Wisdom teeth are a third set of molars that may begin to erupt between the ages of 16 and 26. These “third molars” are often considered an evolutionary byproduct from when early humans needed more teeth because for many, wisdom teeth are relatively unnecessary at the point in which they begin to erupt–into a fully developed facial structure–and tend to cause more harm than good.
Some people may never have any problems with their wisdom teeth, and others may never have any erupt at all. But for millions more, erupting wisdom teeth can cause headaches, pain, and misalignment issues.
Wisdom teeth extraction is a common procedure offered at Bright Now! Dental, and just one of the comprehensive dental care services we provide to help make sure your smile stays healthy for a lifetime.
Everyone’s oral health situation is different, as is their care, and wisdom teeth are no different. To determine if you need your wisdom teeth removed–if you’ve developed them at all–a dentist will take x-rays and examine your mouth. Wisdom teeth may be removed before eruption as a preventative measure, before any problems can occur, or the dentist may decide on watchful waiting first to get a better idea of the best course of treatment.
Your dentist will discuss their findings with you as well as their recommendations for next steps.
If your dentist determines it would benefit your overall health to have your wisdom teeth extracted, you’ll be scheduled for the procedure, which is considered oral surgery. You will receive some kind of sedation, so you will need someone to drive you home after the procedure, but the extraction itself can be performed right in your dentist’s office.
There are many factors that contribute to the cost of your wisdom teeth removal procedure such as the type of anesthesia used, the number of teeth, if they are impacted (a more difficult extraction), any pre-existing oral health issues that need treatment, or additional dental procedures that might be required following extraction. Be sure to check with your nearest Bright Now! Dental location for exact pricing.
Because it is considered preventative care, wisdom teeth removal is typically covered by most dental insurance plans. If you don’t have insurance, Bright Now! Dental offers a variety of methods to help you afford wisdom teeth extraction.
Wisdom teeth that are causing you discomfort may not be an emergency, but they certainly aren’t something to ignore. Schedule a consultation or exam with the Bright Now! Dental location nearest you to find out if you may need to have your wisdom teeth extracted.
Bright Now! Dental is committed to making quality dental care accessible and affordable, and that includes wisdom teeth extraction. You should not have to live in pain because of inability to pay, so in addition to accepting CareCredit and most major dental insurance plans, Bright Now! Dental also offers the OneSmile dental plan, for discounts on all dental services, and flexible financing and payment plans to help you get the treatment you need.