Wisdom Teeth Removal in South Bend

Why Do Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?

Some people will go their entire lives without any complications with their wisdom teeth. However, there are several scenarios where wisdom teeth extraction can save your oral health. For example, wisdom teeth can cause crowding once they come in. This can be frustrating for someone who either has teeth that are naturally perfectly aligned or has spent time and money to straighten their smile with braces. With wisdom teeth coming in after the age when most people get their braces removed, their arrival can dramatically reduce the amount of space in the mouth. 

Wisdom teeth may also need to be removed because they are impacted. Wisdom teeth don't always grow in straight like regular teeth. They often turn sideways or towards an adjacent tooth. When this happens, the impacted tooth can press into the molars. In addition to causing pain, this scenario puts you at high risk for tooth infection and decay. 

Why Do My Wisdom Teeth Hurt?

It's common to experience pain as your newly sprouted wisdom teeth push up from underneath the gum line. When this occurs, pain typically radiates from the back of the mouth to the jaw and ears. Pain isn't always constant. It may only strike when chewing. 

You're far more likely to experience intense pain if your wisdom teeth are impacted. This is the point when many people choose to see a dentist out of concern. If it's determined that your wisdom teeth are coming in sideways, your dentist can schedule surgical removal. You can book a consultation to learn more about the procedure by calling our office at (574) 245-7508.

Is My Wisdom Tooth Infected?

Pain is an indicator of an infected wisdom tooth. One of the most common causes of infection is a condition called pericoronitis. This happens when a tooth stalls after erupting partway. The partial eruption exposes the open gum line to debris and food particles. Extraction isn't always necessary when treating pericoronitis. In some cases, a dentist will simply monitor the situation until the full tooth emerges naturally without intervention. Dentists also sometimes simply remove the gum flap to reduce infection risks. 

What Are the Symptoms of an Infected Wisdom Tooth?

A tooth infection is a serious medical situation that should be managed by a dentist. In addition to creating risks for tooth decay and loss, dental infections can also spread to other parts of the body. Schedule an appointment right away if you're experiencing any of the following:

• Pain, swelling, and redness in the gums touching the wisdom tooth
• Ongoing bleeding and tenderness when flossing and brushing
• Spasms in the jaw muscle
• Swollen lymph nodes
• An odor coming from the tooth
• Fever, chills, and fatigue

How Long Is Recovery Following Wisdom Tooth Extraction?

While wisdom tooth extraction is a very common procedure, it's still considered major dental surgery. Give yourself time for rest and recover for at least a day following extraction. As far as what to expect when you get your wisdom teeth removed, your dentist will discuss options for managing pain with you ahead of time. Your options will include local anesthesia, nitrous oxide, and intravenous sedation. In addition, instructions for post-extraction pain relief will be provided at the end of your surgical appointment. 

Minor pain and swelling are common following wisdom tooth removal. You will be advised to eat soft, easy-to-swallow foods that include pudding, milkshakes, and room-temperature soups. While your appetite may return soon after surgery, you should avoid hot foods and beverages that can trigger painful clotting and dry socket. 

How Much Is Wisdom Tooth Removal?

Cost varies widely by patient. First, costs for the procedure will depend on the number of wisdom teeth being extracted and the type of anesthesia selected. Of course, insurance coverage also determines out-of-pocket costs for a patient. The only way to get a quote for wisdom teeth removal is to be evaluated by a dentist in person. Our office will be happy to provide you with a quote. In addition, we'll work with you on insurance and payment options to make this procedure as affordable as possible. Call (574) 245-7508 to book your consultation!