Wisdom Teeth Guide: Everything You Need to Know
Although most people have them, wisdom teeth are still a mystery to many. It could be because they remain undiscovered for so long, appear suddenly, and frequently
So what's the story behind wisdom teeth?
Our Ancestors Had More of Them
As it turns out, our earliest ancestors had more teeth than we do - up to 48 instead of the 32 we have now. But as our diets changed and our jaws got smaller, we lost many of those teeth over time. As a result, wisdom teeth are the last of our molars and the ones we're most likely to lose.
Why Do Wisdom Teeth Exist?
There are a few theories about why wisdom teeth exist at all. One is that they helped our ancestors grind up tough food like roots and leaves. Another is that they filled in gaps left by other teeth that had been lost. But since we don't need them anymore, wisdom teeth often become problem teeth.
Wisdom teeth usually come in during our late teens or early twenties - when we're already dealing with plenty of changes. And since they're the last teeth to come in, there's often not enough room for them in our mouths. This can cause them to grow at an angle or get stuck (impacted) in the gum tissue.
Wisdom teeth that are partially erupted (partially covered by gum tissue) are especially susceptible to decay because they're hard to clean. And impacted wisdom teeth can damage adjacent teeth or even grow into the nerves of the jawbone - a severe condition.
For these reasons, wisdom teeth are often removed. It's a standard procedure and is usually done under general anesthesia, so you won't feel anything. Recovery is generally quick and painless, although some bruising and swelling may occur.
How much does wisdom teeth removal cost?
Whether you have your wisdom teeth removed by anesthesiologists or dentists, the cost of having them out varies between $140 and 400 per tooth.
The number of teeth you need to have extracted and how simple they are to reach affect the price of wisdom tooth removal. The removal of upper wisdom teeth is typically more straightforward and less expensive than that of lower ones.
Impacted teeth generally are substantially more expensive, costing between $300 and $600 for each tooth. In addition, because you will need to take antibiotics, an infection can further increase the cost of wisdom tooth removal.
Your dental insurance plan should partially cover any essential tooth extractions if you have one. Ask your insurance company how much of the expense of having your wisdom teeth removed they will pay by giving them a call.
If your wisdom teeth are already causing pain or other problems, don't wait to have them removed. The sooner you take care of the problem, the better. And if you're unsure whether you need to have your wisdom tooth removed, talk to your dentist. They can help you figure out what's best for you.
Finding Wisdom Teeth Removal Near Me
Even though removing your wisdom teeth isn't always required, many adults have experienced it. Wisdom tooth extraction is a regular dental operation, and dentists will do everything they can to reassure you, minimize pain, and explain the procedure and how much it will cost.
Following your dentist's recommendations will hasten your recovery even if you could have some discomfort for a few days after the treatment. At Seaglass Dental Care, we understand that you may feel apprehensive about getting your wisdom teeth removed.
Our experience and knowledge will help you through the process so that it's as seamless and stress-free as possible! Call us for an appointment with a dentist today.
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