Ok. It’s time to do something about this. It’s past time. I’m almost 29 and I still haven’t had my wisdom teeth taken out. Now my jaw is throbbing, my gums are bleeding and my face is slightly swollen. Unfortunately, I called this morning to see if I can add dental to my insurance plan and I can’t be added next April. Maybe I can can hold up a liquor store or something to cover the cost w/out insurance. ($1000+)

When should wisdom teeth be removed?
The following symptoms may indicate that the wisdom teeth have erupted and surfaced, and should be removed before they become impacted-meaning, the teeth have surfaced and have no room in the mouth to grow. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:

• pain √
• infection in the mouth
• facial swelling √
• swelling of the gumline in the back of the mouth √

Many oral health specialists will recommend removal of the wisdom teeth, (when the roots are approximately formed, or three-fourths developed, usually in the adolescent years),as early removal will help to eliminate problems, such as an impacted tooth that destroys the second molar. Third molar impaction is the most prevalent medical developmental disorder.

What problems are often associated with impacted third molars?

• bacteria and plaque build-up
• cysts development (a fluid- filled sac)
• tumor development
• infection
  jaw and gum disease

What is involved in the extraction procedure?
Wisdom tooth extraction involves accessing the tooth through the soft and hard tissue, gently detaching the connective tissue between the tooth and the bone and removing the tooth.