Is It Time for Your Teen’s Wisdom Teeth Removal? Signs, Costs & Insurance Explained

If you’re a parent of a teenager, you’ve probably heard the words wisdom teeth thrown around at some point. These third molars usually start to make an appearance during the late teens or early twenties. Now, for some kids, they come in without any issues at all. But for others, they can cause pain, swelling, or even push the rest of the teeth out of alignment.

It can be hard to know if it’s time for your teen to have their wisdom teeth removed. Let us walk you through what you need to know, the signs to watch for, how the procedure works, and what you can expect with insurance.

Understanding Wisdom Teeth

The third molars, or wisdom teeth, usually come in between the ages of 17 and 25. Although some people will be able to fit those teeth in their mouths without difficulty, others will need them removed due to issues such as crowded teeth, impacted teeth, or infected teeth. At Clove Dental, our dentists are committed to creating a customized plan of care for your teen so they can enjoy a concierge level of care with the best results being achieved. During the evaluation, we’ll also review your insurance coverage so you know what portion of the extraction and anesthesia might be covered before making any decisions.

Indicators Your Teenager May Need Wisdom Teeth Extracted

1. Pain and Discomfort: The most typical symptom that wisdom teeth extraction might be required is pain in the very back of the mouth. If your teenager is experiencing persistent pain that isn’t alleviated by over-the-counter pain relievers, it’s time to see a dentist. Pain can indicate that the teeth are impacted or that there is an infection.
   
   
2. Swelling and Tenderness: Facial swelling around the jaw or tender gums can also be a sign that wisdom teeth are attempting to appear but are being blocked in their effort. This swelling can become uncomfortable to touch and may warrant immediate attention. If your teen has red or inflamed gums, you don’t want to put off a visit to our dental office to see them.
   
   
3. Difficulty Opening the Mouth: If your teen is having challenges opening their mouth fully or has a stiff jaw, this could be an indication that they should see the dentist for a wisdom teeth evaluation. Limited jaw movement is mainly associated with impaction, where the teeth cannot break through the gums.
   
   
4. Crowding of Other Teeth: Wisdom teeth can cause a pushing effect on the teeth, making them crooked or appear closely packed. Similarly, if your teen mentions that the teeth do not fit well as a result of swelling, this is a reason why you should see the dentist sooner.
   
   
5. Cysts or Tumors: Complications like cysts or tumors may require surgical removal, which is more complex. Some of these advanced procedures may qualify for partial insurance coverage, which we confirm for every patient. At Clove Dental, we advise early evaluation of the wisdom teeth. Schedule your teen for a dental check-up by age 16. Early detection often leads to simpler and sometimes less expensive treatment.
   
   

Anesthesia Options

We will also have multiple anesthesia choices, including sleep/IV sedation, to keep your teen comfortable during surgery. We know that going to the dentist can be nerve-wracking, which is why our friendly team is devoted to making our practice an inviting place for every member of your family.

The Procedure 

The process itself typically takes under an hour. Our expert dentists will carefully remove the wisdom teeth with minimal pain in your mouth and jaw to optimize your recovery. We are proud to offer an innovative experience that blends state-of-the-art dentistry with a gentle touch.

Post-Operative Care

Once the procedure is finished, we’ll give you detailed instructions for at-home care. This will include:

• How to keep the area clean
• What foods are safe to eat (and which ones to avoid for a few days)
• How to manage swelling and discomfort
• What symptoms to watch for that may need a call to our office

And of course, if you have questions at any point after surgery, we’re just a phone call away.

Insurance and Cost: What You Should Know

Parents often ask, “Does insurance cover wisdom teeth removal?” In many cases, yes. If the procedure is medically necessary, because of pain, infection, or impaction, insurance usually covers at least part of the cost.

At Clove Dental, we make it simple:

Here’s how we make it simple for you:

• We confirm your insurance benefits before the procedure.
• We provide a clear, written estimate so there are no surprises.
• If any part of the cost isn’t covered, we’ll go over payment plan options.
• Families who join our membership plan (starting at $47/month*) receive additional savings on oral surgery and other treatments.

*Pricing subject to change; see office for current membership terms.

Why Clove Dental for Wisdom Teeth Extraction?

At Clove Dental, our trained and certified team brings years of industry experience at mainstream pricing. We think of our patients as one big family, and that’s why we’re here to give you that individual care and attention. Here’s what sets us apart:

• Convenient Locations: With many locations in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties, we provide convenient care for your family when you need it most.
• Cost-Effective Membership Plans: Membership plans are available at only $47/month, meaning the whole family can afford to have quality dental care without a huge bill. Members receive reductions when purchasing other treatments and full services.
• Team of Experts: Our dentists and team regularly attend training courses to learn the latest in pediatric and orthodontic dentistry so we can provide your teen with the best possible care.

Precautions You Can Take for Your Teen’s Dental Health

If you think your teen may need to have their wisdom teeth removed, don’t wait until they’re in severe pain. Early evaluation is always better. It usually means a simpler surgery, fewer complications, and a quicker recovery.

Call our office or book an appointment online. We’ll examine your teen’s teeth, walk you through insurance coverage, and explain the next steps so you can make the best decision for your child’s health.