Wisdom Tooth Extractions – West Orange, NJ

What Are Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth are a third set of molars that typically erupt from the gum line in the late teens or early twenties. Our ancient ancestors needed these teeth to replace those that had been damaged or lost due to a coarse diet and poor oral hygiene. Thanks to improvements in diet and oral hygiene, most people no longer need these third molars.

When Do We Recommend Wisdom Tooth Extraction?

There are many reasons why wisdom teeth may need to be removed, including:

• Impaction – Wisdom teeth are often unable to erupt from the gum line which can lead to numerous oral health issues.
• Crowding – There is often not enough space on the jawline to accommodate this additional set of teeth leading to crowding.
• Decay or damage – When teeth are crowded too close together or the wisdom teeth are trapped below the gum line, they are at greater risk for decay, damage, and dental wear.
• Shifting – Wisdom teeth can shift teeth out of alignment, and in some cases, this can undo the results of costly orthodontic treatment.

How Are Wisdom Teeth Removed?

There are two methods for removing wisdom teeth. The first is pulling. When a wisdom tooth or teeth have fully erupted from the gum line, we can use metal clasps to shift the tooth back and forth until it breaks free from the gums and we can pull it away. For teeth that are not fully erupted, we will need to surgically remove them. This means we use a scalpel to remove the soft tissue. Then, we use tools to remove the tooth from below the gum line.

What Happens After a Wisdom Tooth Extraction?

Following wisdom tooth extraction, we will provide you with an extensive list of instructions. These post-operative care directions will help to ensure you are able to safely and effectively make a fast, comfortable recovery following your wisdom tooth removal. You will likely experience some pain and swelling for at least the first 48 hours after treatment. Most patients are able to manage their pain using over the counter pain relievers and cold compresses. If you experience severe pain, swelling, or signs of infection, please call our office right away.

Understanding the Cost of Wisdom Tooth Extractions

The cost of wisdom tooth extractions isn’t set in stone; it varies from patient to patient. That means you'll need to meet our dentists to get a precise estimate. From there, our team will work with you to make your care more affordable. We’ll gladly walk you through treatment’s cost factors, dental insurance, payment options, etc. For other key details, just keep reading below. Otherwise, please call our office – we look forward to hearing from you.

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Factors That Can Impact the Cost of Wisdom Tooth Extractions

Our dentists will assess your wisdom tooth (or teeth) at your consultation. That way, we’ll know the factors that affect your removal cost. These typically include:

 

• Wisdom Tooth Number – Not everyone has all four wisdom teeth. So, your treatment cost varies by how many of them need removal. The higher the number, the greater the expense.
• Wisdom Tooth Impaction –  Impacted wisdom teeth cost more to remove than non-impacted ones. Plus, the type of impaction affects the final cost.
• A soft tissue impaction won’t cost as much. This kind only applies when a wisdom tooth wholly or partially emerges from the gums.
• If you have a bony impaction, your expenses will rise higher. Your surgeon will need to remove a tooth lodged in the jawbone, which is complex work.
• Need for Anesthesia or Sedation – Based on the type of extraction you need, you may require anesthesia or sedation. You’ll have to pay more in that case.

 

Does Dental Insurance Cover Wisdom Tooth Extractions?

Not all dental plans cover dental surgeries. Even so, most will cover at least part of a wisdom tooth extraction's cost. Still, that coverage assumes you’ve met your yearly deductible or maximum.

 

In the end, you should confirm your benefits with your dental insurance company. You’ll only then know whether your insurance can help with wisdom tooth extractions. If you need help reaching out to your plan provider, our team will gladly assist.

 

How to Make Wisdom Tooth Extractions Affordable

Whether you have insurance or not, wisdom tooth extraction can be affordable. Our office can help you manage the cost with its varied payment options. Given the right one, wisdom tooth removal could easily fit your budget.

 

Our main payment option at D&G Dental is flexible financing. By working with CareCredit, you could pay for your extraction in monthly installments. These smaller payments would also have little to no interest! To that extent, you’d meet your extraction’s price gradually instead of all at once.

 

D&G Dental wants to make your wisdom tooth removal both helpful and affordable. That being the case, learn how to finance it by visiting our office!

 

Wisdom Tooth Extraction FAQs

Do you have questions about wisdom tooth extractions in West Orange? Our friendly team at D&G Dental of West Orange is always here to help! Below, we’ve collected some of the most common questions we receive from our patients. If you don’t see the answers you’re looking for, please don’t hesitate to call us!