Wisdom Tooth Removal in Bethlehem & Stroudsburg, PA

Do You Need Your Wisdom Teeth Removed?

Are you feeling the pressure of your wisdom teeth? You’re not alone. Many people face the challenge of wisdom teeth removal at some point in their lives. If you’re suffering from wisdom tooth pain, visit our dentist or oral surgeon at Lehigh Valley Oral Surgery & Implant Center. We offer wisdom teeth extraction to ensure your oral health stays intact. Contact our office right away if you’re facing a wisdom tooth emergency.

To schedule an appointment, contact our Bethlehem & Stroudsburg, PA oral surgeons led by Dr. Ahmad Chaudhry today by calling our dental office at 484-821-1357. We can also offer advice on alternatives to wisdom tooth extraction, if possible.

What Are Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last permanent teeth to emerge in the oral cavity, typically in the teens or early twenties. While some may never experience any issues with their wisdom teeth, others may face complications due to impaction or misalignment. In these cases, wisdom teeth need to be removed to prevent severe pain, infections, and damage to adjacent teeth.

It’s not uncommon for someone to have one, two, or even all four wisdom teeth removed. Wisdom teeth extraction is considered a standard oral surgery that ensures long-term oral health and the well-being of nearby teeth.

Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Impacted wisdom teeth occur when there isn’t enough room for the teeth to emerge into the mouth or grow normally. Wisdom teeth can be impacted at various angles, such as:

• Straight (vertical)
• Sideways (horizontal)
• Distal
• Mesial

Reasons for Wisdom Tooth Removal

Infections and Gum Disease

Impacted wisdom teeth can cause infections and gum disease due to the difficulty in cleaning the area and the irritation of surrounding gum tissue. One infection is pericoronitis, a localized gum infection that affects the tissue surrounding a partially erupted tooth. Infections can also occur if the empty tooth socket is not properly cared for after extraction.

Damage to Adjacent Teeth

Wisdom teeth can cause damage to adjacent teeth. Problems may include:

• Physical Pressure: As wisdom teeth grow in, they can push against the second molars (the teeth directly in front of them). This pressure can lead to misalignment of the second molars or other teeth, making them crooked or crowded. The extraction process involves widening the tooth socket to remove the wisdom tooth.
• Bone and Root Resorption: In some cases, the pressure exerted by an erupting or impacted wisdom tooth can lead to root resorption of the adjacent tooth. This means the tooth’s root structure starts to break down and dissolve. This can weaken the second molar and might even result in its loss if not addressed.
• Increased Risk of Decay: Wisdom teeth can make it difficult to thoroughly clean the rear part of the mouth, especially if they come in at an angle or only partially erupt. This can lead to food and bacteria getting trapped between the wisdom tooth and its neighboring molar.

Cyst Formation and Jaw Bone Issues

Cysts can form around impacted wisdom teeth, leading to the destruction ofthe jaw bone and adjacent teeth. These fluid-filled sacs can progressively enlarge over time, causing damage to the surrounding jaw bone and sometimes even teeth.

In rare cases, cysts around wisdom teeth may result in tooth displacement, small bumps in the mouth, and structural damage to the jawbone, adjacent teeth, and nerves. Wisdom tooth removal can prevent these complications and protect your oral health.

Benefits of Wisdom Teeth Extraction

Removing wisdom teeth can provide patients with various benefits, including:

• Prevention of overcrowding
• Avoiding tooth impaction
• Prevention of cysts and tumors
• Reduced risks of gum disease and tooth decay
• Pain relief
• Reduced risk of oral infections
• Prevention of damage to nearby teeth
• Better orthodontic results
• Prevention of jaw stiffness and swelling

The Wisdom Tooth Extraction Process

The wisdom tooth extraction process involves three main steps:

1. Preparation
2. Extraction
3. Post-extraction care

Preparing for Extraction

Before your wisdom tooth extraction, you’ll undergo dental exams, consultations, a medical history review, and discuss anesthesia options. You’ll also receive instructions regarding what to abstain from before the procedure, such as eating or drinking anything. Our oral surgeon may prescribe medications before the procedure to help manage pain and swelling.

The Extraction Procedure

During the surgical procedure, our Bethlehem & Stroudsburg, PA oral surgeon will administer dental sedation to ensure your comfort throughout the process. The type of sedation used will depend on the complexity of the extraction and your comfort level.

Once it has taken effect, our oral surgeon will use specialized tools and techniques to remove the impacted wisdom tooth. This may involve making an incision in the gum tissue and removing any bone blocking the tooth’s path. Once the tooth has been extracted, the site will be sutured to ensure proper closure and healing.

Post-Extraction Care

After wisdom tooth removal, post-extraction care is integral for healing and recovery. Allowing a blood clot to form in the empty tooth socket is crucial to aid in the healing process. This involves managing pain and swelling and maintaining oral hygiene around the extraction site. Avoid using a straw to drink milkshakes or smoothies to prevent dislodging blood clots and causing dry sockets. We’ll provide detailed instructions on how to care for your mouth following the procedure, including pain management techniques and ice packs to reduce swelling.

Recovery After Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Recovery and healing after wisdom tooth removal involve a combination of rest, managing swelling and pain, and maintaining oral hygiene. Most people can resume their normal activities within a week following the procedure. However, make sure to follow your oral surgeon’s recommendations and take any necessary precautions to ensure proper healing.

Managing Swelling and Pain

During the healing process, managing swelling and pain is important. Here are some ways to manage these symptoms:

• Use ice packs to reduce swelling and provide relief.
• Take medications as directed by a healthcare provider to help with the symptoms.
• Consider using pain relievers available without a prescription if advised by your oral surgeon.
• Follow your oral surgeon’s instructions when taking any medications.

Costs of Wisdom Tooth Extraction

The cost of wisdom tooth removal can range from $200 to $4,000 per tooth, depending on certain factors and whether or not insurance coverage is available. Consulting your dental insurance provider to determine your coverage for wisdom tooth removal is advisable since it can vary based on your specific policy and dental condition. By understanding your insurance coverage, you can make informed decisions about your dental care and be prepared for out-of-pocket expenses.

Financing Wisdom Tooth Extraction 

Dental Insurance

Many dental insurance plans cover a portion of the cost of wisdom tooth removal, especially if it’s deemed medically necessary. Check with your insurance provider to understand your specific coverage details and what out-of-pocket expenses you might incur while financing wisdom tooth surgery.

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)

If you have an FSA or HSA, you can use these pre-tax accounts to pay for qualified dental expenses, including wisdom tooth removal.

CareCredit

CareCredit is a popular healthcare financing option that can be used to cover a variety of dental procedures, including wisdom tooth removal. They offer various financing plans, allowing you to spread out the cost of treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Discover Swift Wisdom Tooth Procedures with Dr. Chaudhry

Wisdom tooth removal is a common dental procedure that can significantly improve oral health and quality of life. Dr. Chaudhry and the Lehigh Valley Oral Surgery and Implant Center team are here to guide you through the process, providing care and support at every step. 

Don’t let wisdom tooth pain hold you back. Schedule a consultation today by calling our Bethlehem or Stroudsburg office at (484) 821-1357 and take the first step towards a healthier, pain-free smile with wisdom tooth extractions. We welcome new and returning patients from Fullerton and other areas in Monroe and Northampton County, PA.