You’re disappointed! You’ve been told you need your wisdom teeth extracted and you were hoping to avoid it. It seems like a lot of trouble and cost for teeth that could potentially stay in your mouth, right? Wrong! There are some very specific reasons your dentist has recommended wisdom teeth removal, and here’s what you should know.
The Cost Of Keeping Your Wisdom Teeth
Even though wisdom teeth are technically your last set of molars to arrive, they can wreak a lot of havoc in your mouth. If you don’t have enough space in your mouth to accommodate them, or they arrive at an odd angle, they could start to crowd surrounding teeth and ruin any orthodontic treatment you’ve completed to align your teeth.
They are also very hard to keep clean due to their location at the back of your mouth behind your second molars. If you do happen to keep your wisdom teeth, but you can’t reach them to brush and floss properly, you may develop concerns such as tooth decay, cavities, or gum disease.
Sometimes, wisdom teeth remain impacted, or stuck under your gum line. You might think this would be ideal for keeping them; however, impacted teeth that are not removed often result in an infection.
What You Should know About Oral Surgery
You’ve decided to move forward with a wisdom tooth extraction. Now you’re wondering what to expect?
You can rest assured that your comfort is your dentist’s top priority. A straightforward case where wisdom teeth have erupted may only require a local anesthetic to keep you comfortable and ensure you don’t feel anything during your procedure.
For impacted teeth, an oral surgeon’s expertise may be required. You may also choose sedation dentistry to help you relax during a more complicated procedure.
Does My Insurance Plan Cover Oral Surgery?
While every insurance plan is unique, most do cover a portion of oral surgery. Your dentist’s treatment coordinator will be happy to help you navigate your insurance coverage to determine what your out-of-pocket cost will be for your wisdom teeth removal.
If you have questions about wisdom teeth, extractions, or how your insurance plays a role, contact your dentist today for more information.
About Distinguished Dental
What would your perfect dental experience look like? Would it involve personalized care from a dentist who takes the time to get to know you and listen to your concerns? Look no further than Dr. Sheri McIntosh at Distinguished Dental!
Dr. McIntosh combines modern dentistry with the old fashioned integrity that is missing in so many practices today. You will receive personalized dental care and outstanding service when you choose Distinguished Dental as your dental home.
To contact Dr. McIntosh, call 817-337-8300 or reach her online.