Wisdom teeth, also called third molars, often do not have enough space to grow into the mouth without causing oral health problems. To avoid potential problems such as impaction (a tooth that is trapped under the gums), infection, crowding, pain, cysts, and more, most dental professionals recommend early removal of the wisdom teeth. Plus, early removal of wisdom teeth results in a less complicated healing process.
Wisdom teeth usually emerge between the ages of 17 and 25. These are the final molars to grow in. Your dentist can monitor you or your child’s wisdom teeth development with regular checkups, and when wisdom teeth removal is recommended, you will be referred to an experienced oral surgery practice such Avon Oral, Facial and Dental Implant Surgery.
When you or your child have a consultation with one of our surgeons, the doctor will give you/your child a complete oral examination and review any existing X-rays and 3D scans. Additional digital imaging will occur if necessary to ensure the most efficient treatment possible. Anesthesia options are also discussed at this time. In our three offices located in Avon, Glastonbury, and Enfield, we offer several types of anesthesia for wisdom teeth removal:
- Local anesthesia. Local anesthesia is an anesthetic that is applied to the surgical site. This type of anesthesia allows you to remain fully conscious. Local anesthesia is used in virtually all oral surgery procedures, often along with other forms of anesthesia.
- Nitrous oxide (also known as laughing gas). Nitrous oxide is commonly used along with other types of anesthesia to help the patient feel calm during procedures. It has a pain-controlling effect but will allow you to remain conscious.
- Intravenous (IV) sedation. IV sedation is the anesthesia we use most often for wisdom teeth removal. The patient will enter a sleep-like state and will have no awareness of the procedure taking place. A designated driver will be required to take you home after your procedure if you receive IV sedation.
Oral surgeons such as the doctors at Avon Oral, Facial and Dental Implant Surgery are trained in the administration of anesthesia and will select the anesthesia that is best suited to you/your child’s procedure and preferences. We encourage you to review our Anesthesia Options page for more information on the types of anesthesia we offer at Avon Oral, Facial and Dental Implant Surgery.
Cost of Wisdom Teeth Removal
The cost of your wisdom teeth removal will depend on several factors: the number of teeth to be removed, the type of anesthesia that is chosen, your insurance coverage, and other factors such as how the teeth are impacted and how difficult the extraction will be. Dental professionals and patients agree that having wisdom teeth removed before they start causing problems in the mouth is a wise investment. When left untreated, wisdom teeth can lead to expensive orthodontic or surgical treatments that patients would rather avoid.
Here are some of the reasons why early wisdom teeth removal is cost-effective:
- Prevention of oral health problems. Extracting the wisdom teeth can prevent problems like dental shifting, infections, and damage to adjacent teeth or gum tissue — treating oral health problems like these can end up costing you more.
- Easier surgery. Usually, the earlier wisdom teeth are removed, the faster the recovery period. Smaller, lesser-developed molars are easier to extract. Faster healing means less time away from work or school for the patient.
- Fewer complications. There are often fewer complications such as bleeding, swelling, and discomfort when wisdom teeth are removed at a younger age. An easier, quicker, and complication-free recovery translates into lower cost for you.
- Less pain. Early removal of wisdom teeth prevents unnecessary suffering from the problems that can develop when wisdom teeth are left in place. This is as good for your pocketbook as it is for your overall well-being.
The team at Avon Oral, Facial and Dental Implant Surgery wants to make wisdom teeth removal accessible for our patients, so our pricing is competitive for the Avon, Glastonbury, and Enfield region. We accept a variety of insurance plans and payment methods, as well as financing options.
Learn more about the cost for wisdom teeth removal on our Wisdom Teeth Removal Cost page.
Wisdom Teeth Removal FAQ
Please see our Wisdom Teeth Removal FAQ page here.
Impacted Wisdom Teeth
An impacted tooth is a tooth that fails to fully pass through the gum tissue (erupt) at the expected time and it has fully or partially become trapped beneath the gums. Because most human jaws are too small to accommodate these four extra molars, wisdom teeth are especially prone to becoming impacted. When wisdom teeth are impacted or grow in sideways, it can cause discomfort and damage to nearby teeth. The treatment for impacted wisdom teeth is usually extraction.
It’s possible that your wisdom teeth are impacted and are not yet causing any uncomfortable symptoms. However, if your impacted wisdom teeth begin to shift or become infected, you may notice some of the following things:
- Swelling of the gums behind or near your back molars
- Pain when opening the mouth
- Pain or sensitivity around the back molars, especially while eating
- Persistent bad breath or an unpleasant taste in the mouth
It is important that you see your family dentist regularly for dental exams so that you or your child’s wisdom teeth can be tracked before they start to emerge or cause oral health problems.
To learn more about impacted wisdom teeth, please visit our page on Impacted Wisdom Teeth.
Wisdom Teeth Removal Instructions
You will receive detailed care instructions regarding your wisdom teeth extraction from your oral surgeon and the Avon Oral, Facial and Dental Implant Surgery team, but for your convenience, we will include guidelines here. Always feel free to call our offices with any questions you may have, including questions about pre- and post-operative care. We are happy to offer guidance and help you feel at ease.
General Guidelines
Avoid chewing hard foods that may damage the surgical site or cause bleeding. Carefully follow all guidelines provided by our offices, and, most importantly, practice good oral hygiene. Additional detailed instructions following various types of treatment are listed on our Instructions page. In the event of an emergency, please call one of our offices. If you are experiencing a serious or life-threatening emergency, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency room.
Stem Cell Banking at Avon Oral, Facial, and Dental Implant Surgery
Do you want to make the most of your child’s wisdom teeth removal? If you participate in stem cell banking via wisdom teeth storage, you can give yourself the gift of future peace if health issues crop up. With Stemodontics®, these wisdom teeth will be stored and ready if your child develops a chronic or terminal disease. Talk to your team of oral surgeons about banking stem cells today!