Wisdom Teeth and Other Services
Wisdom Tooth Extractions
Description
- Most of the time, impacted wisdom teeth are removed to prevent future problems, such as infection or cysts.
- Surgery involves cutting of gum and bone to access the teeth. It may include sectioning these third molars to aid in removal.
- We receive many referrals for wisdom teeth extractions because of our low amount of pain and swelling afterward. Dr. Featherstone has been removing impacted wisdom teeth for 30 years with no serious problems.
Procedure
- We suggest you come in an hour early and take a couple of blue pills. You will feel wonderfully sleepy and dreamy, and not even remember what happened the next day! You may choose to skip this step.
- A friend or relative must bring you and take you home to be with you for several hours after the procedure.
- In our office, you will also swallow several tablets that reduce swelling. Antibiotics are also taken.
- We numb your mouth using our distracting lip-shaking technique.
- Sterile instruments are used to tease out teeth, and dissolving sutures are placed.
After Care
- You need to bite on gauze for half an hour to reduce bleeding.
- Place an ice pack 20 minute on and 20 minutes off for several hours.
- Take the medications prescribed for you.
- Don’t do sucking action with your mouth, like with a straw.
- Avoid rinsing vigorously.
- Don’t exercise hard for 2 days.
- Drink plenty of liquids, and eat as soon as it is comfortable to do so.
Complications
Bleeding
- It is normal to have a little oozing of blood. You will likely have some on your pillow the morning after.
- If bleeding is excessive, be sure you are placing pressure with gauze on the socket for 30 minutes at a time.
- A favorite remedy is to soak a tea bag in warm water and place on the socket, then bite down.
Pain
- Medications are only intended to take the severe edge off pain. Discomfort is normal.
- Prescribed narcotic drugs should not be taken more often than prescribed.
- You can add 800 mg of ibuprifen (4 tablets of Advil or other brand, unless you stomach will not tolerate nsaids or aspirin) every six hours in addition to narcotics.
- Using ice packs as described above to reduce swelling also reduces pain.
Time:
1 to 1/ 1/2 hours
Cost of Wisdom Tooth Extractions
There is a fee range based on difficulty. For teeth through the gum, it is $100.00, and for impacted teeth it is $293 – $413 per tooth. If you choose “sleepy dentistry” for your surgery, the additional fee is $231.
CloSYS Rinse for Bad Breath (Halitosis)
Description
Breath rinse with stabilized chlorine dioxide with flavoring to suite your taste.
Benefits
- There is no alcohol at all. It has a very mild flavor.
- CloSYS is very effective at eliminating sulfide bad breath
Cost of CloSYS
$15 per 16 oz. bottle.
Digital Radiographs
Description
- Our assistants us the same “camera” pointed at your teeth, but there is no film. A sensor with a wire attached to the computer is placed in your mouth.
- Our panoramic radiographs are also digitized for immediate use.
- We use only digital radiography.
Benefits
- There is several fold decrease in radiation necessary to expose the sensors or plates, and therefore healthier.
- The images can be used immediately.
- Your dental radiographs will never be lost in the mail.
Splints for TMJ or Headache Discomfort
Description
- A TMJ splint is a thin plastic sheet that is adapted to your upper teeth.
- Your lower teeth glide on a smooth, flat plate, which allows the jaw muscles to relax, eliminating pain.
Procedure
- A gel like material is squirted on your teeth, and a tray with more gel is placed over that. It sets like rubber in a few minutes, and is removed.
- Often on the same visit, or at a second visit, the splint if fitted for comfort and function.
- This is worn at night and as often during the day as possible for about three weeks.
Time: A few minutes for the impressions and from a few minutes to 20 minutes to fit.
Snoring and Sleep Apnea Appliances
Description
Dental appliance consisting of an upper and lower plastic tray that fits snugly over the teeth with a connection between the two which keeps the lower jaw thrust forward to open the airway.
Benefits
- Conservative approach that solves the problem for many people.
- Possibly avoid more drastic options like surgery or CPAP machines.
Procedure
- A gel like material is squirted on your teeth, and a tray with more gel is placed over that. It sets like rubber in a few minutes, and is removed. A plaster cast is made and sent to a laboratory for construction.
- Your second visit is to fit the appliance and get instructions.
Time
A few minutes for the impressions and from a few minutes to 20 minutes to fit.
