Wisdom Teeth Removal FAQ

What Causes Wisdom Tooth Pain?

When your wisdom teeth start to come in, it can cause a bit of pain–maybe even more than just what’s to be expected when teeth erupt from soft gum tissue. This can happen for a number of reasons, such as:

• Teeth may try to erupt at the wrong angle.
• Impaction, or when a tooth doesn’t erupt fully, can cause soft tissue damage and gum disease.
• An infection can occur when a tooth becomes impacted.
• Severe infection may lead to an abscess, or a sore, often at the root of the tooth or between the tooth and gum.
• The angle of your wisdom teeth can also cause your other healthy teeth to shift and become crowded, which can lead to general pain throughout your mouth.

What is the wisdom tooth extraction process?

If it’s time for your wisdom teeth to come out, don’t worry; you’re in good hands with the Laulani Dental Care team! Before we get started, we’ll take X-rays so we know exactly where your wisdom teeth are and how they’re positioned in your jaw. Then, we’ll make sure you’re comfortable and give you sedation so you won’t feel any pain during the procedure. Before you know it, you’ll be all done and your wisdom teeth will be out. You’ll feel groggy after the appointment, though, so make sure you have someone who can drive you home and take care of you afterward. We’ll send you home with detailed post-op care instructions, too. That way, you’ll know everything you need to about wisdom teeth extraction aftercare. For the first week or two, some potential swelling and tenderness around the extraction site can be common. Extra precaution is needed to ensure you don’t develop dry socket.

How do I avoid dry socket?

When we extract a tooth, a blood clot forms in the socket. This clot protects the bone and nerves underneath during the healing process. When this clot becomes dislodged, it impedes healing and may cause unnecessary tenderness and potential infection. Avoid using straws and smoking, and implement a soft-food and liquid diet. This will help combat the possibility of a dry socket and ensure an easy, stress-free road to wisdom teeth extraction recovery.

How can I get an affordable tooth extraction?

Your wallet shouldn’t take a big hit in order for you to have a healthy mouth. At our practice, we offer a number of flexible financial options to keep your dental care affordable.

• Cash, check, and debit/credit cards accepted
• In-network with many dental insurance plans
• CareCredit^® patient financing to break up costs
• In-house membership plan for uninsured patients

Call to discuss your financial options with one of our friendly team members.

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