Wisdom Teeth FAQs – Philadelphia Area

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Do I need my wisdom teeth removed in the first place? | Wisdom Teeth Recovery Tips & Questions | Wisdom Teeth Cost & Insurance Questions

Do I need my wisdom teeth removed?

If your wisdom teeth are causing you pain or are impacted, it is important to have them removed as soon as possible to avoid further complications. If you do not have any symptoms, you may still need them removed to prevent future oral health problems.

Can my wisdom teeth stay if they’re not causing any problems?

In some cases, yes. If you choose to keep your wisdom teeth, it is crucial to have them checked at least once a year by your dentist, including X-rays or 3D images, to ensure they have not shifted or developed an infection or abscess that needs treatment.

How do I know if my wisdom teeth are impacted?

Typical signs you need your wisdom teeth removed due to impaction include:

• Pain or swelling in the back of the mouth
• Chronic bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth
• Blood or discharge from the gums at the back of the mouth
• Painful, red, or swollen gums
• Swollen cheeks
• Pain that radiates to the ears or a recurring headache without another cause
• Difficulty opening and closing your jaw fully
• Difficulty chewing food
• A fever accompanying any of the above symptoms

At what age should wisdom teeth be removed?

Most dentists and oral surgeons suggest wisdom teeth extraction in Warminster and surrounding areas between the ages of 17 and 24. Recovery is faster, and the wisdom teeth roots have not fully developed, so they are less likely to be entangled with nerves in the base of the jawbone.

 What Happens During Wisdom Teeth Removal Surgery?

After numbing the area, you are given a mild sedative or, if you prefer, IV sedation to help you relax. You will feel drowsy, may drift in and out of consciousness, and will not feel any pain; you will be relaxed throughout the procedure.

Your surgeon then carefully cuts into the gums and, if necessary, the jawbone, to access the offending teeth. They gently rock the tooth back and forth to loosen it or section it into pieces for easier removal. After removing all sections of the tooth and its roots, your surgeon will disinfect the area and carefully suture the gums closed.

Will I be asleep during wisdom teeth surgery?

With IV sedation, you will experience “Twilight Sleep.” Although not fully asleep, you will drift in and out of consciousness and will not feel any pain. Most patients who receive IV anesthesia do not remember anything about their wisdom teeth removal after the sedation wears off.

How long does the extraction procedure take at your practice?

It depends on how many wisdom teeth are being extracted, where they are in the jaw, and the type of anesthesia used. While it may take less than an hour to remove a single, partially erupted wisdom tooth, it can take significantly longer to remove wisdom teeth that have migrated into areas such as the sinuses or that have long, curved roots.

Recovery & Aftercare — What to Expect

After any wisdom teeth removal in the Philadelphia area, we provide our patients with detailed aftercare instructions. Following those instructions carefully is the best way to ensure a comfortable recovery and positive outcome.

How long is the recovery after wisdom teeth removal?

You will be off work or out of school for about 3 days, giving you much-needed time to rest and heal. During this time, you will experience some discomfort, swelling, and bruising. Taking your pain medication as prescribed and using cold compresses or ice packs for the swelling will help. Avoiding strenuous exercise and staying hydrated is also important.

By the end of the first week, you should feel like yourself again, but beneath the surface of your gums, the jawbone will continue to heal for several more weeks.

What is a dry socket, and how can I avoid it?

A dry socket is a painful, throbbing sensation you get when the blood clot over an incision site is dislodged. This typically occurs on the third or fourth day following surgery. The pain is caused by the nerves being exposed to air and debris. If you have a dry socket, call us immediately. We can often see you the same day to treat it and alleviate your pain.

Do wisdom teeth removal risks increase with age?

Yes. As you get older, your jawbone becomes denser (up to a certain age). In your thirties and forties, it is more difficult to cut into and takes longer to heal. There is also a risk of damaging nerves in the face and jawbone, particularly those that run along the base of the jaw and control facial sensations. Finally, the older we get, the slower we heal. Individuals in their teens and 20s tend to bounce back more quickly after wisdom tooth removal, with fewer complications.

Cost, Insurance & Referrals in the Philadelphia Area

How much does wisdom teeth removal cost in the Philadelphia area?

It is difficult to provide a price for wisdom tooth extraction without first performing an examination and X-rays to determine the difficulty of the procedure and how many teeth need to be removed. We can give you a detailed cost breakdown at your consultation.

Will my dental or medical insurance cover wisdom teeth removal?

Most dental insurance plans cover simple wisdom tooth removal in the Philadelphia area. If the removal is deemed medically necessary —for instance, if the tooth is impacted or infected —medical insurance may cover it. However, policies vary, so be sure to check with both providers to determine your coverage limits.

Do I need a referral from my dentist for wisdom teeth extraction?

No. Although many of our patients are referred to us by dentists, we can evaluate anyone who is experiencing symptoms that may indicate an infected wisdom tooth. If we determine that wisdom tooth extraction is the best course of action, we will contact your dentist and keep them informed of your upcoming surgery and its outcome.

If you have a question that is not answered here, please feel free to contact us at Warminster Office Phone Number 215-672-6560. Our knowledgeable staff can answer your questions or refer them to one of our surgeons.