You’ve worked hard to earn your degree from Colorado State University; between all the late-night study sessions, trips to the library, tests, projects, club meetings, and activities, it felt like there was barely time for anything else, especially regular dental visits.
Now that you’re graduating from this prestigious research university, you’ll be moving forward toward a new career or further educational opportunities. The truth is that you’ll be busy with the next chapter of your life, so although you may not be having any trouble with your wisdom teeth, you might want to consider having them checked before you head home for the summer or move away.
Let’s explore why this important visit could benefit your smile now and in the future.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Also known as your third molars, your wisdom teeth usually come through in your late teens or early twenties. They are located at the very back of your mouth.
We often recommend removing your wisdom teeth before the roots fully form and the bone isn’t as dense; early removal can often mean a less difficult procedure and shorter recovery.
When Extraction Is Necessary
Sometimes, your wisdom teeth need to be removed because they’re causing one or more of the following problems:
- Impaction — If your wisdom teeth don’t have enough room to erupt, they can get stuck in your jaw. When they erupt at awkward angles, it can lead to unwanted pain and swelling.
- Overcrowding — When your wisdom teeth erupt, they can put pressure on your other teeth, affecting their alignment. This can lead to hygiene concerns and require orthodontic treatment.
- Infection and decay — Because your wisdom teeth are all the way at the back of your mouth, they can be hard to keep clean. Removing them reduces the risk of tooth decay and gum disease in that area.
- Cysts — Sometimes, a fluid-filled cyst can form around one or more of your impacted wisdom teeth; this could damage your jawbone and the roots of your teeth.
Why Schedule an Appointment?
There are numerous reasons why scheduling a wisdom tooth consultation is a wise investment of your time and money, including the following:
Maximizing Insurance Coverage
If you’re on your parents’ dental insurance, there’s a chance you could lose coverage after graduation. Having your wisdom teeth removed is a good way to maximize your insurance coverage before it expires. Generally, wisdom tooth removal is covered by insurance, often between 50%-80% once you meet the deductible. Talk to your parents or contact your insurance company about your specific coverage limitations.
Minimizing Career Disruption
Now that you’re about to start your dream career, you don’t want to have to worry about taking time off to have your wisdom teeth removed. While you still have some flexibility in your schedule, why not schedule an assessment to see if extraction is the right choice for your smile?
Avoiding Unnecessary Pain
If you can avoid the pain associated with impacted or infected wisdom teeth, why wouldn’t you? Instead of waiting for a problem to arise, be proactive and have your wisdom teeth assessed before summer is in full swing. That way, you can enjoy your upcoming vacation, trips to the lake, or other warm-weather activities.
Enjoying Easier Recovery
If you have your wisdom teeth removed when you’re younger and before they cause problems, you can look forward to an easier healing process. When your tooth’s roots aren’t fully formed, there’s a better chance of easy removal and a shorter recovery time. It’s a good preventive step to take after graduation and before you join the workforce.
The Extraction Process: What to Expect
Once we’ve determined that removing your wisdom teeth is the best treatment plan for you, we’ll schedule your appointment.
This is what you can expect:
- First, we’ll completely numb your mouth so you won’t feel any pain during the procedure.
- If your wisdom tooth is impacted, we’ll make a small incision to access the tooth.
- Then, using specialized tools, we’ll gently loosen and remove the tooth from its socket.
- We’ll clean the area by removing any debris and stitch the area closed.
- You’ll bite down on gauze to control the bleeding and help a blood clot to form.
- When you get home, you should rest, take over-the-counter pain medication, and eat soft foods.
Looking for Quality Dental Care in Fort Collins, CO?
Whether you’re getting ready to graduate or it's been a while since your last dental checkup, now is a great time to schedule a preventive visit. When you prioritize your oral health with routine cleanings and exams, we can catch dental issues before they worsen, giving you the best chance of keeping your natural teeth healthy and happy for a lifetime.
If you’d like to schedule a consultation or appointment, please feel free to reach out to us at (970) 223-5393.
We’re accepting new patients, and we’d love to welcome you to our dental family.