Wisdom Teeth Extraction: All About This Surgical Procedure

Wisdom teeth extraction is a common but often dreaded surgical procedure.

We've decided to shed some light on this procedure, which has become well-mastered by dentists and oral surgeons.

Discover everything you need to know about the symptoms, indications, procedure, and cost of wisdom teeth extraction.

How Much Does Wisdom Teeth Extraction Cost and Is It Covered?

The price of a wisdom tooth extraction depends on the number of teeth involved, their degree of impaction, and the type of anesthesia chosen (local or general). Here are the typical costs for the different procedures:

In total, the extraction of all four wisdom teeth can cost from $1,000 to $3,000 or more, depending on complexity. Dental insurance typically covers a large portion of this cost, often 80%, after the deductible is met and subject to the plan's annual maximum.

To find the most suitable health plan for your needs and budget, we advise using our online comparison tool. It will allow you to receive personalized quotes from the best insurance companies on the market. It's free, fast, and without obligation!

What Are the Steps of a Wisdom Teeth Extraction?

The removal of wisdom teeth is usually done as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia (or more rarely, general anesthesia). Here are the main steps of the procedure:

1. Incision of the gum over the affected tooth.
2. Exposure of the tooth by removing the surrounding bone with a drill.
3. If necessary, sectioning the tooth into several pieces to facilitate extraction.
4. Extraction of the tooth using dental forceps.
5. Cleaning of the socket (the cavity left by the tooth).
6. Suturing the wound with dissolvable stitches.
7. Placement of a gauze pad to promote clot formation.

The operation takes an average of 30 minutes per tooth. Post-operative recovery is generally straightforward, with discomfort and swelling for a few days.

What to Do After Wisdom Teeth Extraction?

To promote good healing, here are our main tips after a wisdom teeth extraction:

• Chew on the opposite side and prefer a soft, cold diet for 4-5 days.
• Continue with meticulous dental brushing but avoid the operated area for 72 hours.
• In case of bleeding, apply pressure to the wound with a gauze pad for 15-20 minutes.
• Do not smoke or spit for at least 48 hours to avoid disrupting the healing process.
• Take the painkillers and antibiotics prescribed by your dentist.

What Symptoms Can Wisdom Teeth Cause?

Wisdom teeth (3rd molars) are the last teeth to erupt, around the ages of 17-25. But often, they cause bothersome symptoms when they don't have enough room to grow properly:

• Pain at the back of the jaw that radiates to the ear.
• Inflamed, sensitive, and painful gums.
• A sensation of pressure on the teeth.
• Bad breath and a bad taste in the mouth.
• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck.
• Stiffness and difficulty opening the mouth.
• Fever and headaches.

If you experience these symptoms, do not hesitate to consult your dentist, who can assess the need for an extraction.

When Should Wisdom Teeth Be Removed?

The main indications for wisdom teeth extraction are:

• Lack of space on the arch: poorly positioned wisdom teeth can cause crowding and compromise orthodontic treatment.
• Risk of infection: a partially erupted wisdom tooth is an entry point for bacteria and a source of infection.
• Damage to neighboring teeth: a 3rd molar can rub against the 2nd molar and cause a cavity or bone loss.
• Pericoronitis: infection of the gum around an erupting tooth.
• Presence of a cyst around the impacted tooth.

But removal is not systematic: if your wisdom teeth are healthy, well-positioned, and easy to clean, it may not be necessary to remove them.

What Are the Differences Between Impacted, Partially Impacted, and Erupted Wisdom Teeth?

The degree of eruption of wisdom teeth varies greatly:

• Impacted tooth: it is completely buried in the bone, without communicating with the oral cavity. It is often asymptomatic.
• Partially impacted tooth: it is partially erupted and in contact with saliva and bacteria. It is therefore at a higher risk of infection.
• Erupting tooth: it is in the process of erupting through the gum. It can be painful.

It is the impacted and partially impacted teeth that most often require surgical removal.

What Are the Possible Complications of Wisdom Teeth Extraction?

Although wisdom teeth extraction is a common and well-controlled procedure, it is not without risks, like any surgical act:

• Dry socket: inflammation of the socket due to poor clot formation, very painful.
• Infection: abscess, cellulitis, due to bacterial proliferation at the surgical site.
• Hemorrhage: abnormal bleeding due to a clotting defect, requiring further surgery.
• Nerve damage: damage to the inferior alveolar or lingual nerve causing sensory disturbances (paresthesia).
• Jaw fracture: very rare, due to bone fragility or a forceful gesture.
• Dental damage: cracking or dislodging of an adjacent tooth, expulsion of a filling.

Your dentist will do everything possible to prevent these complications and manage them quickly if they occur. It is important to follow their instructions before and after the procedure!

Frequently Asked Questions About Wisdom Teeth Extraction

Is it painful to have wisdom teeth removed?

No, the extraction is performed under local anesthesia, so you will not feel any pain during the procedure, at most a sensation of pressure. It is mainly after the operation that pain or discomfort may be felt for a few days, but it is well-relieved by prescribed painkillers.

When can you eat normally after extraction?

It takes an average of 7 to 10 days to return to a normal diet. During the healing phase, it is recommended to prefer soft, cold, and non-spicy foods, and to chew on the side opposite to the procedure.

How to relieve pain after extraction?

Your dentist will prescribe painkillers (acetaminophen, ibuprofen) and possibly antibiotics to take for a few days. You can also apply an ice pack to your cheek to limit swelling and discomfort. Avoid smoking, spitting, and drinking with a straw.

Can wisdom teeth be operated on at any age?

There is no age limit for wisdom teeth extraction, although ideally, it is preferable to do it before the age of 25-30 because the roots are less developed and the bone is more flexible, which facilitates the procedure. But it is not uncommon to remove wisdom teeth after 40, 50, or even older, depending on the symptoms experienced.

In conclusion, don't be afraid to have your wisdom teeth removed if your dentist recommends it. It's a common, controlled procedure that is covered by insurance and will provide you with lasting relief!