Wisdom teeth removal at Aspen Dental: procedure, cost and recovery
Overview
Wisdom teeth removal is a routine procedure that can help relieve pressure, prevent infection and protect your long-term oral health. When these back molars don’t have enough room to grow they can become trapped under the gums or push against other teeth, causing discomfort and alignment problems.
Our team provides clear guidance, transparent pricing and flexible 3rd-party financing options so you can feel confident about your care from start to finish.
Wisdom teeth extraction helps relieve pain, prevent infection and protect long-term oral health
Procedure type and number of teeth removed affect complexity and cost
Insurance coverage, financing and the Aspen Dental Savings Plan¹ can help make treatment more affordable (Please note, Medicaid not accepted)
Many Aspen Dental offices offer same-day appointments for urgent wisdom teeth issues
¹The Aspen Dental Savings Plan is NOT insurance. Please see plan terms and conditions for details.
The “wisdom” in wisdom teeth
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of molars located at the back of the mouth. Most people have four wisdom teeth, with one in each corner of the mouth. These teeth typically emerge in late adolescence or early adulthood, between the ages of 17 and 25.
Because they develop later in life, the term “wisdom teeth” nods to a person having more wisdom once these teeth emerge. However, wisdom teeth are prone to causing a number of dental issues—like impaction, trouble cleaning or insufficient jaw space—all which can be avoided by extracting wisdom teeth proactively.
What are wisdom tooth extractions?
Wisdom teeth extractions are a common dental treatment. Extractions are possible when the wisdom tooth has fully emerged through the gum and can be easily removed with forceps. But for impacted wisdom teeth that are only partially emerged, oral surgery is needed.
This type of extraction is often suggested by dentists to prevent future dental issues. Your Aspen Dental care team will use modern techniques and anesthesia to make the process quick and minimize any discomfort.
Why you may need a wisdom tooth extraction
There are several reasons your Aspen Dental dentist may recommend removing wisdom teeth. For many patients, these teeth don’t have enough space to grow in properly, which can lead to discomfort, inflammation or other oral health issues.
Impacted wisdom teeth
When wisdom teeth don’t have enough room to grow they can become impacted—trapped under the gums or growing at an angle. This can cause pressure, swelling or discomfort and may also create small spaces where bacteria collect, leading to infection or damage to nearby teeth.
Your Aspen Dental team will review X-rays, explain what’s happening and help you decide if removal is the best way to protect your comfort and oral health.
Gum disease or infection
Because wisdom teeth sit so far back they can be hard to clean, even with regular brushing and flossing. Food and bacteria can build up, leading to irritation, infection or decay.
If inflammation continues your Aspen Dental dentist may recommend removal to prevent further issues and help keep your gums healthy.
Cysts or tumors
In rare cases, a wisdom tooth that hasn’t erupted can be surrounded by a fluid-filled cyst that may affect nearby bone or roots. Some people are more prone to these issues because of genetics or other health factors.
Regular dental exams and X-rays at Aspen Dental help catch these changes early so they can be treated safely and effectively.
Is wisdom tooth removal always necessary?
Not everyone needs their wisdom teeth removed. If they’ve come in fully, are healthy and don’t cause crowding your Aspen Dental dentist may recommend monitoring them instead. Each patient’s situation is different and your dentist will review your X-rays to determine what’s best for your smile and oral health.
Surgical vs. non-surgical wisdom tooth extractions
Non-surgical Extraction
Surgical Extraction
When needed
Tooth has fully erupted
When needed
Tooth is impacted or partially erupted
Who performs it
Aspen Dental general dentist
Who performs it
Aspen Dental oral surgeon or dentist
Complexity
Simple, quicker procedure
Complexity
More complex, may require stitches
Cost
Lower per tooth
Cost
Higher per tooth
Recovery time
Recovery time
Preparing for wisdom teeth extractions
During your initial consultation, your dentist will go through your medical history and discuss anesthesia options.
During your initial appointment, your dentist will go through your medical history and discuss anesthesia options. You will also be instructed on the preparation you will need to take before your surgery. This could include fasting, finding a ride to and from the office and post-care assistance and support.
During treatment, your dentist or your doctor may make an incision, although not always needed, to remove the tooth or teeth from the gums as part of oral surgery. After that, they’ll clean the site and may add stitches to help your smile recover.
It’s best to follow your dentist’s care instructions. These will include managing discomfort, getting enough rest, reducing swelling with an ice pack, sticking to soft foods and liquids and drinking through a straw for a few days. It’s also advisable to avoid smoking and drinking alcohol during this time.
To promote your mouth’s recovery, we recommend brushing carefully and avoiding the surgical site for the first 24 hours. Your Aspen Dental care team may also suggest a follow-up visit to the office to ensure your mouth is healing well.
Wisdom teeth extraction process
When you visit Aspen Dental for wisdom teeth removal your comfort and understanding come first. Your Aspen Dental dentist will begin with a gentle exam and imaging to see exactly where your wisdom teeth are and how they’re positioned.
If the teeth have already come in, your dentist may recommend a simple non-surgical extraction. For teeth that are impacted or still below the gums, a surgical approach under anesthesia may be needed to make the process more comfortable.
After the extraction gauze is placed to manage bleeding, your Aspen Dental team will walk you through every step of recovery. You’ll leave with clear aftercare instructions, helpful tips and the reassurance that they are here to support you as you heal at your own pace.
Are wisdom extractions painful?
Modern pain management has made wisdom tooth extraction a much more comfortable experience than most people expect. During your procedure, your Aspen Dental dentist uses local anesthesia or sedation so you stay relaxed and comfortable—only gentle pressure as the tooth is removed.
Some mild soreness afterward is normal, but your care team will guide you through every step of recovery. With the right medication, rest and simple home care, most people return to normal activities within a few days.
If you want to learn more about what to expect after your procedure, explore our post wisdom teeth removal care guide for helpful tips on healing comfortably at home.
At Aspen Dental your comfort always comes first, from the moment you sit down to the final stages of recovery.
How much does wisdom teeth removal cost?
At Aspen Dental, we understand that cost is an important part of planning your care and we want you to feel comfortable knowing what to expect. The price of wisdom teeth removal can vary based on a few key factors:
Number of teeth and procedure complexity
Removing one wisdom tooth is often simpler than removing several, and more complex cases may take additional time or care.
Surgical vs non-surgical extraction
Teeth that have fully come in are usually easier to remove, while impacted or partially erupted teeth may require a surgical procedure.
Office location
Costs can vary slightly by region depending on local factors and treatment needs.
Additional treatments or services
Options like anesthesia, sedation or follow-up care may influence the total cost.
We make dental care easier
Most insurance accepted
Explore dental insurance plans we accept. We do not accept Medicaid.
Same-day appointments
With same-day availability and flexible hours, seeing your provider is easy.
Flexible financing options
99% of patients who apply for 3rd-party financing are approved.
Dos and don’ts after wisdom teeth removal
Feeling comfortable while you heal is important. Caring for yourself after wisdom teeth removal helps your mouth recover smoothly and gives you the best start to feeling like yourself again. Here are a few simple things to keep in mind as you heal.
Rest for at least 24 hours
Use ice packs to reduce swelling
Eat soft foods like yogurt and soup
Take prescribed medications as directed
Avoid smoking or using straws
Don’t eat hard or crunchy foods
Avoid strenuous activity for a few days
Don’t touch the extraction site with tongue or fingers
What does recovery look like after wisdom tooth extraction at Aspen Dental?
For most patients, recovery after wisdom teeth removal is simple and straightforward. Some mild tenderness or swelling for a few days is normal and part of the healing process.
Your Aspen Dental care team will provide clear aftercare instructions to help you stay comfortable at home. Make sure to follow your dentist’s instructions for any prescribed medication to stay comfortable and promote healing.
Everyone heals at their own pace, and that’s okay. If you have any questions during recovery, your Aspen Dental care team is only a call away and ready to help.
Frequently asked questions about wisdom teeth removal
Stick to soft, easy-to-eat foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes and applesauce for the first few days. As your mouth heals you can slowly add in more variety. Avoid anything crunchy, spicy or hot until your dentist says it’s okay. Your Aspen Dental care team will give you clear guidance on what to eat and when to help your recovery go smoothly.
Complications are uncommon but can happen. Some patients may experience swelling, infection or a condition called dry socket if the site doesn’t heal as expected. Your Aspen Dental dentist will provide you information on all risks, benefits and alternative treatment options. Following your aftercare instructions closely helps you heal comfortably and quickly.
Most dental insurance plans cover at least part of the cost of wisdom teeth removal. Your Aspen Dental care team will review your benefits with you before treatment begins so you know exactly what’s covered. We can also walk you through financing or payment options to help make care fit your budget.
If your wisdom teeth are healthy, fully emerged and not causing crowding or discomfort your Aspen Dental dentist may recommend keeping them and monitoring their position with regular X-rays. Every smile is unique and your dentist will guide you through the best choice for your long-term oral health.
A simple extraction usually takes about 20 to 40 minutes. A surgical procedure may take longer depending on how your teeth are positioned. Your Aspen Dental dentist will talk through every step before you begin so you know what to expect and can feel comfortable during your visit.
Not always. Some people’s wisdom teeth grow in without causing problems. Others may need wisdom teeth removed to protect nearby teeth or prevent infection. If you're not sure, walk-in for a same day appointment and your Aspen Dental dentist will look at your X-rays, talk through your symptoms and recommend what’s best for your smile.
The recovery period for wisdom teeth extraction varies, but you can expect your mouth to begin healing within about a week. However, full recovery may take several weeks. While your smile is adjusting, it’s important to follow post-operative care instructions provided by your dentist for optimal recovery.
You’ll be able to resume normal activities shortly, but we recommend that you rest for at least 24 hours after the procedure. Most people prefer to take off work or school for a few days while they recover.