Blog Summary: In this blog, you’ll learn:
- What wisdom teeth are and why they can cause pain, crowding, and infection.
- Whether wisdom teeth removal is necessary, including both the pros and cons of preventative extraction.
- Who can perform the surgery — yes, general dentists can remove wisdom teeth, not just oral surgeons!
- How long the procedure takes — typically 40–90 minutes, with total visit time around 2 hours.
- What kind of dentist removes wisdom teeth — general and family dentists often do, especially with proper experience.
- How to choose the right provider in San Diego, with tips on credentials, reviews, sedation options, and pricing transparency.
- How much it costs, and what options exist for patients without dental insurance.
- Why The Super Dentists are a top choice for affordable, expert wisdom teeth removal in San Diego!
Ah, wisdom teeth. Those pesky little buggers that for most people, pop up from around ages 17-21 can cause a lot of pain!
Did you know? Wisdom teeth are called that because they usually are present only after a child matures into early adulthood, and, as the saying goes, “the older the wiser”. In other words, wisdom teeth have been named as a playful nod to their status as the late bloomers of the human adult mouth (the last teeth to erupt).
But do these teeth really make you wiser? Not necessarily. In fact, most people don’t have enough space in their mouths to accommodate them, and that’s when problems, like overcrowding, swelling, pain, and infections, can occur. Not fun, we know! This is why about 10,000,000 wisdom teeth are removed by dentists and oral surgeons every year, according to Vox.
Wondering if you should get your wisdom teeth out? Let’s cover the answer to that question – and more. Here’s everything you want to know about wisdom teeth surgery, including how long it lasts, who can perform it, how much it costs, and whether or not you can have it done without dental insurance.
Is Wisdom Teeth Removal Really Necessary?
It used to be the case that dentists and oral surgeons recommended wisdom teeth removal as a preventative measure. But in recent years, that has changed, as Vox notes. Today, dentists and oral surgeons are split on whether preventive removal should be a best practice. Why? As with most medical procedures, it’s a question of risk vs. reward.
Those in favor of preemptive wisdom teeth removal note that it can help patients avoid potential future complications such as impaction, infection, and crowding. They also note that wisdom teeth are normally removed while patients are fairly young, and young patients heal faster than older ones.
On the other hand, those who are against preventative removal note that if wisdom teeth aren’t causing problems, it’s safe to regularly monitor them over time by seeing a dentist every six months to a year. The costs and risks associated with surgery do not outweigh the benefits, in the view of these individuals.
Curious if you need your wisdom teeth out? The Super Dentists can help.
Can a Dentist Remove Wisdom Teeth?
Yes! It’s a common misconception that only oral surgeons can remove wisdom teeth. In fact, both dentists and oral surgeons hold the experience and training required to safely and successfully remove wisdom teeth.
What Type of Dentist Removes Wisdom Teeth?
General dentists are usually capable of removing wisdom teeth, but family dentists may also perform wisdom teeth removal surgeries.
How Long is Wisdom Teeth Surgery?
Just how long does wisdom teeth surgery take on average? Well, for most patients, extraction of wisdom teeth takes anywhere from around 40 minutes to around 90 minutes. Total time you’ll spend in the dentist’s or oral surgeon’s office, however, is usually closer to around 120 minutes, especially if you are administered general anesthesia.
How to Choose the Right Dentist for Wisdom Teeth Removal in San Diego
When comparing dentists or oral surgeons, be sure to consider these five factors.
- Credentials and Specialization: Where did the dentist or oral surgeon go to school, and what degrees did they receive? Do they specialize in any particular area of dentistry (i.e., pediatric dentistry)?
- Experience: How many wisdom teeth extractions have they done, and how long have they been practicing?
- Patient Reviews or Testimonials: Does the dentist, oral surgeon, or practice have generally positive reviews and patient testimonials?
- Office Technology & Sedation Options: What kind of technology does the office use? Is it cutting-edge? How about sedation – is general anesthesia an option? Only local numbing?
- Transparency About Pricing & Insurance: Does the provider take dental insurance, and if not, what are your options? Wisdom teeth removal costs in San Diego can vary, but average around $3,120 out of network. (At The Super Dentists, we offer affordable wisdom teeth removal in San Diego with no insurance via our Super Dentists Savings Plans.)
Rely on The Super Dentists for Affordable & Safe Wisdom Teeth Removal in San Diego
Planning wisdom teeth removal? Schedule a consultation at a Super Dentists location near you!
