Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last teeth to develop and are in the very back of your mouth. They usually emerge between the ages of 17 and 25. The problem with wisdom teeth is that they often do not have enough space to erupt into the mouth without causing oral health problems such as impaction, infection, crowding, pain, cysts, and more. Treating these complications is often easier with a younger patient. Because of this, most dental professionals recommend that wisdom teeth are removed early.
Your dentist can monitor your or your child’s wisdom teeth development with regular checkups, and when wisdom teeth removal is recommended, you will be referred to an experienced oral surgery practice such Dental Implant & Oral Surgery Specialists of Iowa.
Wisdom Teeth Removal Process
The wisdom teeth removal procedure always begins with a consultation appointment. During this appointment, an oral examination will be completed, along with a review of any existing X-rays and 3D scans. If necessary, additional digital imaging will be taken to ensure the most efficient treatment. Your anesthesia options will be reviewed with you at your consultation. The best course will be chosen to maximize your/your child’s comfort. Our staff has the training, licensing, and experience to provide all types of in-office anesthesia in a safe environment utilizing state-of-the-art monitoring equipment.
At our practice in Hiawatha, IA, we offer several types of anesthesia for wisdom teeth removal:
- Local anesthesia. Local anesthesia is an anesthetic that is applied directly to the area of surgery. This type of anesthesia allows you to remain fully conscious. Local anesthesia is used in all oral surgery procedures, often along with other forms of anesthesia.
- Nitrous oxide (laughing gas). Nitrous oxide is commonly used along with other types of anesthesia to help the patient feel relaxed and at ease during procedures. It does have a mild pain controlling effect but allows the patient to remain conscious during surgery.
- Intravenous (IV) sedation. Most people prefer to be unaware of the experience when they have their wisdom teeth removed and decide to be sedated with IV sedation. With this type of anesthesia, you will enter a sleep-like state and will have no awareness of the procedure taking place. It is essential that you have nothing to eat or drink (excluding prescription medications with a sip of water) for at least 6 hours (preferably longer) before you receive IV sedation. A responsible adult should drive you home after the procedure.
Wisdom Teeth Removal in Hiawatha, IA
Drs. Morgan, Morio, and Morio are wisdom teeth removal specialists, having performed this surgery for many years. If you would like an estimate of your cost or have questions about wisdom teeth removal at Dental Implant & Oral Surgery Specialists of Iowa in Hiawatha, IA, please give us a call at (319) 743-0077 to speak with one of our patient care coordinators.
Cost of Wisdom Teeth Removal
The fee for your treatment is determined by several factors. These may include the number of teeth to be removed, the type of anesthesia that is chosen, your insurance coverage, and other factors such as how the teeth are impacted and how difficult the extraction will be. Please contact the front office staff at Dental Implant & Oral Surgery Specialists of Iowa so that we can schedule your consultation with one of our trusted oral surgeons.
Here are some of the reasons why early wisdom teeth removal is cost-effective:
- Prevention of oral health problems. Dental shifting, infections, and damage to adjacent teeth or gum tissue can be avoided by extracting the wisdom teeth early.
- Easier surgery and faster recovery. The earlier wisdom teeth are removed, the faster the recovery period tends to be — in general, less developed molars are easier to extract. Faster healing means less time away from work or school.
- Reduced risk of complications. Complications such as bleeding, swelling, and discomfort can be avoided when wisdom teeth are removed at a younger age.
The team at Dental Implant & Oral Surgery Specialists of Iowa makes every effort for wisdom teeth removal to be accessible for our patients. We accept a variety of insurance plans and payment methods and offer financing options as well. Every insurance company has a different policy regarding the extent of coverage for a given surgical procedure. Our well-informed office staff will be happy to help you obtain maximum insurance coverage for your treatment.
Learn more about the cost for wisdom teeth removal on our Wisdom Teeth Removal Cost page.
Wisdom Teeth Removal FAQ
Please see our Wisdom Teeth Removal FAQ page.
Impacted Wisdom Teeth
When teeth are unable to erupt into the proper positions, this is known as impaction. Although most people develop 32 permanent adult teeth, many times their jaws are too small to accommodate the four wisdom teeth. As a result, these molars are especially prone to becoming impacted. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause discomfort and damage to nearby teeth, and are an ideal environment for bacteria and germs to cause infections and other problems.
Your wisdom teeth can be impacted without causing symptoms. However, if your impacted wisdom teeth begin to shift or become infected, you may notice some of the following things:
- Pain when opening the mouth
- Pain or sensitivity around the back molars, especially while eating
- Swelling of the gums near your back molars
- Unpleasant taste in the mouth or a bad odor that won’t go away
For impacted wisdom teeth to be addressed before they start to emerge or cause oral health problems, it is important that you/your child see your family dentist regularly for dental exams and imaging.
To learn more about impacted wisdom teeth, please visit our page on Impacted Wisdom Teeth.
Wisdom Teeth Removal Instructions
At Dental Implant & Oral Surgery Specialists of Iowa, our priority is to provide safe and comfortable procedures that result in optimal outcomes for our patients. You will receive detailed care instructions from your oral surgeon regarding your wisdom teeth extraction, and it is important that you follow your pre- and post-operative instructions carefully to get the most out of your treatment and reduce the risk of complications. For your convenience, guidelines can be found here. Feel free to call our practice with any questions you may have, including questions about pre- and post-operative care. We are happy to offer guidance.
Where Can I Get My Wisdom Teeth Removed in Cedar Rapids, IA?
Dr. Jim Morgan, Dr. Nick Morio, and Dr. Will Morio offer wisdom teeth removal for patients in Cedar Rapids and other surrounding areas. By having wisdom teeth extracted now, you can protect your oral health for the future. Our office is located in Hiawatha, Iowa, and is only 10 minutes north of downtown Cedar Rapids. If you live in Cedar Rapids and you or your child need wisdom teeth removed, contact our oral and maxillofacial surgery experts at Dental Implant & Oral Surgery Specialists of Iowa today.
