the teeth, tooth decay, gum disease, or worse, a tumor. If you are experiencing any of these as a result of your wisdom teeth, it may be a good idea to have them removed.
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What to expect when having your teeth pulled
If you decide to move forward with having your wisdom teeth removed, it is important to consider the following:
Cost: Because a cleaning in itself can run you upwards of $100, it’s important to ensure you’re getting the best bang for your buck, ensuring that the dentist is both licensed for the procedure, has a high success rate, and has educated you on both the procedure, pre-surgical care (if any) and what to expect afterward (rest, meds, etc.)
Time: How long will the procedure take? What is the recovery time? This will likely depend on the number of teeth you are having pulled, but in most cases, plan for several hours.
Anesthesia: To avoid discomfort, you’ll typically undergo either local or general anesthesia during the procedure. If you undergo general anesthesia, you’ll need to have someone accompany you, as the treatment can make you groggy and impair your ability to drive yourself home.
Meanwhile, there are some occasions when wisdom teeth removal is just a waste of time and money. You can consider keeping your wisdom teeth for the rest of your life if:
- Your teeth have grown in completely and line up well with the rest of your teeth.
- You don’t have an underbite, an overbite, or difficulty chewing with your wisdom teeth.
- You’re able to thoroughly clean your wisdom teeth and the surrounding teeth.
- Your wisdom teeth are not causing damage to surrounding teeth.
- Your x-rays show that all is well with your teeth.
Consult your dentist to learn which option is best for you.