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
"Hi, I’m Alicia. I’m from Provo, and I came to Utah Surgical Arts to get my wisdom teeth out, and I had a really enjoyable experience. Utah Surgical Arts made it really comfortable and easy. The front, the doctors, and the surgical assistants were all super nice and accommodating, and they just made getting your wisdom teeth out a piece of cake. Utah Surgical Arts is awesome, and everyone is really nice. I’m a student at BYU, and I definitely tell all of my friends who are getting their wisdom teeth out to come here."
"My name’s Michelle, and I live in Pleasant Grove. I first came to Utah Surgical Arts when my oldest needed his wisdom teeth out. Not knowing what to do, I asked around and was recommended to come here and when I came, they were able to explain the procedures and comfort me and let me know what was going to happen. He had the procedure done and it was wonderful — quick recovery, minimal swelling. So that when the next two children needed their wisdom teeth out, there was no question — I was coming to Utah Surgical Arts. If you live anywhere in the Utah Valley area, Spanish Fork, Payson, Orem, American Fork, I would highly recommend coming to Utah Surgical Arts. They know what they’re doing, they’re professional, and you receive great care. I love that they are not only dentists, they’re medical doctors and that they can explain in layman terms what’s going to happen and what to expect and what to look for, and my children did wonderful and recovered quickly."
"Hi, my name is Stewart. I’m from Provo. I came to Utah Surgical Arts to get my wisdom teeth removed. The atmosphere was very inviting and welcoming. The doctor here was very knowledgeable and very reassuring and very kind. He treated me just like family which is exactly how he treats all his patients. The staff were all great. They were all really energetic. I could tell that they have done this multiple times before, and it really put my mind at ease. I’m so happy I had my wisdom teeth removed here at Utah Surgical Arts. To my friends in Salt Lake City that need their wisdom teeth removed, I highly recommend Utah Surgical Arts. The doctor did an amazing job, and the staff were truly amazing."
"I first thought I needed to get my wisdom teeth out when I could just feel a lot of pressure in the back of my jaw and just felt like something wasn't right and it just felt like there was too much stuff in my mouth, and we called them and got a consultation. We came in, and they said, "This is what we're going to do," and they showed us some X-rays, and I don't remember anything else. We went back to the operating room, and it was over. Dr. Park was super friendly. He was very informed. You could tell he knew what he was doing, and any questions you had, he was more than happy to answer, and you felt like you were in good hands. The staff – same thing – they were very friendly, very accommodating, anything you needed they were happy to help with. It's really nice to know that you're getting looked out for wherever you go. It makes the whole experience a lot less stressful. I know if any of my friends in Orem, Provo, or Nephi needed to have their wisdom teeth out, I'd highly recommend coming to Utah Surgical Arts with Dr. Park."
"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."
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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