Many patients have questions about wisdom teeth. Wisdom teeth are the third molars that should erupt between the ages of 17 and 25. However, most patients do not have room in the jawbone for wisdom teeth to erupt, leading to problems with impaction and crowding.

 

This blog will answer our top 10 patient questions about wisdom teeth, giving you a chance to understand these teeth and why they may need removal.

1. What are some of the reasons why I may need my wisdom teeth removed?

You may need your wisdom teeth removed for several reasons:

• Impaction: If your wisdom teeth are trapped under the gum or within your jawbone, they may be impacted. Impacted teeth cannot erupt normally into the mouth due to lack of space. Impacted teeth can press on neighboring teeth, causing pain, tooth damage, and misalignment.
• Partial Eruption: If your tooth repeatedly erupts and then subsides below the gum line, you may experience pain and infection. Removing the wisdom tooth will stop the cycle and improve your oral health.

2. What is the best age to have wisdom teeth removed?

Generally, the younger, the better, starting in the early teens. Younger patients recover more easily from wisdom teeth surgery with less complex operations. Their recovery times are shorter as well.

3. What if I wait to have my wisdom teeth removed?

The longer you wait for a wisdom teeth removal procedure, the more complications you will likely encounter. Older patients may have a greater chance of developing a painful dry socket, among other problems. 

4. Why can't wisdom teeth erupt normally into most patients' mouths?

Most patients do not have room in their jaws for the third molars. Wisdom teeth are a historical remnant from when humans ate tougher foods and needed the extra chewing power. Over the centuries, the human jaw has lost mass.

5. Does everyone have wisdom teeth?

No, not everyone has these teeth. One or more wisdom teeth may be missing.

6. What happens on the day of wisdom teeth removal?

Wisdom teeth surgery is comfortable and quick. Many patients opt for IV or general anesthesia, which results in no memory of the procedure itself. Typically, it takes no longer than an hour to remove all four wisdom teeth, but the surgery may be longer if the teeth are impacted.

7. Is the surgery painful?

The surgery is painless thanks to extensive local anesthesia and sedation.

8. What should I do to assist in my recovery after surgery?

Be sure to follow the oral surgeon's aftercare recommendations regarding caring for and cleaning your surgery site. If you follow the instructions, you will heal quickly and experience fewer complications. Stay hydrated and nourish yourself well to avoid problems. Avoid alcohol, tobacco, and drinking out of a straw for at least a few days.

9. What foods can I eat after wisdom teeth surgery?

Stick to soft foods for the first week or two. Avoid hot, spicy, or crunchy foods. Scrambled eggs, smoothies, soups without large chunks of meat, yogurt, ice cream, pasta, and mashed potatoes are all great choices.

10. What are the possible complications with wisdom teeth surgery?

You may lose your blood clot prematurely if you smoke or use a straw. Losing a blood clot can lead to an uncomfortable condition called dry socket. You may experience certain nerve problems, but these problems are rare.

Call Braasch OMS

We can answer further questions about wisdom teeth. Please call our Bedford, NH, office at 603-657-1984 with your questions for Dr. Braasch. We can schedule a wisdom teeth consultation, answer your questions, and promptly arrange surgery.

Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars that typically develop between the ages of 17 and 25. More often than not, the wisdom teeth will need to be removed. Most people don’t have enough room in their mouth for these large molars and they end up causing more harm than good. 

If you or your young adult child needs to have their wisdom teeth taken out, you may be wondering how much it costs. Here’s what you can expect to pay on average for wisdom teeth extraction in Bedford, New Hampshire.

 

Average Cost of Wisdom Teeth Removal 

The average cost of wisdom teeth removal may fall somewhere between $300 and $700 or an average of $450 per tooth. Most people will need to have all four wisdom teeth removed, which means the total cost could be $1,200 or more. 

Factors That Affect The Cost 

The exact cost of your wisdom teeth removal procedure may vary based on the following factors:

• Erupted vs Impacted Teeth. Teeth that have erupted through the gums and are visible are easier to remove than impacted wisdom teeth that are stuck below the gums. Impacted teeth cost more to remove. 

• Type of Anesthesia. The type of anesthesia you have for your wisdom teeth removal procedure will affect the total cost. Local anesthesia will cost less, but for impacted teeth IV sedation may be the most comfortable option. 

• Number of Teeth Being Removed. In most cases it is in your best interest to have all four of your wisdom teeth extracted at once. In some cases you may be able to keep some of them in place, but they may need to be removed at a later date if they become a problem. 

• Experience of Your Oral Surgeon. The level of experience of the oral surgeon who will perform the extraction can affect the cost. A more experienced oral surgeon with a good reputation in the community may charge more for their services, but you’ll know they are trustworthy. 

• Insurance. Dental insurance will typically cover wisdom teeth removal if it is necessary for your dental health. Insurance may cover a portion or percentage of the procedure and you will then only be responsible for the remainder. 

Why Choose Braasch OMS?

D. Cameron Braasch, DMD is a highly qualified and experienced oral surgeon. At Braasch OMS we make the wisdom teeth removal procedure as comfortable as possible with a variety of sedation options available and minimally invasive techniques for faster recovery. 

Call 603-657-1984 or contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Wisdom Teeth Removal

Do All Wisdom Teeth Need To Be Extracted? 

Although it is not common, some people have plenty of room in their mouth for their wisdom teeth to come in properly and remain in place. A simple evaluation can determine whether or not you need to have your wisdom teeth removed. 

Why Go to an Oral Surgeon For Wisdom Teeth Removal?

An oral surgeon specializes in wisdom teeth removal. If your wisdom teeth are impacted it is especially important to go to an oral surgeon who has the experience necessary to perform the procedure safely. 

Wisdom tooth removal is a common surgery that involves a recovery time of about three days to two weeks, depending on the patient's age and the procedure's complexity. Eating soft, nutritious foods during recovery keeps the surgery site from irritation and promotes good health.

 

Best Foods to Include in Your Diet Post-Wisdom Teeth Surgery

• Blended Soups and Broth: Soup is an excellent choice, but take care that it is not too hot. Stay with blended soups and broths. Add soups with meat and vegetables later in the recovery process.
• Greek Yogurt: Greek yogurt is highly nutritious and packed with protein. It is also cool and soothing.
• Scrambled Eggs: A solid source of protein, scrambled eggs can provide the energy a patient needs to recover.
• Applesauce: Applesauce is a sweet treat with fiber. 
• Mashed Potatoes: These are a well-loved side dish.
• Smoothies: Smoothies are an excellent way to boost protein, vegetable, fruit, and dairy intake.
• Avocado: Avocado has healthy fat and a creamy, pleasant taste.
• Cottage Cheese: This cheese can blend with many flavor combinations and is a high-protein choice.

Food Categories to Avoid

• Crunchy foods: These foods can irritate surgery sites and become caught in healing sockets.
• Spicy foods: These foods can cause pain while surgery sites recover.
• Nuts, seeds, and grains are difficult to chew and can collect in tender places.
• Chewy or tough foods: Avoid these for at least a few days.
• Alcohol: Alcohol impedes healing, interacts with medications, irritates the wounds, and causes dehydration. Avoid it completely while surgery sites heal.

 

8 Helpful Tips for Smooth Recovery

1. Follow all postoperative instructions carefully.
2. Avoid using a straw while surgery sites are healing. Straws involve suction and could cause dry sockets, a painful side effect.
3. Avoid carbonated beverages at first since they can irritate tender gums.
4. Keep surgery sites as clean as possible.
5. Stay with soft foods until surgery sites heal.
6. Rest, hydrate, and take time to recover from surgery and anesthesia.
7. Avoid overly hot or cold liquids to minimize irritation.
8. Eat mostly nutritious foods that will provide protein, vitamins, and energy.

Frequently Asked Questions About Wisdom Teeth Removal

Do all wisdom teeth need removal?

Not everyone needs the surgery. If these teeth are not impacted and are not likely to cause future problems, they can stay in place. However, most people have at least one impacted wisdom tooth that can cause pain, irritation, and infection and damage other teeth.

Why do we have wisdom teeth?

Wisdom teeth carry over from our earlier human ancestors. Their jaws were larger and their diet tougher, so they needed a third set of molars. Today, most people do not have room in their mouths for these teeth to erupt, so they become impacted.

Call Braasch OMS

As you prepare for wisdom teeth removal, it is wise to stock your pantry with these foods. You may be anxious about your surgery or have questions about what you can eat or do afterward. Please call Braasch OMS at 603-657-1984 with questions or to schedule an appointment for a wisdom teeth consultation.