Wisdom Tooth Extractions – Panama City, FL

What Are Wisdom Teeth?

Once known as third molars, wisdom teeth served a purpose for our ancestors. However, shifts in diet, cooking methods, and facial structure have rendered them non-essential. Usually making their appearance in the late teens or early adulthood, typically between 17 and 25, wisdom teeth face a common challenge: limited space in the mouth for proper emergence through the gumline. This often leads to impaction, causing discomfort and an elevated risk of potential harm to neighboring teeth – setting the stage for potential dental issues.

Why Do Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?

While some patients can keep wisdom teeth without any issue, often there's insufficient jaw space, causing potential issues. If not removed, they can become impacted, unable to fully break through the gums. We commonly extract wisdom teeth for these reasons:

• Crowding Risk – Wisdom teeth can lead to damage to surrounding teeth.
• Alignment Impact – They may push your smile out of alignment.
• Gum Inflammation and Pain – Wisdom teeth can cause inflammation and discomfort in the gums.
• Complex Oral Care – Extra teeth make it harder to care for the already challenging-to-reach areas of the smile.

What to Expect From the Wisdom Teeth Procedure

During your consultation, we’ll assess your situation and tailor a suitable plan for your procedure. Special instruments are used to delicately remove partially erupted teeth. However, fully impacted teeth require a surgical approach, involving gently opening the gums and removing each molar in sections to minimize bone loss. Throughout the process, our team prioritizes your comfort, ensuring a smooth experience.

Recovering From Wisdom Teeth Extraction

After completing the procedure, gauze is carefully positioned on the surgical sites to minimize bleeding and promote healing. Protecting the blood clots forming over the sockets is crucial for the recovery process. Follow prescribed medication, use cold compresses to reduce swelling, and exercise caution during oral hygiene. Here are some additional tips:

• Avoid Drinking Straws – Using a straw may disrupt the blood clots, so it's best to abstain.
• Limit Physical Activity – Refrain from exercise or strenuous activities for the initial week.
• Quit Smoking or Tobacco Use – Steering clear of smoking or tobacco products supports a smoother recovery.

Understanding the Cost of Wisdom Tooth Extractions

After discovering that you need to have your wisdom teeth extracted, you may begin wondering about the amount of time you’ll need to take off work or be away from school. You are also likely to inquire about the cost of wisdom tooth extractions. Is it even feasible or within budget to undergo this type of procedure? Before assuming it’s best to wait, review the information below to learn how our team can help you budget for a better and healthier smile.

Factors That Can Impact the Cost of Wisdom Tooth Extractions

While it might seem that wisdom tooth extraction costs the same, this is not true. There are different factors your dentist must consider before establishing a firm estimate. Not only will we determine how many of your wisdom teeth need to be removed (1-4), but we’ll also evaluate their status (partially erupted or impacted), if you need sedation, and whether you’re seeing a specialist.

Each of these areas requires further discussion to determine the exact cost of care. Naturally, specialists tend to cost more than general dentists because of their advanced training and experience. The use of sedation is not always necessary, but if you struggle with severe anxiety, it might be essential to the success of your treatment.

Once we have an established estimate, you can expect that we will go over the details with you during your consultation.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Wisdom Tooth Extractions?

When it comes to wisdom tooth extractions and whether dental insurance will help to cover the cost, you’ll be pleased to learn that most insurance companies do offer some form of partial coverage for this type of procedure. The amount they agree to pay is largely based on whether you’ve met your deductible and if they consider it a major or minor restorative service. No matter, you can expect your insurer to pay anywhere from 50-80% of the total cost.

Other Options for Making Wisdom Tooth Extractions Affordable

If a private dental insurance plan is not something you have, do not worry. Baldwin Family Dental also offers flexible financing through CareCredit, which makes it easy to enroll in a low or no-interest payment plan. You can also apply for our in-house dental plan that takes away all the red tape associated with dental insurance and instead streamlines the approach. With just one low membership fee, you’ll gain access to preventive care as well as discounts on all other available services.