Wisdom Teeth Removal in Rochester Hills, MI
Wisdom teeth are the final four molars that are supposed to emerge in the very back of our mouths, giving us a total of 32 adult teeth. They generally start coming in when an individual is between the ages of 17 and 23. However, over time our jawbones have evolved and become smaller so not everyone has room for wisdom teeth. Unfortunately, these spare molars don’t bring any extra wisdom with their appearance, and for many people they actually create problems. Hillstream Dental offers gentle wisdom teeth extractions when needed.
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Why is wisdom teeth removal necessary?
When there’s not enough room for wisdom teeth to emerge, they can become impacted, or stuck under the gumline. If they are able to break through but are growing at an odd angle, wisdom teeth can cause pain and crowd the surrounding teeth. They can even cause nearby teeth to move out of alignment. This is especially troublesome since they emerge just about the time many teens are finishing up orthodontic treatment. Odd angles can also create pockets that are the perfect environment for bacteria, which can lead to cavities and infected wisdom teeth.
What to expect from wisdom teeth extractions under sedation?
Wisdom tooth extraction sounds worse than it is. With modern techniques and the different types of sedation offered at Hillstream Dental, you can expect to feel comfortable during your oral surgery. Before the procedure, we’ll take a panoramic X-ray to determine the type of extraction that will be necessary. Depending on how extensive your procedure will be, the local anesthesia can be combined with nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation, or IV sedation for wisdom teeth removal. Let us know if you experience anxiety and we will help you determine the level of sedation that will make you the most comfortable.
How long does it take to recover from wisdom teeth surgery?
For patients who selected oral or IV sedation, plan to feel drowsy for the remainder of the day. After a simple extraction, you should feel back to normal within a few days. More complicated extractions can take a week or more to heal. We’ll give you a list of instructions to follow to ensure a smooth recovery. Don’t brush, rinse your teeth, or drink from a straw for the first 24 hours. It’s important that the blood clot in the extraction site not become dislodged. This results in a painful condition referred to as dry socket. After the first day, gentle rinses with saltwater, cold packs to the cheek, and over-the-counter pain relievers are usually enough to ease any discomfort.
Does insurance cover wisdom teeth removal?
Most insurance plans cover wisdom teeth extractions. Some plans may cover only part of the cost but our front office staff will help you determine your benefits before the surgery. Members of our Dental Savers Plan receive a discount on oral surgery. Financing is also available through CareCredit. We don’t want you to put off wisdom teeth removal due to financial worries.
