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Wisdom Tooth Extractions – Ellicott City, MD

Gentle Removal of Unnecessary Third Molars

Woman holding jaw before wisdom tooth extraction

It can be a rite of passage for teenagers or young adults. Wisdom teeth removal is very common, but you may have questions about it. What are wisdom teeth? Why would you need to have teeth surgically extracted? What is recovery like after the procedure? At Ellicott City Smiles Dental Group, we’re here to help answer those questions for you so that you perfectly comfortable and confident if you end up needing wisdom tooth extractions in Ellicott City, MD.

Why Choose Ellicott City Smiles Dental Group For Wisdom Tooth Removal?

  • Sedation Available for Maximum Comfort
  • Periodontal Specialist on Staff
  • Advanced Technology for Effective Diagnosis and Planning

What Are Wisdom Teeth?

X-ray of smile with wisdom teeth highlighted

Teeth erupt at different times as a child grows. During late teenage or young adult years, the last set of molars come in. These teeth are commonly called wisdom teeth. In the distant past, when oral hygiene was commonly poor, these teeth were essential to compensate for lost teeth. Nowadays, wisdom teeth are superfluous because we generally take better care of our teeth and keep them for longer.

Why Are Wisdom Teeth Removed?

Animated smile with impacted wisdom tooth

Sometimes, because you’ve retained your other natural teeth, there isn’t enough room for your wisdom teeth to erupt safely. Instead they can become impacted, a situation in which the teeth are angled or don’t erupt fully. Impacted wisdom teeth can push against the second molars and cause unnecessary crowding or changes in your bite’s alignment. Also, if the wisdom teeth erupt incorrectly, they can trap bacteria that can lead to infections. To avoid these situations, Dr. Modarres will recommend extraction if it appears that your mouth can’t accommodate these teeth.

How Do I Know if My Wisdom Teeth Need to be Extracted?

Dentist performing wisdom tooth extraction

During your dental checkups with Dr. Modarres, he thoroughly checks X-rays to ensure that everything looks healthy below the surface as well as above. He can monitor the development of your wisdom teeth and tell you whether they need to be extracted even before they cause any problems.

How Are Wisdom Teeth Extracted?

X-ray with wisdom tooth developing below gums

The extraction method can vary case by case. For example, if the wisdom teeth are able to fully erupt above the gum line, we can simply pull them with a clasping tool. However, many times, extracting wisdom teeth involves surgery. Before beginning the procedure, Dr. Modarres will make sure you know what to expect for your specific situation.

What Happens After Wisdom Tooth Extraction?

Young man smiling after wisdom tooth extraction

First, you will need to have a trusted friend or family member drive you home and monitor you while you recover. For the first two days afterward, keep gauze over the sockets to soak up any blood, switching for clean gauze as they become saturated. During the first few days, you may experience some swelling and inflammation in your jaw or cheeks. To help with this, use ice for 20 minutes at a time. Get plenty of sleep at night and refrain from strenuous packs activity while you recover. If your pain increases after a few days, you continue to bleed, or you’re still in pain after a week or more, give us a call.

At Ellicott City Smiles Dental Group, we are dedicated to keeping your smile happy and healthy for many years to come, and wisdom teeth extraction can be a necessary step in doing just that. We do our best to make the process as easy and comfortable for you as possible. Schedule an appointment with us today to see the difference we can make for your oral health.

Wisdom Tooth Extractions FAQs

Patient learning about wisdom tooth extractions in Ellicott City

Preparing for wisdom tooth extraction in Ellicott City means knowing what to expect. This type of procedure may be daunting for any teenager or young adult, which is why our team is here to provide clarity and a clearer understanding of why these teeth need to be removed. As you review the questions and answers provided below, we encourage you to formulate some of your own and bring them with you to your appointment. We’ll be happy to deliver honest answers when meeting with you.

Why are wisdom teeth called that?

It might seem odd, but wisdom teeth get their name from the fact that they do not erupt or attempt to come in until later when a person is in older adolescence or early adulthood. Because of the saying “with age comes wisdom,” these third molars are coined “wisdom teeth.”

Is wisdom tooth removal painful?

The actual process of having your wisdom teeth removed will not cause any pain. This is because you will receive local anesthesia to help numb your mouth. This will alleviate any discomfort you might otherwise experience. Although it is possible that you might feel some pressure as the dentist removes each tooth, you will not feel any pain.

Once the procedure is over, though, you can expect some general soreness, which can be remedied with the help of an over-the-counter pain reliever, or prescribed medication provided by your dentist.

How long does wisdom tooth surgery take?

Depending on how many of your wisdom teeth need to be removed, it can take up to 90 minutes if you need to have all four extracted. On average, it can take between 15-20 minutes per tooth, but several factors can extend the time it takes to remove these teeth. Some of these factors include their location, whether they’ve partially erupted or are still impacted, and their position.

No matter how long it takes though, you’re likely to feel as if you spent little time in the dentist’s chair because of the anesthesia and sedation you’ll receive.

Are wisdom tooth extractions covered by insurance?

Since wisdom tooth extractions are commonly viewed as medically necessary, there is a good chance that your insurance company will agree to pay a portion of the total cost (around 50%). That is until you reach your annual maximum. Each plan is different, so you’ll need to determine exactly how much they’ll agree to pay so that you can better plan for the expected out-of-pocket cost that you’ll be required to pay.

Ellicott City Smiles is pleased to be in-network with Delta Dental, Cigna, and Blue Cross Blue Shield, and will work with other dental insurance companies to help you get the maximum reimbursement.