Wisdom Tooth Extractions – Sterling Heights, MI
Relieving Pain and Protecting Your Oral Health
Having your wisdom teeth extracted is probably the last thing you want to do. We understand, so rest assured, if Dr. Young or Dr. Samona recommend this treatment, it’s because you need it for the sake of your oral health! Plus, once the source of your dental aches is gone, you’ll be able to return to your normal, everyday routine without pain. You can learn more about the details of a wisdom tooth extraction in Sterling Heights below. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact our friendly team!
Why Choose Forever Young Dentistry for Wisdom Tooth Extractions?
- Same-Day Emergency Appointments Available
- Sedation Dentistry Can Provide Reassurance
- In-Network With Several Dental Insurance Providers
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
You know the teeth in the very back of your mouth? Those are molars. Most individuals develop two sets of molars by age 12, making them the last two pearly whites on either end of your upper and lower arch. Until, that is, their wisdom teeth start to grow in!
Wisdom teeth are “third molars” that develop much later in life compared to your first and second molars. Not everyone has wisdom teeth, but if you do, it’s likely they’re causing you some problems.
Why Do Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?
Those “problems” can range from severe oral discomfort to smile-changing dental shifting. Here’s a simplified list of reasons why your third molars might need to be removed:
- There’s not enough room in your mouth to accommodate them
- They will likely push other teeth out of alignment as they grow
- They’re either fully or partially trapped below your gumline
- A pocket is forming around the trapped molars, risking infection
- They’re putting excess strain on your jawbone
While these issues usually cause jaw or tooth pain, there are cases where patients don’t feel any. So even if you think you’re perfectly fine, it can be a good idea to visit us for an X-ray to be sure!
What to Expect From the Wisdom Teeth Procedure
The terms “removal” and “extraction” probably sound pretty straightforward. Indeed, sometimes tugging out a wisdom tooth can be simple – but not always. Depending on your situation, the extraction process will go like this:
For wisdom teeth fully above the gumline, we’ll administer a local anesthetic, then gently wiggle the tooth until it comes loose. Simple!
For third molars that are trapped in the gumline, we’ll have to make an incision after administering the anesthetic. To safely remove the tooth without harming your jawbone, we may also have to section it into smaller pieces.
Recovering From Wisdom Teeth Extraction
Your mouth will be quite delicate after your wisdom tooth extraction, so it’s important to follow these guidelines:
- Don’t spit, smoke, or use any straws
- Choose soft foods instead of hard or crunchy options
- Avoid strenuous activity and get plenty of rest
- Take pain relievers as necessary
- Call us right away if you experience concerning symptoms
- Listen to Dr. Young and Dr. Samona’s aftercare instructions
Understanding the Cost of Wisdom Tooth Extractions
Wisdom teeth are extracted more often than not because they are no longer required for human survival, and also tend to cause problems in their attempts to clear the gumline. With that said, it’s natural to have questions before continuing with this standard procedure, such as how much it costs.
But the answer can vary from person to person, depending on your unique circumstances. Continue reading to learn more about how pricing is determined and how our practice in Sterling Heights helps make dental services more affordable!
Factors That Can Impact the Cost of Wisdom Tooth Extractions
There are several considerations that can potentially impact the total cost of your treatment, including:
- The number of teeth requiring removal. Some people only have 1 or 2 wisdom teeth that develop, so they have fewer extractions to pay for than those with all 4.
- Whether they’re trapped. If your teeth are stuck in your gums (soft tissue impaction) or jaw (bony impaction), they may require surgical intervention, which usually costs more than a simple removal.
- Types of anesthesia or sedation used. Our team will numb your mouth before starting your procedure, but depending on your sensitivity, you may need more or less of the medication than usual. We also offer two different types of dental sedation, each with its own price.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Wisdom Tooth Extractions?
Dental insurance plans often cover at least a portion of major procedures, such as wisdom tooth extractions, but every policy is unique. And if your insurance doesn’t cover 100% of your treatment, it’s possible that certain aspects, like the exam or imaging, are included.
That means it’s worth verifying your details to understand what’s included in your policy. If you’d like assistance finding the information or submitting claims or paperwork, please contact us and let us know. Our office staff is familiar with different insurance providers and can help you maximize your available benefits.
How to Make Wisdom Tooth Extractions Affordable
Many people feel nervous about more complex procedures, including wisdom tooth extractions, and the last thing you want to have to worry about is whether you can pay for this potentially smile-saving procedure. If you’re uninsured or are worried about the cost of your wisdom tooth extraction, you might benefit from one of the following options:
- Flexible Financing. We’ve partnered with CareCredit and Proceed to offer flexible payment packages that allow you to divide your total invoice into more manageable, low-to-no-interest payments over a designated period, if your application is approved.
- In-House Membership Plan. We also offer an in-house membership that helps make different services more affordable without the same red tape of traditional dental insurance.
Wisdom Tooth Extractions FAQs
How Do You Make Wisdom Teeth Pain Go Away?
Wisdom tooth pain can be uncomfortable, but there are ways to find relief. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen can reduce inflammation and ease discomfort. You can also apply a cold compress to the side of your face to reduce swelling. Rinsing with warm salt water also helps clean the area and soothe irritated gums.
However, these solutions are temporary and the only way to ensure long-term comfort is by having your wisdom teeth extracted. So, if the pain in your mouth persists or worsens, it's time to call our expert dental team. We can perform safe wisdom tooth extractions in Sterling Heights and help you find lasting comfort.
What’s the Best Age to Get Wisdom Teeth Removed?
Most dentists recommend removing wisdom teeth between the ages of 16 and 25. This is because between those ages, the roots generally aren’t fully developed, and the recovery is often faster. Waiting too long can lead to complications like impaction, infection, or damage to nearby teeth.
That’s why a visit to a dentist in Sterling Heights, like Dr. Young or Dr. Samona, is so important for receiving treatment. Our team at Forever Young Dentistry of Sterling Heights can help you decide if an extraction is right for you based on your dental X-rays and symptoms. And if you need more complex surgical options, we’ll be happy to refer you to a specialist we trust.
How Long Does Wisdom Tooth Surgery Take?
Wisdom tooth removal typically takes 45 minutes or less, but treatment times can vary depending on how many teeth are being removed and their position. Simple extractions may take only 20–30 minutes, while impacted or surgically complicated teeth can take a bit longer.
At our practice, we make sure the procedure is smooth and efficient, keeping you comfortable from start to finish. If you're considering wisdom tooth extractions in Sterling Heights, we’ll walk you through every step of the process.
What Can I Eat After Wisdom Tooth Surgery?
After your surgery, it’s best to plan a menu full of soft, cool, and easy-to-chew foods for a few days. Some great options include:
- Applesauce
- Mashed potatoes
- Yogurt
- Smoothies
- Scrambled eggs
- Warm, broth-based soups
These foods are nutrient-dense and bland to avoid irritating your extraction sites. In general, you should avoid spicy, crunchy, or chewy foods, as well as drinking through straws, which can dislodge blood clots and lead to dry socket.
At Forever Young Dentistry of Sterling Heights, we’ll give you some recommendations ahead of time so you can get the supplies you’ll need before your appointment. Then, we’ll send you home with detailed aftercare instructions to make healing easy and stress-free.
Why are wisdom teeth called that?
Wisdom teeth don’t seem very wise, do they? After all, they frequently grow in at weird angles and often end up needing to be removed. So, why the lofty title? Well, the prevailing theory is that because they show up in your later teens when you’re older and wiser, and “with age comes wisdom,” they were given this cute nickname that doesn’t always seem very fitting!
Does everyone have wisdom teeth?
Although most people will eventually get four wisdom teeth, some people are missing at least one, while others never get them at all. In fact, it’s not unheard of to have any number of them from one to up to six!
Although there’s no explanation for exactly why some people never get them, genetics could be responsible. If one of your parents doesn’t have all their wisdom teeth, you could be missing at least one as well.
Furthermore, just because you can’t see your wisdom teeth doesn’t mean you don’t have them. A dental X-ray is the best way to determine if they’re there underneath the surface of your gums.
Most people get their wisdom teeth between the ages of 17 and 21, although it’s possible to get them earlier or later.
When can I use a straw after wisdom teeth removal?
Because drinking through a straw creates suction force in your mouth that can dislodge the blood clot forming over your extraction site, your dentist recommends avoiding drinking from a straw following wisdom tooth extraction. This can cause an incredibly painful condition called dry socket.
The exact length of time until you can resume using straws will depend on your age, medical history, rate of healing, and other factors, but generally we recommend you wait at least two or three days. However, your dentist can give you a more precise and personalized recommendation based on your specific smile.
What happens if you smoke after wisdom teeth removal?
Smoking or vaping after any type of oral surgery can increase your risk of developing dry socket, a condition where the blood clot forming over the surgical site is dislodged.
Not only is dry socket incredibly painful, but it also leaves the extraction site open, increasing the risk of infection and slowing the healing process.
Tobacco use of any kind slows the body’s healing rate, inhibiting your ability to fight off infections. Thus, most dental professionals recommend avoiding tobacco products for a minimum of 48 hours after wisdom tooth extraction, and for as long as possible after that.
If you know you’ll be having your wisdom teeth removed soon, consider this a perfect opportunity to try and quit for good! Don’t be afraid to ask your dentist or doctor for help. In most cases, they can direct you toward resources to help you kick the habit and improve your oral and overall health.