Wisdom Tooth Extractions – Hackensack, NJ
Safe & Comfortable Wisdom Teeth Care
Wisdom teeth are the last set of permanent teeth to emerge, usually appearing between the ages of 17 and 22. Unfortunately, in most cases, they are not able to erupt correctly and instead become trapped beneath the gums, or impacted. For this reason, the best solution is usually to extract them. Thanks to our in-house oral surgeon, we’re able to provide wisdom tooth extractions at our Hackensack dental office! If you are interested in learning more, give us a call or read on.
Why Choose Anderson Dental Center for Wisdom Tooth Extractions?
- In-House Oral Surgeon: Dr. Mohamed Ali Boukheir
- Multiple Sedation Options Ensure Comfort
- Dental Insurance Welcomed & Maximized
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
As we mentioned above, wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars. It’s believed they earned their nickname due to when they erupt (usually between the ages of 17 and 22). Since wisdom comes with age, they started being referred to as “wisdom teeth!”
Why Do Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?
Impacted wisdom teeth can lead to quite a few unpleasant symptoms. If you or your child is experiencing any of the following, it may be time for the wisdom teeth to come out:
- Persistent pain toward the back of the jaw
- Pressure felt on the back teeth
- Swelling or sensitive gums behind the molars
- A flap of gum tissue that traps food particles
- Oral pain in conjunction with fever (which could point toward an infection)
What to Expect from the Wisdom Teeth Procedure
The procedure will be completed with our experienced and caring oral surgeon, Dr. Mohamed Ali Boukheir. If the wisdom teeth that need to be extracted have already broken through the gumline, then he will rock them loose, remove them from the socket, and tend to the extraction site. If they are still trapped underneath the gumline, then he will need to make a small incision in your gums first to access them. Then, he can remove each tooth section by section.
Important reminder: The first step is always to numb your mouth thoroughly to ensure you don’t feel any pain or discomfort.
Recovering from Wisdom Teeth Extraction
A wisdom tooth extraction is a minor surgical procedure, so taking the right steps at home afterward is essential to a fast and easy recovery. Following the treatment, a patient should:
- Take the rest of the day off and relax. Too much physical activity can prolong bleeding and prevent the formation of a clot.
- Refrain from smoking, drinking with a straw, or spitting for 24-48 hours so a blood clot can form.
- Stick to a soft food diet initially and gradually integrate harder foods.
- Continue to practice oral hygiene while being careful around the surgery site.
- Take any pain medication and/or antibiotics as recommended by the dentist.
Understanding the Cost of Wisdom Tooth Extractions
Wisdom teeth may have been helpful for our early ancestors, but today they seem to do more harm than good. A high percentage of people don’t have enough room in their mouths to accommodate wisdom teeth, so they need to be removed. However, this procedure is often put off due to fear of cost. Everyone’s treatment is a little bit different, so the cost can vary. During your consultation, we will discuss the exact cost of your treatment. Until then, here’s what you should take into consideration.
Factors That Can Impact the Cost of Wisdom Tooth Extractions
The cost of wisdom tooth extractions can vary. Here are the main factors that influence this.
- Number of Teeth: Some people don’t develop all four of the wisdom teeth. Others may not need all of them removed. We will examine your smile and determine the best treatment course for you.
- Impaction: If you have wisdom teeth that are impacted, the procedure is more complex. This can lengthen the treatment time, increasing the cost.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Wisdom Tooth Extractions?
Wisdom tooth extractions are normally considered to be a “major restorative procedure” by dental insurance providers. This means that after the yearly deductible has been met, and before you have reached your maximum, the procedure is likely to be covered at about 50%. However, this can vary depending on your plan. At Anderson Dental Center, we are happy to accept Delta Dental, MetLife Dental, Aetna Dental, Cigna Dental, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and many more plans!
How to Make Wisdom Tooth Extractions Affordable
If you don’t have dental insurance, this doesn’t mean that you are completely out of luck. We are happy to accept payments through CareCredit – a third-party financing company that can split the cost of your treatment into manageable monthly installments with little to no interest. If you want to learn more or need help applying, let us know!