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Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom Teeth Removal Surgery – Cost And Procedures

What are Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the final set of teeth to appear in a person’s mouth, typically emerging between the ages of 17 and 25. Not everyone develops wisdom teeth, but when they do occur, they are located at the very back of the mouth. Due to limited space, wisdom teeth can sometimes cause dental issues such as impaction, where they do not fully erupt through the gum line.

Wisdom Teeth Removal Surgery – Cost And Procedures

Why are Wisdom Teeth Removed?

Wisdom teeth are often removed due to potential or existing problems caused by insufficient space in the mouth. This can lead to impaction, where the teeth do not fully erupt, or grow at an angle, causing pain, infection, damage to surrounding teeth, or the development of cysts. Removal helps prevent these complications and maintain overall oral health.

How Much Does Wisdom Teeth Removal Cost?

The cost of wisdom teeth removal for a simple extraction can start from $200, while a more complex surgical extraction can start from $500 and potentially reach several thousand dollars. The cost of wisdom teeth removal varies based on the complexity of the case and the type of anaesthesia used. It’s crucial to obtain a detailed quote from your dentist or oral surgeon before the procedure.

How are wisdom teeth removed?

Your dentist will open up the gum tissue over the wisdom teeth and remove any bone covering it to remove it. They’ll detach the tissue that connects the tooth to the bone before removing it. To make tooth removal easier, the dentist may chop the tooth into smaller pieces.

To numb the area around the tooth, you’ll normally be given a local anaesthetic injection. Just before the tooth is extracted, you’ll feel some pressure as your dentist or oral surgeon works to enlarge the tooth socket by rotating the tooth back and forth.

Sometimes a tiny cut in the gum is required, and the tooth may need to be chopped into smaller pieces before being extracted. The removal of wisdom teeth can take anywhere from a few minutes to 20 minutes, or even more in extreme cases.

You may experience swelling and discomfort both within and outside your mouth after your wisdom teeth have been removed. Mild bruising can also be seen on occasion. The first three days are usually the worst, although it can persist for up to two weeks.

removal of wisdom teeth

Possible complications

The removal of wisdom teeth carries the same dangers as any other operation. Infection or delayed healing are two of these risks, both of which are increased if you smoke throughout your rehabilitation.

Dry socket, which causes a dull, aching sensation in your gums or jaw, as well as a terrible odour or taste from the empty tooth socket, is another possible issue. If you don’t follow your dentist’s aftercare advice, you’re more likely to get a dry socket.

Nerve injury is also a possibility, which can cause tingling or numbness in your tongue, lower lip, chin, teeth, and gums. This usually is just transient, but it can be permanent in exceptional circumstances.

What happens if you wait too long to get wisdom teeth out?

They can also become embedded in the gum tissue, causing inflammation. Wisdom teeth can adversely disrupt teeth alignment and cause moderate face pain and toothaches if a patient waits too long to pull them.

How long is wisdom teeth recovery?

Recovery from wisdom teeth removal typically takes a few days to a week, with most people able to return to normal activities within a week. However, complete healing of the mouth may take a few weeks. During recovery, it’s important to rest, follow a soft food diet, and adhere to the aftercare instructions provided by your dentist or oral surgeon.

Is removal of wisdom teeth covered by health insurance?

If wisdom teeth are impacted or causing health concerns, your health insurance plan may pay the surgery cost if it’s deemed medically necessary. Dental insurance programmes may cover some or all of the costs of such operations.

Reference:

Kandasamy, S., Rinchuse, D. and Rinchuse, D. (2009), The wisdom behind third molar extractions. Australian Dental Journal, 54: 284-292. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1834-7819.2009.01152.x

J Dixon, H.G Welch, Priority setting: lessons from Oregon, The Lancet, Volume 337, Issue 8746, 1991, Pages 891-894, ISSN 0140-6736, https://doi.org/10.1016/0140-6736(91)90213-9.

Biswas, G., Gupta, P., & Das, D. (2010). Wisdom teeth – A major problem in young generation, study on the basis of types and associated complications. Journal of College of Medical Sciences-Nepal, 6(3), 24–28. https://doi.org/10.3126/jcmsn.v6i3.4071

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