How might a wisdom tooth extraction benefit my dental health?

Removing a wisdom tooth can provide several benefits for your dental health, including:Preventing crowding | Wisdom teeth can often cause crowding and shifting of other teeth as they try to emerge, leading to bite problems and other dental issues. Removing wisdom teeth can prevent these problems and help preserve your natural teeth alignment.Reducing the risk of infection | Wisdom teeth that are partially erupted can be difficult to clean properly, making them more susceptible to infections and gum disease. Removing the wisdom teeth can help reduce the risk of infection and other dental problems.Relieving pain and discomfort | Wisdom teeth that are impacted or partially erupted can cause pain, swelling, and discomfort. Removing the teeth can provide relief from these symptoms and improve your overall dental health.Preventing damage to adjacent teeth | Wisdom teeth that are impacted or growing at an angle can cause damage to adjacent teeth, leading to decay, infection, and other dental problems. Removing the wisdom teeth can help prevent this damage and preserve the health of surrounding teeth.Overall, removing wisdom teeth can help improve your dental health and prevent a variety of dental problems. If you’re considering having your wisdom teeth removed, give us a call or request your consultation with our doctors online today!

SERVICES

Wisdom Teeth Removal
Spokane Valley, WA

wisdom tooth extractions in Spokane Valley, WA

When it comes to wisdom teeth removal, Nightingale Family Dental offers the most compassionate, skilled, and personalized experience in the Spokane Valley area. Your wisdom teeth consultation will include a thorough exam with Dr. Jimmy or Dr. Lisa who will discuss all of your options with you. Your oral health is our priority, so we’re here to guide you towards a healthier and more comfortable smile.

Wisdom teeth removal may be necessary if you are experiencing:

Pain or discomfort
Crowding or shifting teeth
Difficulty or pain while eating
Sinus pressure or congestion
Bad breath or unpleasant taste
Swollen gums

Dr. Jimmy and Dr. Lisa always strive to preserve the natural structure of your teeth, however, there are many situations where wisdom teeth removal might be necessary. If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, we recommend giving us a call at (509) 927-5909 or booking your appointment online right away. Dr. Jimmy or Dr. Lisa will provide their expert opinion and discuss all potential treatment options with you.

Why Choose Us For Your Wisdom Teeth Removal?

We do most wisdom teeth extractions right here in our office, helping you avoid the extra time and costs associated with a referral.

Patient Focused Care | We look out for your best interest and let your goals guide our process.

Modern Technology | We utilize the latest advancements in dental technology to treat patients more effectively and in fewer visits, saving you time and money.

Comprehensive Pre and Post-Operative Care | You’ll receive a customized treatment plan and detailed pre/post operative instructions to help ensure a smooth recovery.

Pain Management | We offer a variety of sedation options to decrease pain or anxiety.

Transparent Pricing | You’ll feel comfortable knowing exactly how much your procedure will cost. We also offer financing options!

Wisdom Teeth Extraction Process

Initial Consultation

Dr. Jimmy or Dr. Lisa will perform an oral examination to determine if wisdom teeth extractions are required for your unique situation. If they determine that wisdom teeth extractions are necessary, they will provide a personalized treatment plan for you, which may include anxiety-reducing sedatives that you’ll pick up at a pharmacy of your choosing and take before your appointment.

Initial Consultation

Removal

In most cases Dr. Jimmy or Dr. Lisa will administer a local anesthesia to numb the extraction site. Once you are relaxed and sufficiently numb, they will skillfully remove any problematic wisdom teeth. Wisdom teeth surgery is usually a relatively quick procedure and most patients will not feel much, if any pain due to the sedatives and local anesthetic.

Removal

Recovery

After your wisdom teeth have been removed, Dr. Jimmy or Dr. Lisa will either pack the extraction site with gauze or close the wound with a few, small stitches. At this point, our dental team will monitor you to ensure that the sedatives are wearing off before letting a friend or family member drive you home. You will also receive post-operative instructions and, if needed, a prescription for pain medication and a follow-up appointment to ensure your recovery goes smoothly.

Recovery

wisdom teeth removal in Spokane Valley, WA

What are wisdom teeth?

Wisdom teeth are your third molars and typically the last set of permanent teeth to emerge in the back corners of your mouth. It’s possible for some people to have fewer or even no wisdom teeth, however, most people have four, with one located in each quadrant of your mouth (upper right, upper left, lower right, lower left).

Wisdom teeth typically start to emerge between the ages of 17 and 25, although this timing can vary from person to person. Some individuals’ wisdom teeth will emerge fully and properly aligned with the rest of their teeth, while others may encounter various issues related to the growth and positioning of their wisdom teeth.

We often recommend that patients see us during their late-teen years for a wisdom teeth evaluation to determine the condition of their wisdom teeth. While some people go through life with no wisdom teeth complications, it’s a good idea to see a dental professional who can analyze your mouth and take steps to prevent oral health issues from occurring down the line.

no insurance? no problem!

Looking for wisdom teeth removal near you but don’t have insurance? Not a problem! Patients who would like to break their treatment costs into affordable monthly payments can benefit from working with a financing company. Applying for financing is quick and easy, and you’ll receive an instant decision so you can proceed with your treatment promptly.

If you are interested in seeing our doctors for wisdom teeth but don’t have insurance, call Nightingale Family Dental today at (509) 927-5909 to speak with our insurance coordinator who can provide more information about our financing options.

have insurance? we've got you covered!

You could save big on your wisdom teeth removal with insurance! We accept most PPO plans, and our treatment coordinator will be able to provide an estimate of what your plan may cover. We’re also happy to bill your dental insurance plan on your behalf to help you maximize your benefits. Visit our Insurance & Financing page to learn more about our insurance and financing options.

Before your extraction

In general, wisdom teeth extractions are very safe. However, there are some cases in which a patient should disclose past medical history to our dental team to ensure patient safety. For example, Dr. Jimmy and Dr. Lisa need to know if you have:

Heart damage, a congenital heart defect, or heart valve replacement
A suppressed or impaired immune system
Cirrhosis–also known as liver disease
Any artificial joints (e.g. hip, knee, or shoulder replacements)
A history of bacterial endocarditis

If you have any of these conditions, please let our dental team know immediately. Knowing this information will help us mitigate complications, ensuring a safe and successful extraction.

aftercare instructions

Proper aftercare is extremely important following a wisdom teeth extraction. To reduce the risk of infection and improve recovery:

Take the recommended medication if needed
Limit their activity for 24-72 hours after their extraction
If the wound was packed with gauze, carefully change the pad every 30 minutes
Avoid creating a vacuum in their mouth by sucking, spitting, swishing
Do not drink through a straw for at least 24 hours after the procedure
Do not smoke or chew tobacco products while the wound is healing
Eat soft foods for a few days after the procedure
Sleep with their heads propped up to prevent prolonged bleeding
Gently apply an ice pack to the side of the face for ten minutes at a time to reduce swelling
Continue to gently brush and floss teeth

Once the wound is fully healed, patients have a wide variety of tooth-replacement options to choose from, such as dental implants, bridges, or dentures. It is essential to replace a missing tooth to prevent damage to other teeth from biting forces/uneven pressure, avoid tilting or shifting of remaining teeth into the gap.

Frequently Asked Questions