Quick and Comfortable Extractions
Third molars, also known as wisdom teeth, usually come in between the ages of 17 and 25 and are the last set of molars to develop. Often, there is not enough space for these teeth, which can lead to overcrowding and other dental issues. Our oral surgeons in Provo, UT, recommend having these wisdom teeth extracted as soon as possible to prevent damage to your oral health. Contact Utah Surgical Arts to schedule an appointment with Dr. Harris, Dr. Park, Dr. Brown, Dr. Wood, or Dr. Holladay.
Advantages of Having Wisdom Teeth Extracted
Proactive removal during the early to mid-teen years often reduces the surgical complications that can arise during third molar extraction in older patients. Having wisdom teeth removed at an earlier stage of the tooth’s development makes for a less complex surgery, and younger patients tend to have faster recoveries. However, you can have your wisdom teeth removed by an oral surgeon at any age.
A wisdom tooth can grow sideways and become trapped beneath the gum tissue. This is known as an impacted wisdom tooth and will not properly erupt, and therefore must be surgically removed by an oral surgeon. An impacted tooth can push against nearby molars, pushing them out of alignment.
A wisdom tooth’s root is large and can grow into nearby nerves or other roots. It’s important to attend regular dental checkups. Your general dentist takes X-rays of your mouth and will send you to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon when wisdom teeth begin to develop.
By having your wisdom teeth extracted, you avoid many complications, including:
- Gum disease
- Dental crowding or shifting
- Irreversible damage to the jaw bone and teeth due to cysts and tumors
- Cavities from bacterial growth
- Pain and swelling caused by overcrowding
- Infection
- Tooth decay
Wisdom Teeth Removal Surgery
Our surgeons have completed extensive training beyond dental school, coupled with years of experience, allowing us to deliver the highest level of care to our patients. Prior to any surgery, we will take CBCT scans of your face to evaluate the size and location of your third molars. There are many anesthesia options available, although patients typically undergo IV sedation for this procedure.
Molars that are partially or completely beneath the gums require the oral surgeon to lift the gum tissue to expose the tooth and extract it. On occasion, they may need to be sectioned into smaller pieces to allow for complete removal. Once the teeth are removed, the empty tooth sockets will be stitched closed, and you will rest in our office until the anesthesia wears off. Your designated driver will take you home and should remain with you for 24 hours.
Cost of Having Wisdom Teeth Extracted in Provo, UT
Contact one of our Utah Surgical Arts practice locations to schedule a consultation. At this appointment, we will create a personalized treatment plan and provide you with a cost estimate for your oral surgery. Factors such as the number of wisdom teeth needing to be removed, anesthesia, and insurance will be considered. Our team prides ourselves on our expertise performing comfortable, precise wisdom teeth removal procedures for patients of all ages.
We want wisdom teeth removal to be accessible and affordable for our patients, so we work hard to make payment convenient. We accept several insurance plans and payment methods. Please contact us with your questions. It is our privilege to guide you through the process of wisdom teeth extraction at our friendly and welcoming practice.
AAAHC Accreditation
Utah Surgical Arts is approved by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC). This accreditation is difficult to obtain and allows our office to function as a hospital and/or surgical center. Since extensive surgeries must be performed in a surgical center, there are many instances where the patient may be unable to undergo surgery due to the high cost of the hospital or surgical center. If your surgery can be performed at Utah Surgical Arts, the cost savings may be significant. Many patients who were unable to have the procedure due to the high cost involved were able to have the procedure performed at Utah Surgical Arts.
Types of Anesthesia
Our surgeons at Utah Surgical Arts offer many anesthesia and sedation options for patients to choose from.
Reviews From Our Wisdom Tooth Removal Patients
"My name is Nick Warner. I’m from Provo, Utah, and I came into Utah Surgical Arts before my mission to have my wisdom teeth removed. I was a little nervous before I came in — I’ve never had anything done like that before. But I got here and their staff was very professional and made me feel comfortable. It was Dr. Harris that did the procedure. And I sat down in the chair, they applied the anesthesia and told me to count backwards from 20. I think I got to 18, and I remember when I woke up, everything was done. They had given me some pain medication to deal with the pain. I didn’t even really need the pain medication, I remember. They treated me very well here, and I would recommend Utah Surgical Arts to anyone else."
"Hi, my name’s Kaylee. I’m from Orem, Utah, and I got my wisdom teeth taken out. Utah Surgical Arts is a really nice place. The staff is very friendly. Dr. Harris is awesome. I felt very comfortable with him. He was very, very nice, and you could tell that he knew what he was talking about. The surgery went very well. I loved all of the workers, the doctor—I felt very well taken care of. I had a really great experience. For my friends in Orem and Provo, I highly recommend Utah Surgical Arts."
"My name is Matthew and I am from Provo, and I came to Utah Surgical Arts to get my wisdom teeth removed. When I walked through the doors, it was a pretty comforting atmosphere here. The doctor was very professional and I felt like I was in really good hands. The staff are really kind and friendly. They put my mind at ease by acting very professional and like they’ve done this before. It was a quick procedure and an easy recovery. My overall experience here was great. To my friends and family here in Provo, the doctors at Utah Surgical Arts are awesome."
"Hi, I’m Bo. I’m from Spanish Fork, Utah, and I came to Utah Surgical Arts to get my wisdom teeth removed. When I walked through the doors, the staff was very friendly and they greeted me with a smile, and that really put my mind at ease. The doctor here was super friendly. He made me feel very comfortable and he made me feel like I understood everything that was happening. The procedure was an absolute success and I was back to playing football in no time. To my friends and family in Lehi, I would recommend Utah Surgical Arts for any dental procedure you need. They did an amazing job here and I’m super happy with the outcome."
"Hi! I’m Cindy from Highland, Utah, and I brought 9 of my 11 children to Utah Surgical Arts to have Dr. Harris and Dr. Park take care of their wisdom teeth. My oldest two went to two separate oral surgeons, and when we discovered Utah Surgical Arts, as referred by our dentist, we were pleased and continued bringing the rest of our children here. In fact, one time, we did three children on the same day so that we’d all have everyone recovering at the same time. When you live at the south end of Utah County, in Spanish Fork or Payson, or in the north end in Alpine or Highland, Utah Surgical Arts is worth coming to. They do an excellent job!"
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I take off for wisdom teeth removal?
Most patients return to their normal routine a day or two after surgery. While it takes about 2 weeks for the surgical sites to heal, you can expect to return to work or school either the day after surgery or the following day.
Does wisdom teeth removal hurt?
IV sedation will render you in a semi-conscious state. You will be awake enough to respond to your surgeon, but will have no memory of the surgery. The effects of anesthesia will last for that day, and you can expect to rest a lot. Any post-operative pain can be managed with ice packs and over-the-counter pain medication. There may be some swelling and discomfort, but ice, rest, and a soft food diet will ensure a speedy recovery.
Should I have all four wisdom teeth removed at once?
You should have all wisdom teeth removed in one procedure. This eliminates the need for multiple procedures, and you can eliminate the risk for dental problems caused by third molars in a single surgical visit.
Is the third day the worst after wisdom tooth removal?
Swelling often peaks around the third day, but you can manage this with ice packs and keeping your head elevated. Our office provides detailed instructions to help manage discomfort and ensure a speedy recovery. During healing, it's critical not to smoke or use a straw, as this could dislodge the blood clot. A dry socket is very painful and if you experience this, contact our office immediately.
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