Wisdom Teeth Seattle WA
Third Molars Bellevue, Federal Way, & Woodinville
We each get three sets of molars during our lifetime – the first molars arrive at age six, the second at age 12, and the third molars develop during the late teens and early twenties. Because it is during this age that children become wiser and transition into adulthood, we refer to the “third molars” as “wisdom teeth”.
Your mouth was designed to hold 28 teeth, not 32. By the time your wisdom teeth start to grow, those 28 slots are already filled, making it difficult for them to grow in properly. That’s why 9 out of 10 people find themselves with at least one impacted wisdom tooth that requires extraction. Even when properly positioned, wisdom teeth can easily become infected, and are at risk for cysts and tumors.
Take Control of Your Oral Health with Wisdom Teeth Removal
Say goodbye to wisdom teeth complications and safeguard your oral health. Schedule a wisdom teeth removal procedure for personalized care, quick healing, and a healthier future.
Wisdom Teeth Problems
All of this crowding results in the wisdom teeth being unable to erupt through the gums properly – a condition commonly referred to as “impacted”. Often they grow in sideways, backward, tilted, and, sometimes, they may even remain completely under the surface of the jawbone.
Soft Tissue Impaction: The upper portion of the tooth has erupted through the bone but not all the way through the soft (gum) tissue.
Partial Bony Impaction: The tooth is still mostly located within the jawbone, although a small portion has pushed through.
Full Bony Impaction: The entire tooth still lies within the jawbone.While you may feel nothing out of place, impacted teeth are at a significant risk for becoming infected, fracturing the jaw, or damaging neighboring teeth. For this reason, it is often necessary for the doctors to remove them.
Infection:
Your gums can become infected, a condition known as “pericoronitis”, due to the wisdom teeth unsuccessfully trying to push through the gum tissue. This condition, which causes pain, swelling and problems swallowing, can recur periodically.
Cysts and Benign Tumors:
Cysts are fluid-filled pockets that can form inside the jawbone when wisdom teeth are impacted. They can be very damaging and difficult to treat as they destroy jawbone and even neighboring teeth.
Crowding and Alignment Issues:
It should be no surprise that impacted wisdom teeth crowd your smile, causing misalignment issues, even if you have had braces
Damage to Nearby Teeth:
Wisdom teeth are notorious for damaging their neighbors by making it difficult to practice good hygiene in the area. This often results in decay, gum disease and sometimes bone loss.
Wisdom Teeth Removal Seattle WA
We are committed to making your experience a great one! Thanks to rapidly advancing technology, new medicines, sterilization and infection control options, doctors are able to perform the procedure in a way that promotes quicker healing and minimizes pain.
During your initial consultation, we will take x-rays and use specialized imaging tools to get a clear picture of the positioning of your wisdom teeth.
The length of your surgery depends on a variety of factors including the level of impaction of your teeth and the number of teeth being removed. However, most wisdom teeth extractions can be performed in about an hour. During that time you will be kept comfortable with anesthesia.
Post-op soreness can typically be managed with over-the-counter medications, however all medication options will be discussed ahead of your surgery to ensure that you have adequate pain relief at home as the anesthesia wears off.
The Day of Your Procedure
Prior to your wisdom teeth removal surgery, we will send you home with very specific pre and post-surgical instructions so that you know what to expect.
A few key items:
- Don’t eat or drink the day of your procedure. (Pre-approved medications may be taken with a sip of water.)
- Anesthesia: Most people prefer to be sedated for the procedure, however we do offer a variety of levels of anesthesia to accommodate personal preferences. We are trained and highly experienced with anesthesia to provide you with a safe and comfortable experience.
- Bring a Parent (or responsible adult): It is necessary that you bring a responsible adult with you to the office and that they remain with you throughout the day. We will not be able to release you alone.
- Medications: Make sure you have your pain medications (over the counter and prescription if necessary) ready to go for when the anesthesia starts to wear off at home.
- When You Get Home: You will feel sleepy for the remainder of the day. You may have numbness in the jaw (which shouldn’t be confused with nerve damage) and possibly a sensation of your gums feeling swollen and pulling away from your teeth – all of this is a normal part of the healing process.
- Foods: Specific instructions will be sent home with you regarding the reintroduction of foods. But, as a general rule, start with clear liquids and progress to other soft foods slowly. Avoid dairy products the first day, as they tend to interact with anesthesia, sometimes causing nausea.
- NO Straws: Throughout the healing period, you may not use straws (or tobacco). Using straws can dislodge the clot that is covering your extraction site, resulting in a very painful condition called “dry socket”.
Wisdom Teeth Complications
Luckily, complications following wisdom teeth removal are rare, and largely avoidable. However, if you suspect any of these complications, please call us for instructions:
Dry Sockets:
- Significant pain.
- Pain radiating to the ear, cheek, etc.
- Bad breath or unpleasant taste in the mouth.
- Visible bone or an empty-looking socket.
Infection:
Damage to Sensory Nerve:
Sinus Communication:
Cost of Wisdom Teeth Removal
Every patient’s situation is different, which is why we have a consultation with you prior to the surgery. This allows us to present any possible costs upfront, and help you decipher your insurance benefits.
Factors that affect wisdom teeth cost:
- Anesthesia Used
- Dental Imaging
- Number of Teeth Extracted
- Level of Impaction
Does insurance cover wisdom teeth removal?
Many dental insurance policies include a benefit for wisdom teeth removal. Our staff will help you navigate your insurance benefits so that you can obtain the maximum benefit from your provider.
The Cost of NOT Having Wisdom Teeth Removed
While the cost of wisdom teeth removal may seem prohibitive, the price of not having them removed may cost more money (and pain) down the road, as extractions get more and more complicated with age.
Financing the Cost of Wisdom Teeth Extraction
We offer a variety of options to our patients and their families to ensure that they get the care that they need. A quick phone call to our office will help you understand the financing options available to you.
Wisdom Teeth FAQs
Does everyone have to get his or her wisdom teeth removed?
When is the best time to get wisdom teeth removed?
Do all four teeth have to be pulled?
Is it true that the surgery takes less than an hour?
How long does recovery take after wisdom teeth removal?
Does it hurt to have your wisdom teeth removed?
Will I be awake for the extraction?
What does “impacted” mean?
What is “dry socket”?
Does everyone have to get his or her wisdom teeth removed?
No, but most people do. From time to time, doctors see a patient whose wisdom teeth appear to have fit nicely in the mouth and thus don’t need removal, but they are still prone to disease and must be monitored for life.
When is the best time to get wisdom teeth removed?
Between the ages of 17-25, before the roots have fully developed and entwined themselves in the nerves located in the jawbone, making removal much more complicated.
Do all four teeth have to be pulled?
Sometimes we only need to remove one or two, and sometimes three or four. We will assess your case thoroughly to determine the best course of action.
Is it true that the surgery takes less than an hour?
Most often, yes! The length of your procedure depends on the amount of teeth we are removing, the severity of impaction and several other factors. However, the typical extraction does take less than an hour, and we will keep you comfortable the whole time.
How long does recovery take after wisdom teeth removal?
The first day of your recovery you will probably be too sleepy to do much, but most patients are back to their normal activities within 3-4 days.
Does it hurt to have your wisdom teeth removed?
During the procedure, you won’t feel a thing. However, you may have soreness for a few days following the surgery as the anesthesia wears off. We will discuss pain control methods and set you up with any necessary prescriptions ahead of time so that you remain comfortable at home as well.
Will I be awake for the extraction?
We have a variety of levels of anesthesia to accommodate different patients’ needs. We will discuss your anesthesia preferences prior to your surgery day.
What does “impacted” mean?
Impacted wisdom teeth are those that are not able to fully erupt through the gums. It is a very common condition, and the number one reason that wisdom teeth end up needing removal. In fact, 9 out of 10 people have at least one impacted wisdom tooth.
What is “dry socket”?
Dry socket is a temporary complication that arises when a blood clot becomes dislodged from the extraction site, exposing tissue. The condition can be painful, but luckily most cases can be avoided by following home-care instructions including the avoidance of straws and smoking.