Why wisdom teeth cause trouble
Wisdom teeth are the last to arrive, usually in the late teens or early twenties, and by then there is often no room left for them. A tooth that cannot come through properly is called impacted.
An impacted tooth can press against the molar in front, sit at an angle under the gum, or come through only partly. That partial flap of gum traps food and bacteria and is very hard to clean, which is where the repeated infections come from.
Some wisdom teeth come through perfectly and cause no trouble at all. Those should be left alone, and we will say so.
Reasons a wisdom tooth comes out
- Pain at the back of the jaw
- Repeated infection around a partly erupted tooth
- Pressure on the tooth in front
- Decay in a tooth impossible to clean
- Cysts forming around an impacted tooth
- Crowding an orthodontic plan needs to avoid
How removal is handled
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A 3D scan
Shows the root shape and how close the tooth sits to the nerve. That is what determines how the extraction is approached.
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The plan, and the alternatives
If the tooth can stay, we say so. If it needs to come out you are told why and what is involved.
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The appointment
Done numb. Sedation is available and worth asking about if the thought worries you.
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Aftercare instructions
Written down, not just said. The first 24 hours matter most for healing.
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A check afterwards
To confirm the site is healing as it should.
Who you will see
Dr. Shayan Azimi looks after wisdom teeth removal at our Bishop Arts practice. You see the same dentist at every visit, so nobody starts your treatment over.
What it costs, and how people pay
Price depends on what you actually need, so we look first and tell you the number before anything starts. What we can tell you now is how it gets paid for.
- Insured. In network with most major PPO plans, and your benefits get checked before treatment is planned.
- Medicaid or CHIP. Both accepted, which a lot of Dallas practices will not do.
- No insurance. Our membership plan covers cleanings, exams and routine x-rays from $30 a month, with 20% off other treatment.
- Larger treatment. Cherry, Sunbit and HFD payment plans spread the cost.
Wisdom Teeth Removal questions
- Do all wisdom teeth need to be removed?
- No. A wisdom tooth that has come through straight, bites properly and can be cleaned should be left alone. The scan and examination tell us which category yours are in.
- How long is recovery from wisdom teeth removal?
- Most people are through the worst in a few days, with swelling peaking around day two or three. Full healing of the socket takes longer. Recovery is affected by how the tooth was positioned, so you get guidance for your case.
- Can I be sedated for wisdom teeth removal?
- Sedation is available and it is one of the most common requests for this treatment. Mention it when you book so it can be planned rather than arranged on the day.
- What should I eat afterwards?
- Soft, cool food for the first day or two, and no straws, because suction can dislodge the clot and cause a dry socket. Full instructions are given in writing before you leave.