Wisdom Teeth Removal
Many people need their wisdom teeth, or third molars, removed to prevent potential issues with their other teeth. Our skilled team offers wisdom teeth extraction in The Dalles, Oregon area.
Wisdom Teeth Removal in The Dalles, OR
Wisdom teeth are the final set of molars located at the back of your mouth, typically emerging in your late teens or early twenties. These teeth can sometimes cause dental issues, such as overcrowding, impaction, damage to other teeth, gum disease (periodontitis) or infections. These problems can lead to pain, difficulty chewing, bad breath and more severe health concerns.
If your wisdom teeth are causing issues or are likely to cause problems in the future, your dentist might recommend extraction. At Pine Ridge Dental, we offer expert care and compassionate service to address any wisdom teeth concerns you may have.
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How do I know if my wisdom teeth need removed?
Most people develop one set of wisdom teeth, which typically emerge in late adolescence or early adulthood. By this time, the other adult teeth have already settled into position. Wisdom teeth can erupt at an angle or remain impacted, leading to overcrowding. Due to their location near nerves and sinus cavities, they can cause significant pain, infections, headaches, and other issues. Additionally, they can be hard to clean, increasing the risk of tooth decay and periodontitis.
If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, we may suggest extraction if your wisdom teeth:
- Damage adjacent teeth or the jaw
- Develop cysts
- Lack sufficient space to erupt
- Have cavities or inflamed gums
- Trap food, creating spaces for bacteria to thrive
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What is the wisdom teeth removal procedure like, and how should I prepare for it?
Regular dental visits often include panoramic X-rays to monitor the position of your teeth, helping identify potential issues with wisdom teeth early. If it’s been a while since your last visit, we can take X-rays during your initial consultation to determine if your wisdom teeth are problematic.
During the consultation, we assess whether your wisdom teeth have fully erupted or are impacted, allowing us to devise an appropriate treatment plan. The extraction procedure is generally like that of any other tooth removal.
We offer flexible scheduling for wisdom teeth removal and make it easy for you to complete necessary forms in advance. Sedation is available to ensure your comfort during the procedure, which typically lasts about an hour.
Post-procedure, you’ll rest under our supervision until you’re ready to go home. We recommend having someone to drive you home since you’ll be recovering from the sedation effects.
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What is the recovery process like after wisdom teeth removal?
Most people return to normal activities within three days after wisdom tooth extraction. While you should avoid strenuous activity, straws and hard or crunchy foods, the recovery process is usually quick. Our team will give you specific aftercare instructions to ensure a smooth and comfortable recovery.
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How much does wisdom tooth extraction cost?
The cost of wisdom tooth extraction can vary based on the complexity of the procedure and the type of sedation we use. During your consultation, we will provide a detailed cost estimate and discuss financing options to help make the treatment affordable.
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How much does wisdom tooth extraction cost without insurance?
For patients without insurance, the cost of wisdom tooth extraction will depend on the specifics of your case. We offer various payment plans to help manage the expense. We’ll provide detailed pricing information and available financing options during your consultation.
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When is the best time to remove wisdom teeth?
The optimal time to remove wisdom teeth is typically in your late teens or early twenties, before the roots are fully developed. This timing can help prevent complications and promote a quicker recovery. However, we can remove wisdom teeth at any age if they cause issues or are likely to in the future.
More Questions?
If you have more questions about wisdom teeth removal, please contact our office and we will be happy to discuss further.