the mouth
- Foul odor emerging from the area
What to Expect From the Procedure
A wisdom tooth extraction is a routine procedure that is usually performed under local anesthesia, which numbs the jaw. Sedation dentistry is also available for added relaxation if you desire.
Once we’re sure that you are completely comfortable, the extraction can begin. Dr. Antoon will open the gums and remove any bone or gum tissue that covers the tooth, and then it will be carefully removed and the gums closed again. This procedure is repeated for as many teeth as you have. Once it is complete, recovery begins.
We will send you home with specific instructions to help you enjoy a speedy, comfortable recovery. You should maintain a soft foods diet for the first couple of days and avoid drinking through a straw or rinsing and spitting — all of which could disrupt the healing process.
Make sure to attend any follow-up appointments as scheduled. During this visit, Dr. Antoon will check in on your progress to make sure your recovery is proceeding without a hitch. You should be back to your old, smiling self after a week or two!
Understanding the Cost of Wisdom Tooth Extractions
The cost of wisdom tooth extractions can vary from case to case. When you come to our office for a consultation, we will be able to evaluate your situation and share some specific numbers. If you have questions or concerns about being able to pay for your care, let us know. With the assistance of insurance, financing, or our in-office discount plan, most patients are able to manage the cost of their treatment without too much difficulty.
Factors That Can Impact the Cost of Wisdom Tooth Extractions
Some factors that can affect the cost of wisdom tooth extractions include:
- The number of wisdom teeth that need to be removed. Some people choose to get all of their wisdom teeth removed at once, while others opt to undergo extractions only for the wisdom teeth that are currently threatening their oral health.
- Whether or not the wisdom teeth are impacted, and the type of impaction. Impacted wisdom teeth are removed via a surgical procedure. The type of impaction (whether the teeth are lodged in the gums or fully in the bone) can have a bearing on price.
- The type of sedation used. Many patients opt to be sedated during their procedure, which can add to the total cost of their treatment.
- Who performs the procedure. Antoon can perform most wisdom tooth extractions right here in our office. If your case is particularly complex, though, he may need to refer you to a local specialist, whose pricing may be different from ours.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Wisdom Tooth Extractions?
Most dental insurance policies consider wisdom tooth removal to be a major procedure, so up to 50% of its cost might be covered, up to the amount of your plan’s annual maximum. Of course, the amount of coverage you receive may also depend on whether or not your wisdom teeth are impacted. Our team welcomes dental insurance, and we will be happy to help you understand how your benefits apply. We will also file all necessary forms on your behalf.
Other Options for Making Wisdom Tooth Extractions Affordable
In addition to insurance, there are a few other options that might help you afford your wisdom tooth extractions:
- Most patients are eligible for low-interest financing through CareCredit, a third-party company that specializes in helping patients afford medical and dental costs.
- You are welcome to sign up for our in-house discount plan. It is ideal for patients without insurance, and it provides reduced fees for most of the services available in our office.
Call Us Today
If you or your teenager are experiencing the symptoms of painful or impacted wisdom teeth, having them removed may be the best course of action. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with your Plano dentist, Dr. Antoon! We invite you to call us today for an appointment.
Wisdom Tooth Extraction FAQs
Wisdom tooth extractions in Plano can seem daunting, especially if you have questions or concerns left unanswered before you go into your procedure. Our team at Antoon Family Dental will never leave you in the dark and welcome all questions you have! Below, we’ve even outlined some of the most common ones that we receive about this treatment from our patients for your convenience. If you don’t see the answers you need, don’t hesitate to give us a call!
Who can perform wisdom tooth extractions?
There are several different types of professionals that can perform wisdom tooth extractions, including:
- General dentists
- Oral and maxillofacial surgeons
- Pediatric dentists
- Periodontists
Depending on your unique situation, including if your wisdom teeth are severely impacted or if they’re already erupted through the gums, you may be referred to a certain type of specialist. That’s why routine dental examinations from your family dentist are so crucial! They’ll be able to let you know how severe the situation is and get you the treatment you need.
Will I feel pain during my wisdom tooth extraction?
Your dentist in Plano will ensure that you don’t feel any pain during your extraction procedure. You’ll be administered general anesthesia and/or sedation to ensure that you remain relaxed and numb throughout your treatment.
What should I expect after my wisdom tooth extraction?
It’s important to take excellent care of your mouth after your procedure and follow any aftercare instructions you receive from your dentist. Some of the instructions that we typically give to our patients include:
- Eat a soft diet
- Take any prescribed medications as directed
- Place ice packs on the outside of your face to minimize swelling
- Restrict activities following your treatment
- Avoid vigorous brushing and don’t brush directly on the extraction site
- Keep your mouth clean by regularly rinsing throughout the day
- Avoid smoking and drinking through a straw
If you have any questions following your treatment, don’t hesitate to reach out to our office so we can help!
When should I call my dentist after wisdom tooth extraction?
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call our office right away:
- Fever
- Intense mouth pain
- Bleeding that doesn’t stop
- Swelling that doesn’t go down or gets worse within the next few days
If you experience any symptoms that affect your ability to breathe, swallow, or eat, it could be due to an allergic reaction, and you should visit your local emergency room as soon as possible. Our team is here to help you in whatever way we can, so don’t be afraid to reach out!