Wisdom teeth removed can be a very simple procedure, similar to tooth extraction. However, there are cases that are more complex and involve a surgical extraction. This would require bone removal and sectioning of the tooth crown and root which will allow complete removal of your wisdom teeth.
There are several factors which determine whether wisdom teeth removal will be simple or complex:
- Location – your wisdom teeth can be fully erupted, partially covered by your gums or completed submerged underbone.
- Position – wisdom teeth can be at various ranges and angles within the jawbone, starting from fully vertical to fully horizontal
- Age – wisdom teeth are fully formed and have stronger roots in older patients
Who performs wisdom teeth removal?
A simple wisdom teeth extraction doesn’t require a special oral surgeon. However, if the removal procedure is complicated, you will need to consult an oral surgeon or maxillofacial surgeon. Having a specialist involved is sometimes necessary. This especially applies for cases when there are severe infections, developed roots and the surgical area is too close to important nerves in your lower jaw.
Wisdom teeth removal is generally done by one of two groups of doctors:
- An oral and maxillofacial surgeon or
- A general dentist
Tip: If the wisdom teeth removal is done by a specialist oral or maxillofacial surgeon, the cost of treatment could be up to 35% more.
What does wisdom teeth removal involve?
A full course of treatment for your wisdom teeth removal usually involves:
A consult and exam which will provide necessary information on your dental and medical history – this is essential before beginning with the surgical treatment;
An OPG X-ray in simpler cases as this provides a good panoramic view of your mouth. As for complicated cases, this might also involve a cone beam scan which tells the surgeon the precise position and angulation of your wisdom teeth and their proximity to anatomic features.
The surgical procedure itself, complication and pain management and
Post-surgical follow-up and paid management (only if necessary)
Tip: Before agreeing to the procedure, we highly recommend that you ask for a quote that will include everything: consult, research before the treatment, the surgery and post-operative follow-up.
Is general anesthetic necessary for wisdom teeth removal
This mostly depends on how complex the surgery will be. For example, if the procedure is done in a hospital, a general anesthetic will be required. However, most of the time, you will get a local anesthetic that will numb the area. And even if you do go under general anesthetic, you should be able to go home the same day.
Tip: Wisdom teeth removal under general anesthetic will require you to budget for both the anesthetic and hospital feel. Keep that in mind!
Wisdom teeth removal costs can vary. It can go from $75 to $200 per tooth. And in cases of impacted wisdom teeth, the cost can go from $225 and all the way up to $600 per tooth. The good news is that the majority of dental insurances will cover wisdom teeth removal.
