Wisdom Tooth Extractions Bellingham
Wisdom Tooth Care with Your Comfort in Mind
Wisdom tooth extractions allow us to not only relieve pain caused by wisdom teeth but also prevent future issues like misalignment and infection from occurring. Preventive care like this allows us to address risks of dental problems before the issue actually arises, keeping you out of the dentist’s office. Call our office today to learn whether you or your teen could benefit from wisdom tooth extractions in Bellingham.
Why Choose Young Dental for Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
- More Comfortable Care with Dental Sedation
- An Experienced Team of Dentists
- Partnered with Local Experts for Severely Impacted Teeth
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last teeth to erupt in the back of your mouth. While our Paleolithic ancestors could use these to crunch on hard seeds and tough meats, we don’t have much use for them nowadays due to smaller jawbones, and that has led to them causing more issues than they’re often worth. As a result, most people who have between one and four of their wisdom teeth have them removed to prevent pain, cysts, and infections.
Why Do Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?
Our team will only recommend removing wisdom teeth if they pose a threat to your future oral health or are causing you severe pain. We also recommend extraction when there isn’t enough room in your mouth to allow them to grow in, which could cause orthodontic issues, as well as increase your risk of cavities.
What to Expect from the Wisdom Tooth Extraction Procedure
At Young Dental, we always try to preserve your natural teeth whenever we’re able to. However, if we notice that your wisdom teeth will pose a threat to your oral health, we’ll likely recommend extracting them. While our team refers our patients who have impacted wisdom teeth to local experts, we do extract most third molars on a regular basis. This process is similar to any other type of extraction. We’ll elevate the tooth out of its socket and gently wiggle it back and forth, which will allow us to fully remove it from your mouth.
Recovering from Wisdom Tooth Extraction
Understanding the Cost of Wisdom Tooth Extractions
Factors That Can Impact the Cost of Wisdom Tooth Extractions
Because every smile is unique and every patient’s situation is different, the cost of wisdom tooth extractions isn’t one-size-fits-all. In fact, several factors can influence the price, including:
Number of Teeth Removed: Some patients need just one extraction, while others may need all four wisdom teeth removed to protect their oral health.
Impaction: If a tooth is impacted (trapped under the gums or bone), the procedure is more complex and may cost more.
Type of Anesthesia Used: Local anesthesia is standard, but if a higher level of sedation is needed for comfort or anxiety, this can increase the cost.
Before your procedure, we’ll give your mouth a thorough examination and review all your options, including what’s covered by insurance and what may be out-of-pocket. We believe in full transparency so you can feel confident moving forward with your care.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Wisdom Tooth Extractions?
Yes, most dental insurance plans will help cover wisdom tooth extractions, especially when the procedure is medically necessary. However, it’s always best to confirm the information in your plan, as providers can vary in the type and level of coverage.
Our Bellingham dental practice is in-network with Delta Dental Premier. Even if we’re not on your specific plan, we’re happy to work with your provider to help you maximize your benefits. Our front desk team will help you understand what your plan covers before treatment begins.
Other Options for Making Wisdom Tooth Extractions Affordable
We believe finances shouldn’t stand in the way of care. That’s why we offer flexible payment options at Young Dental, including:
- CareCredit financing for low monthly payments
- An easy-to-use online payment portal
Our team will help you find the option that works best for your budget, so you can focus on healing and not the bill. Still have questions or concerns? Just give us a call or schedule a consultation with our team, and we'll walk you through the process.
Wisdom Tooth
Extractions
FAQs
Is Wisdom Tooth Removal Painful?
Let’s start with one of the most-asked questions: Does it hurt? If you’ve been wondering the answer as well, you don’t have to worry – your mouth will be numbed with a local anesthetic beforehand. Not only that, but our Bellingham dental team will provide you with helpful aftercare instructions to help you stay comfortable during the healing period.
Does Everyone Have Wisdom Teeth?
According to an article published in the Dental Research Journal, between 5% and 37% of people are missing at least one of their wisdom teeth. Although there are several theories as to why some patients never develop a third set of molars, genetics is the prevailing one. In other words, if your parents or grandparents didn’t have all of their wisdom teeth, there’s a chance you might not either!
How Do You Make Wisdom Teeth Pain Go Away?
If your procedure is still a few days or weeks away, you may be wondering if there is anything you can do to alleviate your discomfort in the meantime. The short answer is “yes.” First, place a cold compress (or towel-wrapped icepack) against the outside of your cheek for 10 minutes at a time. It’s also a good idea to avoid doing anything that could exacerbate your symptoms, like eating crunchy foods. Finally, if nothing else seems to be working, you can take OTC pain medication. Just make sure to follow the directions on the label.
Should Wisdom Teeth Be Removed If They Don’t Hurt?
If you aren’t in pain, but your wisdom teeth increase your risk of infections, cysts, and other problems, then the answer is “yes.” Ultimately, if you’re having doubts about whether or not the procedure is really necessary, the best thing to do is talk to our team! We’d be happy to provide you with further insight and answer any questions you have so you feel completely confident moving forward.
How Soon Can I Eat After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
You need to wait until you’ve regained full sensation in your mouth, which usually takes about two hours. Waiting this long will also ensure the gauze pads stay in place, slowing down the bleeding in the process. Once you are in the clear to eat, stick to extremely soft foods, like seedless fruit smoothies (don’t use a straw!), applesauce, and plain yogurt. As you heal, you’ll be able to incorporate more substantial foods into your diet.
Tip: Always check the temperature of your food before you eat it! Remember, the extraction site and the area around it will be considerably more sensitive than usual.
How Do You Sleep After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Preparing for a good night’s sleep starts earlier than you may suspect: at dinner. Instead of eating crunchy, spicy, or acidic foods, stick to soft, bland foods, like vegetable broth. Then, use a cold compress in 10-minute intervals to alleviate inflammation and provide a temporary numbing sensation. Taking prescribed or OTC pain medication as directed and keeping your head elevated will help immensely as well!