Wisdom Tooth Extractions – Dallas, TX

When We Recommend Wisdom Tooth Extraction

We recommend wisdom tooth extraction when it is the best way for patients to maintain healthy oral function. Some of the situations where wisdom tooth extraction may be unavoidable include:

• Impaction – tooth is unable to fully erupt from the gum line
• Crowding – there is not enough room for the additional teeth in the gum line
• Dental drift – surrounding teeth are moved out of position by the developing third molars
• Infection and decay – often occurs when wisdom teeth are impacted which can irritate and inflame the soft tissue and trap bacteria and plaque on the tooth’s surface leading to decay

How Wisdom Teeth are Removed

If your wisdom teeth are fully erupted from the gum line, we may be able to “pull” them. That involves using a metal clasp to shift the teeth back and forth until it breaks free from the socket. If the tooth is not fully erupted from the gum line or we are not able to pull the tooth free, surgical removal may be necessary. This can be as simple as cutting away a small amount of connective soft tissue or a much more complex procedure that requires us to break the tooth into numerous smaller pieces before cutting it away from the supportive bone and gum tissue.

What to Expect Following Tooth Extraction

Following wisdom tooth extraction, you may have some swelling, light bleeding, and discomfort. However, using pain relieving medications and ice packs as directed should allow you to maintain comfort as your extraction site heals. If you experience severe pain or sensitivity or your discomfort increases, you may be experiencing dry socket, infection, or other complications. Contact our team right away. We can walk you through first aid and pain management over the phone and schedule an appointment to see you in our dental office.

Understanding the Cost of Wisdom Tooth Extractions

One of the first questions many patients have when they learn they need to have wisdom teeth extracted is how much it will cost. Before we can provide detailed information, you must consult with Dr. Barnett so she can examine your current condition. Then, based on her findings, we’ll give you an estimate and walk you through the information for your approval before we proceed.

Continue reading to learn more about how the price of wisdom tooth extractions is determined, and feel free to contact us for additional information.

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Factors That Can Impact the Cost of Wisdom Tooth Extractions

You might not pay the same exact amount as someone else for your wisdom tooth extractions. This is because the rate depends on several different factors that are unique to your situation, including:

• How many teeth must be removed. Some people grow 4 wisdom teeth (one for each quadrant of their mouths.) Others only have 1, 2, or 3.
• Whether they’re impacted. If your wisdom teeth are trapped in your gums, they have a soft-tissue impaction and must be surgically removed. If they’re caught in your jaw, your oral surgeon must perform a procedure to remove the bony impaction.
• Types of sedation needed. Whether you’re having a simple extraction or a surgical one, you may have to pay for additional anesthesia or sedatives for your procedure.
• The type of specialists required. A special surgeon might be necessary if your case is severe, which can incur a higher cost.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Wisdom Tooth Extractions?

Many dental insurance plans cover a portion of major procedures like wisdom tooth extractions, however there’s no guarantee. Also, there may be other stipulations you need to be aware of and meet before benefits kick in, like an annual deductible or a waiting period.

If you’re unsure what’s included in your plan, you can call your insurance provider directly or ask our friendly office staff for assistance. They are familiar with many policies and can help you maximize the benefits available to you.

How to Make Wisdom Tooth Extractions Affordable

Our team understands that not everyone carries dental insurance, and we don’t want your budget to keep you from the care you need to alleviate your pain and save your smile. If you’re concerned about the cost of your wisdom tooth extractions, you might benefit from one of the following options:

• Flexible financing. We’ve partnered with third-party financers, CareCredit and Lending Club, so you can break up your total invoice into more manageable installments that won’t break the bank if your application is approved.
• Mariya Barnett, DDS Family & Cosmetic Dentistry membership plan. For a low annual fee, this in-house membership includes free and discounted services without waiting periods, deductibles, or annual maximums.