A recent report by Angie’s List listed the average cost of a wisdom tooth removal at $75 to $200 per tooth. To lower the cost of this expense, a dental health plan from Avia Dental Plan can help. Continue reading to find out how to prepare for wisdom teeth removal.

The Top Reasons for Removing Wisdom Teeth

According to an article by WebMD, more than 5 million people remove their wisdom teeth each year. The top reasons for this common practice include:

  • Persistent Pain – When wisdom teeth finally emerge, it can take weeks or even months to fully develop. If this pain interrupts daily life, a dentist will like recommend pulling one or all teeth.
  • Tooth Decay – Due to the location of wisdom teeth, it’s often hard to reach while brushing and flossing. The end result is regular cavities. To deter this, regular checkups are encouraged and sealants or fillings may be applied. However, if you’ve skipped dental care for some time and tooth decay has already set in, your dentist may suggest surgery.
  • Crowding – The most common reason for wisdom tooth removal by far is overcrowding, which leads to misalignment of existing teeth. If you value a straight smile, there are two possible solutions: braces or wisdom tooth pulling.

Getting Ready for Wisdom Tooth Removal

Wisdom teeth typically erupt during teenage years or at the cusp of early adulthood. If you’re experiencing pain or overcrowding, an oral surgeon can resolve these issues by removing them.

To get ready for the procedure, be sure to research low-cost dental health plans. This way, you have less out-of-pocket expenses for the procedure. When you find a dental care provider that accepts your plan, make an appointment to discuss your experiences and health history.

What To Expect

  • Before the Procedure – Your oral surgeon or a trained anesthesiologist will numb the area.
  • During the Procedure – Typically, patients describe a tugging sensation. Your oral surgeon will walk you through each step to make sure you’re comfortable.
  • After the Procedure – You can expect bleeding and soreness, however, pain medicines and antibiotics are usually prescribed to help. Taking one or two days is highly recommended for proper recovery. For nutrition, most dental providers prescribe a soft diet consisting of soups or yogurts, for example, as hard food can aggravate gums and delay healing.

Don’t Wait to Resolve Wisdom Tooth Pain

For patients with wisdom teeth issues, you don’t have to wait around for your insurance to kick in. With Avia Dental Plan, discounts are applied upon activation. You can choose from hundreds of qualified dental providers in your area that accept this discount dental health plan. To learn more, visit Avia Dental Plan or call (888) 431-CARE (2273).