Wisdom teeth develop around the age of 17-25, and they are the third collection of molars that grow naturally in a sequential manner. Studies show that every year, around 10 million teeth are removed in the U.S. Around $3 billion are spent on wisdom teeth removal surgery by Americans.
As per a report by the American Public Health Association, about 20%-25% of the population has complications in their wisdom teeth. Many people develop one or two wisdom teeth that are highly impacted. If you have the same issue, you can aim to extract them with a low-cost wisdom tooth removal procedure.
As many people suffer from severe pain in their wisdom teeth, they prefer to remove and get rid of the pain all at once. But there are certain things related to cost and process you must know before you decide to remove the wisdom tooth.
Cost Varies with the Removal Procedure
There are various procedures and methods to remove the under-developed or impacted wisdom tooth. The more profound the impact, the more complicated is the removal procedure. Once the complications arise, the extraction becomes expensive.
You must consult a renowned dentist and get yourself examined thoroughly. Discuss your health issues related to the impacted teeth. The dentist will study your case and inform you which removal procedure is best suitable for you.
There are various extraction methods like simple tooth extraction, surgical extraction, and partial bony tooth or full bony tooth extraction. Every removal method is different, and hence the cost may differ accordingly.
Get Dental Insurance
According to Investopedia, most of the dental plans include annual visits for cleaning, X-rays, and sealants. Talk to your dentist and ask for suggestions as they have a good idea about insurance coverage. Some dental clinics also have tie-ups with an insurance company.
You can avail discounts and receive full coverage in case of a complicated tooth removal method. The cost structure varies from $250 to $3500, depending on the complexity of your case. In terms of low-cost wisdom tooth removal procedure, dental insurance is a wise decision as it may cover up to 15-50% of the total costs.
When Does Wisdom Tooth Removal Become Necessary?
In most cases, people visit the dentist only when there is a toothache, bleeding gums, or swelling around the affected area. Every healthy adult develops 28 teeth naturally, without any complications. But, the moment you turn 17, the hormones stimulate the growth of wisdom teeth.
Once the 28 teeth occupy your jaw, there is almost no space left for the wisdom teeth to grow. Some young adults grow only two or three wisdom teeth, and some do not have them at all. It depends on your genes and the physiological functioning of the body.
So, if you experience intense pain in the impacted tooth area, you must visit the dentist. There can be several reasons as to why you are experiencing the sensitivity in your teeth. If the impacted tooth increases the pain and discomfort, your dentist will suggest you remove the wisdom tooth.
Risks Associated with Wisdom Tooth Extraction
Researchers and anthropologists say wisdom teeth were necessary for ancestors who lived in caves centuries ago. They survived on a raw diet like carrots, radish, roots, raw meat, etc. Wisdom teeth helped to chew the food effectively for proper digestion. In modern times, we do not need wisdom teeth as we have sources to cook food and turn it tender enough to chew easily.
With the availability of foods that create tartar, plaque, and other tooth ailments, the risk of wisdom tooth problems also increases. Also, the extraction comes with certain risks like sensitivity in tissues and nerves, painful dry socket, and the possibility of infection. By consulting a well-known dental practitioner, and taking proper care post-extraction, you can decrease the risk and settle in for a low-cost wisdom tooth removal.
Recovery and After-care
Wisdom tooth removal is a somewhat complicated process. You are either given local anesthesia or general anesthesia during extraction or surgery. Hence, the recovery depends on how complicated your case is and what type of anesthesia you need. The costs also vary due to this factor.
Most dentists suggest proper care and diet for the healing of wounds at a faster pace. Consuming soft food, using diluted mouth wash, avoiding foods that leave traces, and taking medicines as suggested will help you recover within a week or two. Also, it would help if you visited your dentist for follow up and continue the routine of check-ups regularly.
1 comment
Wisdom teeth were once useful parts of the human oral cavity. Theories about why they later became useless vary. One theory is that wisdom teeth have ceased to be large and useful due to the advent of tools.