Dentist East Cobb: Wisdom Teeth Removal

wisdom teeth crowdingWisdom teeth are usually the last to erupt in your mouth and can cause crowding or food pockets which lead to undesired gum infections.  About 35% of the population never develops wisdom teeth at all.[1]  For those that do, it is often recommended that people from the ages 17 to 25[2] will need to have this extraction. Contrary to a lot of practices we judge each patient on a case by case basis.  If your wisdom teeth are not causing any noticeable problems, then it may be difficult to determine whether to have them removed to prevent future problems.[3]  It is quite possible that you may never have any problems.  On the other hand it is also possible their failure to erupt could result in problems like cysts, crowding, decay or hygiene issues.[4]

Many general dentists will attempt to extract a wisdom tooth.  Yet 90% of the time we refer out to one of our participating oral surgeons.  The procedure can be done in the office and most of the time that is the case.  However, it is possible that you could have the surgery in the hospital.  If the latter is the case, you may be at a higher risk for complications, so in the oral surgeon’s judgment, the use of a hospital is purely for precautionary measures.

As a part of the procedure, the tooth and the surrounding tissue are numbed with a local anesthetic prior to having the extraction.  Some people prefer to use nitrous oxide (“laughing gas”).  In some cases, there is the use of a mild sedation, where the patient is still conscious but truly unaware of the procedure.  It is even possible that you receive general anesthesia.  If you decide to use the nitrous or sedation dentistry then you will need someone to drive you home following the procedure.  The recovery time is usually 12 to 24 hours of rest, but usually no more than 48 hours.

One of the more notable post procedure recommendations is not to use a straw to drink.  The sucking through the straw may dislodge the blood clot formed in the socket area and delay the healing process.

If you feel you are a candidate for wisdom teeth removal, or we can be of service, please feel free to contact us for a complimentary consultation.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328

404-256-3620

info@rightsmilecenter.com

www.rightsmilecenter.com

Related articles


[2] http://www.aaoms.org/wisdom_teeth.php, Wisdom Teeth, American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Retrieved 2011-26-08. “This generally occurs between the ages of 17 and 25”.

[3] The Right Smile Center doesn’t push to have them extracted, we recommend you read up on the subject at http://www.aaoms.org/wisdom_teeth.php, to help make the final decision.   Please remember that an oral surgeon is going to have a bias towards removal.

[4] Pediatric Dentistry: Infancy Through Adolescence, 4th Edition.

Dentist Marietta: How much does it cost to have a tooth pulled?

Marietta dentist near meThe cost of a simple tooth extraction can range anywhere from $95 to $250 depending on whether the procedure is being performed by a dentist or a specialist known as an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.  If the tooth is broken at the gum line, it will be considered a ‘surgical extraction’ and usually costs $150 to $300.  Extracting a wisdom tooth, which is usually done by an oral surgeon, can cost anywhere between $150 and $350, but if it’s a partially or completely impacted wisdom tooth then the cost could climb as high as $650.

The cost of the tooth extraction can be higher; for example, if the tooth disintegrates, it can take the dentist a while to get all of it out and the dentist may charge you extra if that happens.  Each patient and each tooth is unique.  It can be cookie cutter, but it doesn’t have to be.  The bottom line is the harder the tooth is to get out, the more it costs, hence the range.

For a soft tissue surgical extraction of a partially impacted tooth, an incision usually has to be made into the gums and once again the cost will increase to about $200 -$350; and for a partial bony extraction (the tooth has some bone covering it) expect to pay anywhere from $300 -$600.

The above fees may include a follow-up office visit to check healing or to remove sutures.  What should also be included is the understanding that a tooth is firmly encased in a bony socket and attached by a ligament.  The socket needs to be gently widened to allow the tooth to be removed; patients will feel pressure but not pain during this procedure. Sometimes a tooth is so firmly anchored that is has to be removed in sections.

Additional related fees, particularly with an oral surgeon may include an initial surgical consultation ($50 – $135), x-rays ($13 – $135) and sedation ($200 – $400 or more) if required.  Many dental insurance plans cover 70 percent to 80 percent of tooth extraction costs if the procedure is considered to be medically necessary and not done just for cosmetic reasons.

Typically, dental insurance permits only about $1,000 per year coverage so if there are other teeth needing to be extracted then the cost can escalate above the annual limit.  Because of the limited coverage that dental insurance provides, most people have come to realize that they don’t have much protection from the high cost of dental care with dental insurance alone.

Our goal is to help you understand a procedure which may vary depending on the circumstances surrounding the tooth being pulled.  If you have additional questions or concerns, do not hesitate to contact our office or email us.  Consultations are always welcome and many times these procedures are accomplished in-house.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

ZoAnna Scheinfeld, MS, DMD

Hanna Orland, DMD

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Sandy Springs, GA 30328

404-256-3620

and

3781 Chamblee Dunwoody Road

Chamblee, GA 30341

770-455-6076

www.rightsmilecenter.com

info@rightsmilecenter.com

Related articles

Dentist Woodstock: Wisdom Teeth Alert

 

"wisdom tooth"If this is not an alert, it’s at least a warning.  It pains me to say this, but in these difficult times there are dentists who are engaging in what I consider unethical practices with regard to the pulling of your wisdom teeth.  Generally, when your wisdom teeth are extracted, that is the end of the procedure.  However, as of late it is rumored that some dentists are beefing up their charges by unnecessarily packing the wisdom tooth pocket with bone producing products and of course billing the patients.  This is an unnecessary procedure designed to bilk you out of money.

If this is happening you or your child, question it.  Quite frankly I would suggest not paying and potentially reporting that dentist to the appropriate monitoring agency.  Unfortunately, difficult times can spawn unnecessary procedures.

If you feel you are a candidate for wisdom teeth removal, or we can be of service, please feel free to contact us for a complimentary consultation.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

5471 Bells Ferry Road, Suite 200

Acworth, GA 30102

770-928-7281

www.rightsmilewoodstock.com

info@rightsmilecenter.com

Dentist Woodstock: Wisdom Teeth Removal

An oral surgeon or a general dentist (even a prosthodontist) can extract a wisdom tooth, also known as third molars.  Ninety-nine percent of the time we refer out to one of our participating oral surgeons.  The procedure can be done in the dentist’s office and most of the time that is the case.  However, it is possible that you could have the surgery in the hospital, if you are having all your wisdom teeth pulled.  If the latter is the case, you may be at a higher risk for complications.  So in the oral surgeon’s judgment, the use of a hospital is for precautionary measures.  Patients with infections, their surgery will be delayed in order to avoid other health related complications.  There is empirical evidence of the link between periodontal disease and heart related issues.  Dental surgery may cause the periodontal bacteria in the mouth to enter the bloodstream and cause infections in other parts of your body.  Usually this can be cleared up by the prescription of antibiotics before and after surgery.

Wisdom teeth are usually the last teeth to erupt in your mouth and can cause crowding or food pockets which lead to undesired gum infections.  About 35% of the population never develops wisdom teeth at all.[1]  For those that do, it is often recommended that people from the ages 17 to 25[2] will need to have this extraction, but we judge each patient on a case by case basis.  If your wisdom teeth are not causing any noticeable problems, then it may be difficult to determine whether to have them removed to prevent future problems.[3]  It is quite possible that you may never have any problems.  But is also possible that they fail to erupt and cause problems like cysts, crowding or decay or hygiene issues.[4]

As a part of the procedure, the tooth and the surrounding tissue are numbed with a local anesthetic prior to having the extraction.  Some people prefer to use nitrous oxide (otherwise known as “laughing gas”).  In some cases, there is the use of a mild sedation, where the patient is still conscious but truly unaware of the procedure.  It is even possible that you receive general anesthesia.  If you decide to use the nitrous or sedation dentistry then you will need someone drive you home from the procedure.  The recovery time is usually 12 to 24 hours of rest, but usually no more than 48 hours.

One of the more interesting or notable post procedure recommendations is not to use a straw to drink.  The sucking through the straw may dislodge the blood clot in the socket area and delay the healing process.

If you feel you are a candidate for wisdom teeth removal, or we can be of service, please feel free to contact us for a complimentary consultation.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta, GA 30328

404-256-3620

www.rightsmilecenter.com

info@rightsmilecenter.com

Related articles


[2]http://www.aaoms.org/wisdom_teeth.php, Wisdom Teeth, American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Retrieved 2011-26-08. “This generally occurs between the ages of 17 and 25”.

[3] The Right Smile Center doesn’t push to have them extracted, we recommend you read up on the subject at http://www.aaoms.org/wisdom_teeth.php, to help make the final decision.   Please remember that an oral surgeon is going to have a bias towards removal.

[4] Pediatric Dentistry: Infancy Through Adolescence, 4th Edition.

Dentist serving Roswell: Mouthwash and Oral Cancer

Michael Douglas '63, Oscar-winning actor, play...
Image via Wikipedia

There appears to be controversy with respect to whether or not mouthwash containing alcohol may be related to oral cancer.  This controversy arises out the studies that show a link between oral cancer and those that drink alcohol.  Michael Douglas is the most recent case in point.  He has been reported to be a heavy smoker and imbibe alcohol on what is rumored to be on frequent occasions.  The obvious link in theory is that most mouthwash formulas contain alcohol, so the conclusion is that a link to mouthwash must exist here also.  The problem is there are no conclusive studies and at this time there appears to be insufficient evidence to alter the ADA’s approval of mouthwash containing alcohol as an effective method for the prevention and reduction of gingivitis and plaque above the gumline when used as directed.  The ADA Council on Scientific Affairs awarded the ADA Seal of Acceptance to these products after a thorough review of data on their safety and effectiveness.

Of all the studies published on this topic, beginning in 1979, four studies reported some positive results while five found no association. (citations omitted)  What we know is that none of the criteria for causality have been fulfilled by the studies that have been published so far.  The International Agency for Research on Cancer, an extension of the World Health Organization, now identifies the consumption of ethanol in alcoholic beverages as a carcinogenic risk.[1] Alcohol abuse is associated with cancers of the mouth, pharynx, larynx and esophagus. Ibid.  However, the reason for this association is not fully understood – it may be due to a direct effect of alcohol on these tissue.[2]  Because of the conflicting studies and endorsements I could advise you to keep using alcohol formulated mouth rinses.  But if you are concerned and wish to stay on the safe side of the debate, there are non-alcohol based mouth rinses available that appear to be effective in the prevention of gingivitis and plaque.

Our job is to try and educate you on the contemporary issues we face in addressing your oral health and if there are any questions you would like to pose, please feel free to contact us for a free consultation.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328

404-256-3620

www.rightsmilecenter.com

Related articles


[1] International Agency for Research on Cancer. IARC monographs on the evaluation of carcinogenic risks to humans. Volume 96. Alcoholic beverage consumption and ethyl carbamate (urethane). Lyon, France: 6-13 February 2007.

[2] Lachenmeier DW. Safety evaluation of topical applications of ethanol on the skin and inside the oral cavity. J Occup Med Toxicol 2008;3:26.

Dentist Sandy Springs: Wisdom Teeth Removal

Sandy Springs Dentist near me

An oral surgeon or a general dentist can extract a wisdom tooth (third molars).  A large percent  of the time we refer out to one of our participating oral surgeons, particularly when the wisdom teeth are impacted in place.  The procedure can be done in the office and most of the time that is the case.  However, it is possible that you could have the surgery in the hospital, if you are having all your wisdom teeth pulled.  If the latter is the case, you may be at a higher risk for complications.  Depending on  the
oral surgeon’s judgment, the use of a hospital is for precautionary measures.  And patients with infections, their surgery will be delayed in order to avoid other health related complications.

Wisdom teeth are usually the last teeth to erupt in your mouth and can cause crowding or food pockets which lead to undesired gum infections.  About 35% of the population never develop wisdom teeth at all.[1]  For those that do, it is often recommended that people from the ages 17 to 25[2] will need to have this extraction, but we judge each patient on a case by case basis.  If your wisdom teeth are not causing any noticeable problems, then it may be difficult to determine whether to have them removed to prevent future problems.[3]  It is quite possible that you may never have any problems.  But is also possible that
they fail to erupt and cause problems like cysts, crowding, decay or hygiene issues.[4]

As a part of the procedure, the tooth and the surrounding tissue are numbed with a local anesthetic prior to having the extraction.  Some people prefer to use nitrous oxide (otherwise known as “laughing gas”).  In some cases, there is the use of a mild sedation, where the patient is still conscious but truly unaware of the procedure.  It is even possible that you receive general anesthesia.  If you decide to use the nitrous or sedation dentistry then you will need someone drive you home from the procedure.  The recovery time is usually 12 to 24 hours of rest, but usually no more than 48 hours.

One of the more notable post procedure recommendations is not to use a straw to drink.  The sucking through the straw may dislodge the blood clot in the socket area and delay the healing process.

If you feel you are a candidate for wisdom teeth removal, or we can be of service, please feel free to contact us for a complimentary consultation.

ZoAnna Scheinfeld, MS, DMD

Hanna Orland, DMD

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328

404-256-3620

info@rightsmilecenter.com

www.rightsmilecenter.com

 


[2] http://www.aaoms.org/wisdom_teeth.php, Wisdom Teeth, American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Retrieved 2011-26-08. “This generally occurs between the ages of 17 and 25”.

[3] The Right Smile Center doesn’t push to have them extracted, we recommend you read up on the subject at http://www.aaoms.org/wisdom_teeth.php,
to help make the final decision.   Please remember that an oral surgeon is going to have a bias towards removal.

[4] Pediatric Dentistry: Infancy Through Adolescence, 4th Edition.