Wisdom Tooth Extractions Staten Island
The “Wise” Move for Oral Health
Wisdom tooth extractions on Staten Island are often seen as a rite of passage for teens and young adults. If a person still has their third molars, it’s important that they be removed at the right time, ideally before complications arise. Dr. G has personally extracted thousands of wisdom teeth over the course of his career, helping patients receive the expert care they need right at home.
Why Choose Staten Island Oral Surgery Center for Wisdom Tooth Extractions?
- Sedation Available with In-House Anesthesiologist
- Experienced & Compassionate Oral Surgery Team
- State-of-the-Art Technology & Comfort
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars at the back of the mouth. They usually develop when a person is in their teens, when they are older and “wiser” than they were when their other teeth erupted. Most people have four wisdom teeth, one in each quadrant of their mouth. However, some people have fewer or more. A small percentage of individuals never develop wisdom teeth at all.
Why Do Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?
Wisdom teeth do not always need to be removed. Your dentist on Staten Island will determine whether they are a threat to your oral health and recommend that they be extracted only if it is truly necessary.
If wisdom teeth remain in the mouth for too long, they have the potential to cause the following problems:
- Pain
- Cysts
- Infections
- Decay of wisdom teeth and nearby molars (if the wisdom teeth trap food in hard-to-clean areas of your mouth)
- Misalignment (if the teeth push on nearby dentition)
What to Expect from the Wisdom Teeth Extraction Procedure
If your wisdom teeth have already erupted beyond your gumline, removing them should be pretty straightforward. After you have been numbed, Dr. G will use a dental elevator to lift and wiggle them free of their sockets.
If a wisdom tooth is impacted (stuck beneath the gumline) the removal process is more complex. Dr. G may have to create incisions in your gums or break the tooth into pieces to remove it.
Recovering from Wisdom Teeth Extraction
Here are some guidelines that we usually give our patients to help them enjoy a smooth recovery following wisdom tooth removal:
- Do not spit, smoke, or use a drinking straw
- Use gauze to control any bleeding
- Take pain medications to manage discomfort
- Avoid hard and crunchy foods — instead, eat no-chew or fork-tender items
- Elevate your head while you are sleeping
- Avoid strenuous physical activity
- Call us if you experience any severe pain or other unusual symptoms
Understanding the Cost of Wisdom Tooth Extractions
Wisdom teeth typically erupt between the ages of 16 and 25. While they were useful for our ancestors, many people today do not have room in their mouths to accommodate them. If a patient needs to have their wisdom teeth extracted, it is understandable if they are concerned about the cost of treatment, which is why we cover some of the most important factors below.
Factors That Can Impact the Cost of Wisdom Tooth Extractions
The cost of wisdom tooth extraction can vary based on several different factors:
- Number of Wisdom Teeth: Not everyone develops all four wisdom teeth. Some have only one, two, or three of them.
- Complexity: Impacted wisdom teeth often require surgical intervention and are more difficult compared to those that have fully come in. Ultimately, the more complex the procedure, the more it will cost.
- Sedation: Depending on whether you require surgical or simple wisdom tooth extractions, you may also need anesthesia or sedation, which will incur a separate cost.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Wisdom Tooth Extractions?
Most dental insurance plans will cover at least part of the cost of wisdom tooth extractions. However, this will depend on a few different factors, like whether you have met your deductible or maximum for the year. The best way to learn about your specific benefits is to call your insurance provider directly. If you have any questions or concerns regarding insurance, feel free to reach out to one of our friendly team members for assistance.