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Our Wisdom Teeth Removal Information Page is dedicated to providing you with comprehensive insights into the specialized procedure we offer. Explore in-depth guides and watch educational videos. We're committed to ensuring you're well-informed and confident when choosing us for your wisdom teeth extraction needs.
Breaking Down the Numbers: Demystifying the Fluctuations in Wisdom Teeth Removal Costs
What Affects the Cost of Getting Your Wisdom Teeth Pulled?
Thinking about getting your wisdom teeth yanked? Let's break down what can make a dent in your wallet when you're dealing with these pesky molars. From the pros you choose to how many teeth gotta go, these factors can really mess with the final bill.
The Skills of the Dentist or Surgeon
Who you see for the extraction makes a big difference. A seasoned expert, like Dr. Heath Hendrickson—who's kinda famous for pulling wisdom teeth—will charge more. But think about it: you're paying for peace of mind and probably a faster, smoother recovery. Dr. Hendrickson, for example, teams up with Michael Call, a ace CRNA who’s knocked out over 100,000 folks safely (Dr. Wisdom Teeth). Higher skill levels often mean higher costs, but also fewer hiccups.
Expertise LevelExpected CostGeneral DentistLower EndOral SurgeonMiddle RangeTop SpecialistHigher End
Get more juicy details on the factors affecting wisdom teeth removal costs in our full write-up.
How Many Teeth Are We Talking?
The number of teeth you need out also raises the price. Just one has a base cost, but if more are coming out, the price tag climbs. For instance, it's about $399 for one, and it can hit $799 for three, which usually covers sedation, x-rays, and all that jazz (Dr. Wisdom Teeth).
Wisdom Teeth CountBallpark Price1 Tooth$3992 Teeth$4993 Teeth$799
If you need all four gone, be ready to shell out even more cash. Things like the position and whether they're impacted can also hike up the cost.
Need the lowdown on wisdom teeth removal costs in Utah? Our guide covers it all.
Budget Tips and Tricks
Worried about breaking the bank? Check out insurance coverage for wisdom teeth removal and payment plan options. It's all about making that bill a little easier to stomach.
Knowing what drives up the cost can arm you with the info you need to plan better. By weighing the expertise of your dental professional and how many teeth need pulling, you'll be more prepared for what's ahead. Happy planning—and may your cheeks deflate swiftly!
Paying for Wisdom Teeth Removal and Insurance Coverage
Alright, let's get real: figuring out how to pay for getting your wisdom teeth yanked can be a biggie. So, let’s break it down—how you can handle the bill and what insurance might cover, especially if you’re on Medicaid or CHIP.
How Does It All Add Up?
Yanking out those wisdom teeth isn’t one-size-fits-all. Costs depend on how many you’re ditching, who’s doing the yanking, and how you’re paying. Here’s a cheat sheet on your payment options and what they might mean for your wallet.
Payment OptionsCost ImpactCashSometimes you score a discountCredit CardPay in bites, but watch out for interestCare CreditSpecial plans with deferred interest
Using insurance can chop down your out-of-pocket costs significantly. Do yourself a favor and check if your plan covers the procedure and to what extent. If you’re curious how much you might save with insurance, hit up our insurance comparison article.
Medicaid and CHIP: Your Friends in Low Places
If you're eligible for Medicaid or CHIP, you’re in luck. These programs can cover a big chunk of the costs. They’re especially handy for kids and those with tight budgets.
Insurance TypeWhat It CoversMedicaidSometimes the whole shebang, including knockout medsCHIPLike Medicaid but for kiddos
Wanna know more about how Medicaid and CHIP can trim your costs? Check out our insurance coverage article.
Make sure your oral surgeon is cool with taking Medicaid or CHIP. It’ll save you from any bill shocks. Need help figuring this out? Our insurance coverage guide has got you covered.
Understanding your payment methods and insurance can take the sting out of the cost. For more scoop on how these factors shake up the final tab, pop over to our cost factors section.
Planning to save? Don’t miss our wallet-friendly resources:
With the right know-how, saying goodbye to those wisdom teeth won’t mean blowing up your budget. Make a plan, use your resources, and save those dollars while you protect your pearly whites.
What to Know About Removing Wisdom Teeth
Why You Might Need Them Out
Getting wisdom teeth out isn't just another chore. It's crucial when those pesky third molars start causing trouble. Here are some tell-tale signs it's time to say goodbye to them:
Pain: If your back teeth are giving you grief, those wisdom teeth might be coming in the wrong way or stuck.
Infection: When wisdom teeth only half-push out, they trap food and bacteria, leading to gum infections.
Cavities: These teeth are hard to clean, making them decay magnets.
Gum Trouble: Crowded wisdom teeth can stir up gum disease.
Messing Up Your Smile: Not enough space can cause wisdom teeth to nudge into your other teeth, making a mess of your dental lineup.
What Else to Expect and the Costs Involved
Wondering why wisdom teeth removal costs vary so much? Lots of things can change the price tag, like the complexity of the surgery, anesthesia, or follow-up visits.
Getting Knocked Out: Many patients opt for some form of sedation or anesthesia, with Dr. Wisdom Teeth offering IV sedation for comfort and a speedy recovery. This can change the overall cost.
Recovery Time: Post-op care is a biggie. Recovery usually takes about a week, and you might need pain relief and care tips, adding an extra dose to the final bill.
Aftermath Issues: Sometimes complications like infections or dry socket require follow-up visits, which can hike up costs.
Here's a quick peek at potential costs depending on your needs:
Treatment ComponentEstimated Cost ($)Basic Extraction (per tooth)75 - 200Complex Surgical Extraction225 - 600IV Sedation (per hour)250 - 600Post-Operative Care (medications and follow-ups)50 - 150
Making Sense of It All
Knowing the particulars about the costs and reasons behind wisdom teeth removal helps you plan better. Check out our guide on factors that affect the cost of wisdom teeth removal for more details.
Understanding this can help you brace for the total bill and make educated decisions. Curious about insurance impacts? We break down the cost differences with and without insurance too.
Taking these factors into account can turn a nerve-wracking experience into a planned, stress-free procedure. So, get informed, get prepared, and make sure those wisdom teeth don't outsmart you!
Clear Costs and Consistency
Starting with wisdom teeth removal can get a bit unnerving—especially when it comes to costs. Let's break down why it's crucial to have clear and consistent pricing.
Fixed Cost Model
A fixed cost model pops onto the scene to give you a straight-up, no-surprise price for getting those pesky wisdom teeth out. For instance, Dr. Wisdom Teeth offers the service at a neat $999. This model’s got your back, making things more affordable and straightforward, particularly for young folks or anyone pinching pennies.
Perks of a Fixed Cost Model:
Know exactly what you’ll pay
Easier to decide when you're not guessing the cost
No secret charges lurking
Extra Treatments Included
It's not all about the extraction itself. To get the full picture of costs, you've got to know what extra treatment might be rolled into the price. Think about pre-op chats, X-rays, and care after the surgery. Make sure these are either in the fixed cost or clearly labeled as extra.
ServiceAverage Cost RangePre-op consultation$50 - $200X-rays$75 - $200IV sedation$250 - $500Post-op careIncluded/ $50 - $100
Knowing these potential extra costs keeps your wallet ready and avoids nasty surprises. Have a chat with your oral surgeon to nail down what exactly is included.
For more juicy details on handling the cost of wisdom teeth removal, peek at our full guide on what's the average cost of wisdom teeth removal and hidden costs of wisdom teeth removal.
When you pick docs who are upfront and stick to a fixed cost model, planning for the procedure gets a whole lot easier. And being in the know about what’s included also means you're making smarter decisions about your care. Interested in ways to save a few bucks? Check out our articles on how to get affordable wisdom teeth removal in Utah and payment plans for wisdom teeth removal.
Why Anesthesia Matters for Yanking Those Wisdom Teeth
Getting your wisdom teeth pulled sounds scary, right? Trust us, the right anesthesia makes it a pain-free walk in the park. Anesthesia not only kills the pain, but also keeps you chill and helps you recover quicker.
What's the Deal with IV Sedation?
IV sedation is basically the VIP suite of anesthesia for wisdom teeth extraction. They put the meds straight into your vein, making you semi-conscious but super relaxed. Picture this: you're calm, cool, and barely remember the whole thing. Dr. Hendrickson does this to make sure you're as comfy as a cat in a sunbeam (Dr. Wisdom Teeth).
Key perks of IV sedation:
Zero Pain, All Gain: Keeps you comfy and pain-free during the surgery.
Forget About It: You likely won’t remember a thing, wiping away the stress.
Fast Track Recovery: Relaxed patients mean quicker, smoother surgery, which can lead to swifter healing.
Type of AnesthesiaPerksUse When…IV SedationUltimate comfort, no memory, speedier recoveryTough extractions, freaked-out patients
Making You Comfy & Speeding Up Recovery
Your comfort during wisdom teeth removal is Job One. Anesthesia helps crush pain and anxiety, making everything go smoother and helping you heal without a hitch. It numbs you up and chills you out, leaving only good vibes post-op.
Speaking of recovery, it can be a mixed bag—some discomfort, special care to dodge dry sockets or infections. Adding fancy extras like Platelet Rich Fibrin (PRF) can speed things up even more by reducing risks and promoting faster healing (Dr. Wisdom Teeth).
For the lowdown on avoiding post-op nightmares and healing like a champ, check out our guide on wisdom teeth recovery tips.
Now, let’s talk about the dough. Your anesthesia choice can make a big dent in the bill. Knowing why different sedations cost more or less helps you budget smarter. For more on how anesthesia changes the price tag, read our post on cost factors for wisdom teeth removal.
Choosing the right anesthesia and nailing your recovery are key to a super smooth wisdom teeth extraction. And hey, if you’re worried about paying for it, read our guide on cheap wisdom teeth removal in Utah.
The Scoop on Getting Your Wisdom Teeth Out
Getting your wisdom teeth pulled can sound scarier than it really is. Let’s break down what actually happens and how you’ll be feeling afterward.
The Play-by-Play
Taking out wisdom teeth isn’t a one-size-fits-all deal, but here’s the usual drill:
Huddle with Your Surgeon: First off, you’ll chat with an oral surgeon who’ll check out your wisdom teeth via X-rays, seeing what’s up with those pesky third molars.
Numbing the Pain: To keep things comfy, you’ll get anesthesia. This might just numb the area, or you might snooze through the whole thing with IV sedation.
Gum Access: The surgeon will make a cut in your gum to get at the tooth and bone.
Bone Removal: If there’s bone in the way, it gets taken out.
Tooth Break Down: Sometimes the tooth needs to be broken into pieces to get it out smoothly.
Extraction: Each piece gets pulled out.
Stitches: The surgeon stitches up the cut, so it heals better.
Healing Tips: You’ll get the lowdown on how to take care of yourself while you heal.
Taking It Easy After Surgery
Healing from wisdom teeth removal usually takes about a week, give or take. Here’s a peek at what your recovery might look like:
DayWhat You’ll FeelWhat You Should Do1-2Swollen, sore, and maybe some bleedingUse ice packs, take pain meds, chill out and avoid heavy lifting3-4Swelling’s down, still a bit soreKeep taking meds, rinse with saltwater, stick to soft foods5-7Feeling better, minimal discomfortKeep an eye out for infections, slowly go back to regular foods, visit your dentist if something feels off
Handy Tips for After Surgery:
Dealing with Swelling and Bruises: Ice packs are your new best friend for the first two days. Swelling tends to be at its worst on day two.
Managing Pain: Stick to the pain meds your doc gave you, and avoid aspirin. That stuff can make you bleed more.
Eating Right: Soft foods like yogurt, soup, and smoothies are the way to go. Avoid hard, spicy, or chewy stuff that can mess with your stitches.
Keeping Clean: Rinse gently with saltwater after a couple of days, but steer clear of strong mouthwash and be gentle when brushing near the wound.
Got more questions about costs? Check out our articles on what’s the average cost of wisdom teeth removal and factors that affect the cost of wisdom teeth removal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are wisdom teeth, and why do they need to be removed?
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of teeth to erupt in the mouth, usually between the ages of 17 and 25. They often cause problems because there is insufficient space for them to fully emerge or they may grow in an improper position. This can lead to various issues like pain, infection, tooth decay, gum disease, and damage to adjacent teeth. Wisdom teeth removal is a common procedure to address these concerns.
How do I know if my wisdom teeth need to be removed?
If you are experiencing pain, swelling, infection, damage to neighboring teeth, or overcrowding, it is advisable to consult with a dental professional who can examine your mouth and take X-rays to determine the position and condition of your wisdom teeth. Based on their assessment, they can recommend the need for wisdom teeth removal. If you do not have a dentist, please call us and set up a FREE consultation and x-ray to determine a plan that is right for you.
Why are the third molars referred to as wisdom teeth?
According to the Oxford Dictionary, third molars are referred to as wisdom teeth because their common age of eruption is between 17 and 25. Aristotle explained it this way 2500 years ago!
"The last teeth to come in man are molars called ‘wisdom-teeth’, which come at the age of twenty years, in the case of both sexes. Cases have been known in women upwards of eighty years old where at the very close of life the wisdom-teeth have come up, causing great pain in their coming; and cases have been known of the like phenomenon in men too. This happens, when it does happen, in the case of people where the wisdom-teeth have not come up in early years."
— Aristotle, The History of Animals.
Why do we have third molars if we just remove them?
Third molars helped our human ancestors to grind plant tissue during a time when leafy greens were a more important part of our diet. It is thought that the skulls of our ancestors had larger jaws with more room to accommodate more teeth which helped them to chew foliage more efficiently. This was important because humans lack the ability to efficiently digest cellulose, an important part of plant cell walls. Since the advent of agriculture, almost 10,000 years ago, our diets have become softer and include a larger amount of sugar and high energy foods. These diets have resulted in smaller jaws and not enough room for the wisdom teeth. So when they begin to erupt, they are often painful or crooked and do not fit properly in the mouth. Their removal becomes mandatory for a healthy mouth.
What is the process for removing wisdom teeth?
The process for wisdom teeth removal involves a surgical procedure performed by a dentist or oral surgeon. It typically includes making an incision in the gum tissue, removing any bone that blocks access to the tooth, cutting the tooth into smaller pieces and then removing the pieces and suturing the incision. This procedure ensures the complete removal of the impacted or problematic wisdom tooth.
Does everyone have 4 wisdom teeth?
No, although 4 is the most common number (one in each corner of the mouth); some people have 1, 2 or 3 wisdom teeth and some people don’t have any at all! In rare cases people develop additional teeth in the area of the wisdom teeth call ‘para-molars’ and may have 5 or more!
Does wisdom teeth removal require anesthesia or sedation?
Wisdom teeth removal usually requires some form of anesthesia or sedation to ensure patient comfort during the procedure. Your dentist will discuss the options with you, which may include local anesthesia to numb the area around the tooth or general anesthesia to render you unconscious during the surgery. We provide an IV sedation for each patient we see. This guarantees you maximum comfort, no memory of the procedure and a faster recovery.
How long does it take to recover from wisdom teeth removal?
The recovery period after wisdom teeth removal varies from person to person, but it generally takes about a week to fully recover. During this time, you may experience some swelling and discomfort. Following the post-operative instructions provided by your dentist or oral surgeon, such as taking prescribed pain medications and applying ice packs, can aid in a smoother recovery process.
What are the potential risks and complications of wisdom teeth removal?
Like any surgical procedure, there are potential risks and complications associated with wisdom teeth removal. These include infection, dry socket, nerve damage, sinus problems, and temporary or permanent jaw stiffness. However, these complications are relatively rare, and your dental professional will take necessary precautions to minimize the risks.
Can I eat normally after wisdom teeth removal?
Initially, you’ll need to stick to a soft or liquid diet for the first few days after the surgery to facilitate healing. As you progress in your recovery, you can gradually reintroduce solid foods into your diet. It’s important to avoid straws and hard, crunchy, or spicy foods that could irritate the extraction sites. Your dentist or oral surgeon will provide specific dietary guidelines to follow.
Are there any specific instructions or precautions I should follow before and after the procedure?
Prior to wisdom teeth removal, your dental professional will provide you with detailed instructions tailored to your specific situation. These instructions include: fasting 5-6 hours before the surgery, avoid smoking or using a straw post-surgery, take regularly prescribed medications, apply ice packs, maintain proper oral hygiene, and call us if you encounter any problems on our 24/7 after care nurse line. Adhering to these instructions is crucial for a successful recovery.
Will I experience pain during or after the removal?
The procedure itself is usually painless due to anesthesia or sedation. However, it is common to experience some discomfort and swelling after the surgery. Your dentist may prescribe pain medications to manage any post-operative pain. Additionally, using home remedies such as applying ice packs and rinsing with warm saltwater can help alleviate discomfort during the recovery period.
What are the alternatives to wisdom teeth removal?
In certain cases where the wisdom teeth are fully erupted, positioned correctly, and not causing any problems, they may not need to be removed. Regular monitoring and good oral hygiene practices are essential to ensure they do not cause complications in the future. However, if extraction is recommended, it is typically the most effective solution to prevent potential issues associated with impacted or problematic wisdom teeth.
What does it mean that a wisdom tooth is ‘impacted’?
Your dentist will classify a tooth by the degree to which it has been able to grow out of your jaw bone. If a tooth remains trapped in the bone, usually by a lack of space or close proximity to other teeth, the tooth is considered to be ‘impacted’. If your wisdom teeth are impacted and need to be removed, you will experience some degree of swelling around the lower wisdom teeth. Sometimes patient’s refer to this as the “chipmunk effect” because after surgery you look like you are packing nuts in your cheeks like a chipmunk!
When is the best time to remove the wisdom teeth?
This is always a hard question to answer, simply because we can’t see into the future. However, if an X-ray indicates that there is inadequate room for the wisdom teeth to develop then a few criteria may indicate the ideal time to remove the wisdom teeth. Your doctor will help you decide when the time is right - They are best removed before the roots have fully developed. Ideally, when root development is between 25% and 50%. Undeveloped roots increase the chances that your surgery will be successful and you will not suffer any long term negative effects.- If possible, allowing the tooth to erupt as much as possible before it gets ‘stuck’ is also favorable. The closer the tooth gets to erupting, the simpler the surgery to remove it will be.- Age is a consideration and patients in their late teens are ideal candidates for removal. However, in some instances patients as young as 10 years old or as old as 90 may require wisdom tooth removal.- Oftentimes patients will remove the wisdom teeth to prepare for braces at the request of their Orthodontist.- …And, if your wisdom teeth are hurting…this is a great time to remove them!
What could happen if I don’t remove my wisdom teeth when my doctor recommends that I do?
If you wait until your adult years to remove your wisdom teeth several things become more complicated about your surgery.- First, at some point in your late-late teens or early twenties, your lower wisdom teeth will grow root tips and finish developing. Once this happens, the risk of the root tips interfering with the nerve in your mandible raises the risk of temporary or permanent numbness in your lower lip and chin.- The older you become, generally the more dense your bone becomes. Increased bone density will increase the difficulty of removing the wisdom teeth and could cause additional swelling and healing time.- Younger patients heal faster and with less complications overall than older patients. Younger patients generally experience less dry socket, pain and swelling than older patients.
What is a dry socket?
A dry socket (local alveolar osteitis) occurs when the blood clot is lost from the hole left in the jaw after a wisdom tooth is extracted. It generally results in a dull, uncomfortable ache. It is easily treated in the office where you had your wisdom teeth removed.
What can be done to prevent a dry socket?
We see very few dry sockets in our practice! We are excited to provide you with a state of the art procedure called Platelet Rich Fibrin (PRF) to reduce your chances of dry socket from 1 in 10 to 1 in 100! We offer this procedure at no charge to you! After placing your IV, we will draw a small amount of blood. That blood will be put into a centrifuge and spun very fast until it separates into distinct layers. One of the layers, the Platelet Rich layer contains numerous white blood cells, neutrophils and other key components of healing. This portion of your blood will be put back into the socket to stimulate bone growth and healing, reduce pain and inflammation and dramatically reduce your chance of dry socket. Dr. Hendrickson believes PRF is so beneficial that he provides this service to all of his patients at no cost. Thanks to PRF treatment we see a very small number of dry socket.
Where are you located?
We have 2 locations. Our Provo & Murray offices are located...
Provo Location:
2230 N University Pkwy #8A
Provo, Utah
84604
(801) 370-0050
Murray Location:
5888 S 900 E #101
Murray, UT
84121
(801) 370-0050
What are your hours?
We are open Monday - Friday 8:00 am -5:00 pm MST.
Surgeries are scheduled on Thursdays (Provo) and Fridays (Murray).
Provo Location:
2230 N University Pkwy #8A
Provo, Utah
84604
(801) 370-0050
Murray Location:
5888 S 900 E #101
Murray, UT
84121
(801) 370-0050
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