Wisdom Teeth

The last adult teeth to come are the third set of molars in the back of the mouth. These are usually referred to as wisdom teeth because people have grown “older and wiser” by the time they are in their teens or twenties. Wisdom teeth rarely come in without a problem and most people develop dental health issues if their wisdom teeth are left in place. For this reason, most dentists recommend wisdom teeth removal to their patients.

Why Do I Need My Wisdom Teeth Removed?

Most people do not have enough room in the back of their mouths for their third molars. If third molars come in, they are often crooked and challenging to keep clean. They may push adjacent teeth out of alignment, damage the roots of neighboring teeth, or develop cysts or infections beneath the gum line. Wisdom tooth removal eliminates the potential for these problems.

Removing wisdom teeth before they become a problem offers several advantages:

• You eliminate the probability of later complications and infections
• You avoid overcrowding your remaining teeth
• The surgery is less invasive if the wisdom teeth are not impacted
• If you have your wisdom teeth removed later in life, recovery is lengthier and more difficult
• If your wisdom teeth are not removed while you are in your teens or twenties, they will become more difficult to remove as the roots continue to grow

When Should I Have My Wisdom Teeth Removed?

Ideally, your wisdom teeth should be removed before they become a problem. For most people, this is in their late teens or early twenties, when the teeth have developed but do not have roots that are so long that they might damage nerve bundles or communicate with the sinus in the jawbone. The longer you wait to have your wisdom teeth removed, the more likely you will develop significant problems related to them.

Cost of Wisdom Tooth Removal

Wisdom tooth extraction is a common oral surgery procedure that varies in cost depending on the complexity of the surgery, the number of teeth removed, and other considerations. Dr. Heggland can give you an accurate cost breakdown at your initial consultation. He will take a CT scan and examine the teeth and surrounding tissues to arrive at this cost. We partner with Colorado Care Credit and Lending Tree to assist our patients who may need a payment option. We strive always to keep the cost of our procedures, including wisdom teeth removal, lower than average for the Front Range area.

If you have one or more wisdom teeth and would like them evaluated or removed, please contact our office at Frisco Office Phone Number (970) 668-1314 to schedule an appointment.