Wisdom Tooth Extractions – Colorado Springs, CO
When It’s Time for
Third Molars to Go
Most people know them as wisdom teeth, but periodontists know them as third molars, a relic of human ancestry. While these teeth served a purpose at one point, they often cause more problems than they solve. For one, they can lead to significant discomfort if they erupt and your mouth is not large enough to accommodate them. Instead of settling for problematic wisdom teeth, you can receive wisdom tooth extractions at Rocky Mountain Periodontal Specialists! Call our periodontal office today and we’ll make sure your healthy teeth are protected from potentially harmful teeth with wisdom tooth extractions in Colorado Springs, CO.
Why Choose Rocky Mountain Periodontal Specialists for Wisdom Tooth Extractions?
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45 Combined Years
of Experience -
The Latest Periodontal
Techniques -
A Team That Strives
for Excellence
What is a Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
A wisdom tooth extraction is a very common treatment that involves the removal of third molars, either because they are causing problems now or are likely to cause problems later. Even if they may not be causing any discomfort or crowding once they have erupted, it is possible for them to cause issues later in life. For this reason, periodontists will often remove them as a precaution, but only based on the current path of eruption the tooth is taking. Our periodontists are experts in tooth removal and will make sure that you understand the process in great detail beforehand.
Why are Wisdom Teeth Removed?
There are many reasons why wisdom teeth may be removed. For example, if the tooth is causing your existing teeth to become crowded, this can harm the alignment of your bite and put you at higher risk of oral health problems later. However, the more common reason wisdom teeth are removed is because the patient is experiencing a significant amount of discomfort in the back of their mouth. Additionally, if wisdom teeth become impacted during eruption, which means they are trapped underneath gum tissue, they can easily become infected, which can be extremely harmful if left untreated.
What Does the Process Entail?
Prior to treatment, we’ll completely numb the tooth and surrounding gum tissue so you feel no pain during treatment. If the tooth is trapped underneath gum tissue, a small incision will be made so the tooth can be accessed by our periodontists. If the tooth is visible, we can begin gently rocking the tooth back and forth using a dental elevator. Eventually, this will remove the tooth from the periodontal ligament holding it in place. After the tooth is removed, we’ll ask you to bite down onto a gauze pad so a blood clot can form in the open socket.
Am I a Candidate for Wisdom Tooth Removal?
If you are experiencing severe tooth pain in the back of your mouth and are between the ages of 17 and 25, it’s likely that your wisdom teeth are erupting and your mouth is not large enough to accommodate them. Give our periodontal office a call and one of our periodontists will make you feel comfortable and prepared for your treatment!
Understanding the Cost of Wisdom Tooth Extractions
If you’re having issues with your wisdom tooth or teeth, your dentist may recommend that you get them extracted. And while this may be beneficial for your oral health and overall well-being, you might wonder how much the treatment will cost. Although there isn’t a set fee, as every patient is different, our team can provide you with a more precise estimate after you’ve scheduled your initial consultation. We’ll assess your situation and develop a specific treatment plan to help you achieve a comfortable and healthy smile. Until then, here are several factors to consider that can influence the cost of wisdom tooth extractions and how you can make your procedure more affordable.
Factors That Can Affect Wisdom Tooth Extraction Cost
Firstly, the number of wisdom teeth that’ll need to be extracted can impact how much you’ll have to pay. While it’s normal for most people to have four of these molars, some are born with three or fewer. In rare cases, patients may have five or more! Of course, the more teeth that’ll require extraction, the higher your treatment cost will be.
The kind of extraction process can also influence the price of the procedure. For many patients, a wisdom tooth removal will involve a minor surgical extraction, as the tooth isn’t always fully erupted from the gum line. However, if it does manage to erupt completely, we may be able to pull it out without an incision in the gum line. A simple extraction will lower the cost of your treatment.
We may also provide you with dental sedation to keep you relaxed and comfortable during your appointment. The price of your procedure can vary depending on which kind we administer.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Wisdom Tooth Extractions?
Since a wisdom tooth extraction is considered an essential procedure, you can expect most dental insurance companies to offer some level of coverage for the treatment. In many cases, a policy can pay up to half the price of the procedure after you’ve met your annual deductible. However, since every dental insurance plan is different, you’ll want to verify the details of your policy with your provider before making any commitments. You can also consult our knowledgeable and friendly dental team, as we’ll be more than happy to help you navigate your benefits and make the most of them!
How to Make Wisdom Tooth Extractions Affordable
The last thing we want is for our patients to worry about affording any necessary dental treatments. Even if you don’t currently have dental insurance, it doesn’t mean you’ll have to pay everything out-of-pocket. Our team is partnered with a third-party financier called CareCredit. After a quick application process, they can help break up the overall cost of your dental treatment into manageable monthly installments. Most of their plans also come with little to no interest! This means you’ll be able to pay for the procedures you need to improve your oral health without having to break the bank.
Wisdom Tooth Extraction Frequently Asked Questions
Wisdom tooth removal in Colorado Springs often proves to be an essential procedure. Before you contact us to request a consultation, however, you might like to learn more about the treatment and what to expect from it. That is why we have compiled the following list of frequently asked questions. If you do not see the information you were hoping to find, you are welcome to contact us directly.
Can I Be Sedated During Wisdom Tooth Removal?
Yes! Our periodontal office is able to provide multiple types of sedation. We offer it to patients who are nervous about their treatment, who have a sensitive gag reflex, or who suffer from other conditions that could make their procedure challenging for them. Simply let us know about your concerns, and we’ll discuss your sedation options with you.
What Is Dry Socket? How Can I Avoid It?
Dry socket is a complication that sometimes occurs after wisdom tooth extractions in Colorado Springs. It happens when the blood clot at an extraction site becomes dislodged or fails to form. You can reduce your risk of dry socket by not smoking or using straws for a few days following your procedure. You should also stick to eating soft foods and be very gentle with your oral hygiene practices. Your periodontist will give you more detailed post-op instructions to help you prevent dry socket.
I’m Over Age 25 — Am I Too Old to Get My Wisdom Teeth Removed?
Although the 17 – 25 age range is often considered ideal for wisdom teeth removal, older adults can still undergo the procedure. It might be a bit more challenging to remove the teeth because they will be fully formed, and the bones of mature adults tend to be harder. However, countless adults over age 25 get their wisdom teeth removed each year with no problem whatsoever.
How Long Is the Recovery?
You should avoid hard, crunchy, sticky, and chewy foods for at least a few days. Most patients are able to resume a normal diet within a week to 10 days. During that same time frame, any soreness and swelling should also subside. You are always welcome to call us if you have questions or concerns during your recovery.
Why Should I Choose a Periodontist for Wisdom Tooth Removal?
Periodontists have completed years of extra training beyond dental school. They have an in-depth understanding of the gums, bones, and teeth — and they are trained in a variety of surgical techniques. They are thus well-qualified to remove wisdom teeth and perform a range of other complex procedures.