Wisdom Teeth Removal in Kansas City - What to Expect and How to Recover

Wisdom Teeth Removal in Kansas City

Getting your wisdom teeth removed is a rite of passage for many young adults. As the last teeth to erupt, wisdom teeth often cause pain, swelling, and other issues that require their extraction. If you live in the Kansas City area and need your wisdom teeth taken out, you have plenty of qualified oral surgeons to choose from.

In this article, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about wisdom teeth removal in Kansas City. We'll cover when you need them extracted, what to expect from the procedure, costs, recovery tips, and more. Let's start with the basics.

Do You Need Your Wisdom Teeth Removed?

Not everyone needs their wisdom teeth extracted. Some people have enough room in their mouths for their wisdom teeth to emerge properly and cause no problems. However, most people need to have their wisdom teeth taken out due to issues like:

• Pain or irritation of nearby teeth and gums
• Cysts or tumors forming around impacted wisdom teeth
• Tooth decay or gum disease
• Chronic inflammation or infections
• Crowding that affects your bite and shifts other teeth

Oral surgeons recommend wisdom tooth extraction if you experience any of these complications. It's best to have them removed before problems get worse or cause permanent damage.

What to Expect During Wisdom Tooth Removal

Wisdom tooth extraction is performed as an outpatient procedure under local or general anesthesia. The oral surgeon will numb the area around the tooth/teeth being removed.

To extract the teeth, the surgeon makes a small incision in your gums and creates a flap to access the teeth. They may need to remove some bone tissue or drill the tooth into smaller pieces for easier removal. Once the teeth are out, the surgeon irrigates the sockets and uses stitches or tissue glue to close the incision site.

The procedure takes 30-90 minutes depending on if you're having one tooth removed or all four. You'll be able to go home shortly after it's finished.

Recovery After Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Recovery time after wisdom tooth removal varies. Most people take 3-5 days off work or school to allow for proper healing. During this time you can expect:

• Swelling and bruising around the cheeks and jaw
• Pain and discomfort which is worst in the first few days
• Numbness that can last several hours to weeks
• Bleeding for the first 12-24 hours
• Difficulty opening your mouth fully
• Changes in your bite

Your oral surgeon will provide post-op instructions to follow during recovery. This includes:

• Using an ice pack on your cheeks to minimize swelling
• Eating soft, cool foods until it's comfortable to chew
• Avoiding strenuous activity for at least 2-3 days
• Taking prescription pain medication as needed
• Keeping extraction sites clean by rinsing gently with salt water

Call your oral surgeon if bleeding lasts more than 24 hours, pain gets worse after a few days, or you have a fever over 101 F.

Cost of Wisdom Tooth Extraction in Kansas City

The cost of wisdom tooth removal in the Kansas City area ranges from $75 - $250 per tooth. This depends on your insurance coverage and whether you have any impacted teeth that raise the complexity. Getting all four wisdom teeth out at once will be on the more expensive end.

Many dental insurance plans cover wisdom tooth extraction, especially if it's deemed medically necessary. Speak to your insurance provider to find out your policy's coverage details.

If you don't have dental insurance, ask your oral surgeon about payment plans or discounted rates. Some also offer wisdom tooth removal specials during certain times of the year.

Finding an Oral Surgeon in Kansas City

Kansas City has many excellent oral surgeons to choose from. When selecting a professional for your wisdom tooth extraction, look for the following credentials and experience:

• Board certification from the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Completed 4-6 years of residency training in oral surgery
• Performs many wisdom tooth extractions annually
• Has privileges at local hospitals for complex procedures
• Gets positive reviews and referrals from local dentists

Schedule consultations with a few offices to find an oral surgeon you're comfortable with. Ask about their techniques, anesthesia options, costs, and follow-up care. Then you can get your wisdom teeth removed with total confidence.

Recovering After Wisdom Tooth Surgery in Kansas City

Wisdom tooth extraction is a common procedure, but that doesn't mean the recovery period is easy. Taking your wisdom teeth out is actual surgery and your mouth needs time to heal. Fortunately, oral surgeons in the Kansas City area have helpful advice to make recovering from wisdom tooth surgery smoother.

Follow these tips to ensure you heal quickly and with minimal discomfort after your wisdom teeth are removed.

Rest and Take It Easy

Your body uses most of its energy to heal itself after surgery, so proper rest is crucial. Take at least 2-3 days off work or school to recover. Minimize any strenuous activity for several days as well. Get as much sleep as possible and avoid stress.

Keep Swelling Down

It's normal to have significant swelling after wisdom tooth removal surgery. Using ice packs can help minimize swelling around your cheeks and jawline. Use an ice pack on for 15-20 minutes at a time, taking occasional breaks. Ibuprofen or other anti-inflammatory meds also reduce swelling.

Stay Hydrated

Drink lots of water and fluids like electrolyte drinks, juices, smoothies, and broths. Staying hydrated prevents dehydration, keeps nutrients flowing, and speeds healing. Avoid sucking on straws which can dislodge blood clots.

Eat Soft Foods

Stick to a soft food diet for at least 4-5 days after surgery. Things like applesauce, yogurt, oatmeal, soup, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, and protein shakes are good options. Don't eat foods that need much chewing until your mouth has healed more.

Take Prescription Pain Medication

Use any prescription pain medication as directed by your oral surgeon to manage pain and discomfort. This allows you to still get proper rest. Combine meds with ice packs for even better pain relief.

Keep Oral Surgery Sites Clean

Gently rinse your mouth with a salt water solution starting 24 hours after surgery. This keeps surgery sites clean while they heal. Brush normally but avoid the surgery area. Follow any other post-op care instructions from your surgeon.

Call your oral surgeon right away if you have heavy bleeding, worsening pain, swelling that spreads, or a fever over 101°F. Report any other concerns as well. Avoid smoking or drinking alcohol as these can impede healing.

With rest and proper self-care, you'll recover from wisdom tooth extraction surgery before you know it. Just be patient with the process and let your body heal.

FAQs

How long does wisdom tooth removal surgery take?

The procedure takes 30-90 minutes depending on if you're removing one tooth or all four. Your oral surgeon will let you know expected surgery length at your consultation.

How long is recovery after wisdom tooth removal?

Plan to take 3-5 days off work or school for recovery. Swelling and pain are worst in the first few days but can last up to 2 weeks. It takes several months for your gums to fully heal.

How can I minimize pain and swelling?

Using ice packs, taking anti-inflammatory medication, staying hydrated, and getting proper rest all help reduce pain and swelling after surgery.

When can I resume normal activity after surgery?

Avoid strenuous exercise and activity for at least 2-3 days. After that, you can slowly resume normal routines as long as you don't overdo it and tire yourself out.

What should I eat after wisdom tooth removal?

Stick to a soft food diet for 4-5 days. Things like yogurt, applesauce, soup, eggs, protein shakes, and mashed potatoes are good options after surgery.