Wisdom Teeth Removal in Grapevine Tx

When you get the recommendation to have your wisdom teeth removed, it can be daunting to think about having oral surgery. Luckily, you are not alone. A large majority of people in Grapevine, TX have some very understandable concerns about the surgery. One of the largest concerns is often the cost.

We understand why many are worried about the cost. Before anything else, it is important to do a little research. If you’re reading this article, then you are likely already doing some online research, so kudos to you! It can be a little difficult to find surgery prices online because they can vary from dentist to dentist. Our surgery center will be as transparent as possible about our pricing to make your wisdom tooth extraction as easy as possible. We pride ourselves in offering some of the best and most competitive prices.

Due to the nature of the surgery, pricing estimates can vary. The average price paid in the United States ranges from about $2000 to $3000. Our patients can receive a package that includes an exam, surgical removal of wisdom teeth, and IV Sedation at the lower end of the price spectrum.

Wisdom teeth are the last of the adult teeth to come in. These teeth usually begin erupting in the teenage years, and the most common age range for removal is 16-20.

Most people don’t have a jawbone large enough to accommodate wisdom teeth. This can lead to several problems that ultimately end in wisdom tooth extraction. Our ancestors needed this third set of molars because their diet consisted of coarse foods such as nuts, roots and meats. These types of foods require a lot more chewing power. These teeth have little to no use today and are considered a vestigial organ.

There usually is not room for the third molars when they start growing in, so dental problems are very common with patients who have not yet removed them. When these teeth don’t have room to erupt, they often get stuck partially beneath gum tissue and become impacted. Problems can occur with impacted or partially impacted wisdom teeth including infections and pain. If the wisdom teeth grow in at odd angles, the adjacent teeth can be damaged or decayed as a result. In rare cases, bone destruction and cysts arise causing many problems for patients and damaging nearby teeth. Other times, wisdom teeth impaction causes crowding of the teeth and can undo previous orthodontic work such as braces. Putting off getting your wisdom teeth extracted can cause a more complicated procedure later in life.

Below is a short-list of dental problems that can be caused by wisdom teeth:

• Swelling or pain in the wisdom teeth
• Toothache
• Headache
• Pain in the jaw
• Crowding of the teeth
• Infection

One of the most common fears among patients who need wisdom teeth extraction in Grapevine, Tx is the discomfort that will come after the procedure has been completed. The most common source of pain after the removal of the wisdom teeth is a dry socket. A dry socket is not an infection, but rather an interruption in the healing process. Normally, a blood clot forms around the extraction site to heal the bone and tissue. When this blood clot is lost, it is called a dry socket and is especially painful in the jaw. Following your post op instructions, will be vital to prevent dry socket from occurring.

You will always be given a local anesthetic before any wisdom tooth removal to ensure your own comfort. If you are having several wisdom teeth removed, IV Sedation is also an option that may be suitable to you. IV Sedation is much more powerful and affects your entire body. This allows you to sleep or be drowsy through the whole process. Once the procedure is finished you will be sent home with a post operational instruction packet and gauze.

Post OP Video

Usually, recovery lasts 3-4 days. You can take Ibuprofen for the mild pain you may experience. Here are some tips for a fast recovery.

• As the gauze pads soak up blood, you should replace them regularly. Seek further medical attention if bleeding continues 24 hours after surgery.
• Be cautious of biting the inside of your mouth or tongue, as your mouth will be very numb.
• Try to avoid lying flat, as this may make the bleeding last longer. Use pillows to prop up your head.
• Use an ice pack for 20 minutes at a time during the first day, and warm washcloths for the following 3 days to reduce pain.
• Avoid physical activity after surgery. Relax as much as possible.
• Start off with soft foods and progressively add solids towards the end of the week to your diet as your body heals. Some recommended foods include soup and pudding.
• Avoid straws as sucking can loosen blood clots and slow the healing process.
• After the first 24 hours, you may rinse your mouth gently with saltwater for pain relief and to reduce any swelling. Do this several times a day.
• Avoid smoking as much as possible and do not smoke at all within the first 24 hours after surgery. Smoking may contaminate the extraction area or slow the healing process.
• Try not to touch the area with your fingers or tongue.
• Cautiously brush your teeth and tongue regularly.

If you are in Grapevine, TX and need your wisdom teeth removed, give our office a call and we will discuss your concerns and schedule you a complimentary consultation.