woman holding her face in pain

Impacted Wisdom Teeth

When wisdom teeth get trapped under the gums they can inflict pain, and damage your other teeth. Not only do impacted wisdom teeth cause serious complications, but they often require advanced techniques to remove safely. Our board-certified oral surgeon at Hopkin Oral Surgery in Salt Lake City, UT, has the advanced training needed for these situations...

What Does "Impacted Wisdom Tooth" Actually Mean?

Wisdom teeth typically emerge when patients are in their late teens or early twenties. In many cases, the third molars fail to erupt and become trapped. If the tooth partially emerges, it is said to be partially impacted. When the third molar cannot emerge at all, it is said to be fully impacted.

Different Ways a Tooth Can become Impacted

Different Ways a Tooth Can become Impacted
Each type of impaction can have severe implications on the health and appearance of your smile.

Extraction Can Protect Your Oral Health

If impacted wisdom teeth are compromising your or your child's oral health, Dr. Dustin J. Hopkin may recommend tooth extraction at our Salt Lake City practice.

Dr. Hopkin is a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon, meaning he has the necessary training and experience to handle even the most complex cases. He employs advanced technology, such as 3D imaging, which allows for more sophisticated insight than traditional X-rays. He is also experienced with dental sedation, so patients have nothing to fear during wisdom tooth surgery.

Extractions are typically covered by insurance, but our office also accepts CareCredit® financing and in-house payment plans. To schedule your or your child's examination, contact our Salt Lake City, UT, office online or give us a call at:

(801) 277-3942

Real 5-Star Reviews from Satisfied Patients

1

malishya jensen

2020

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Honestly this place was amazing! I went in for my wisdom teeth. They got me in, made sure I fully understood everything. Scheduled the appointment, put me out and the procedure only took 15 minutes. They helped me out to my car with my fiancé. Little to no pain the following days. No bruising. And very very minor swelling you couldn't even tell. Very thankful I chose Hopkin Oral Surgery.

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1

Brittany Hernandez

2019

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Dr Hopkin is an awesome oral surgeon, and his staff are so friendly and caring .  I highly recommend this office for wisdom tooth extraction and implants.

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The Process of Wisdom Teeth Removal

An estimated 85% of wisdom teeth eventually need to be removed. American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
An estimated 85% of wisdom teeth eventually need to be removed. American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons

Consultation

During your consultation at our Salt Lake City, UT, office, Dr. Hopkin will examine your wisdom teeth with state-of-the-art technology,  like the cone beam CT scanner. After getting a clear idea about the state of your wisdom teeth and if they're impacted, Dr. Hopkin will discuss sedation options and answer any questions you have regarding the surgical process.

Sedation

On the day of the procedure, sedation dentistry options can significantly calm your anxieties surrounding the surgery. Since impacted wisdom teeth removal is a more extensive surgery, our patients often opt for IV sedation to achieve a deep state of relaxation.

Operation

If you choose a sedation option, you most likely won't remember the procedure. Dr. Hopkin begins the surgery by making an incision in the gums. He then removes the bone that's blocking access to the wisdom teeth. Dr. Hopkin may break the wisdom tooth into smaller pieces so that it's easier to remove. Once the tooth is removed, he will clean the extraction site and possibly stitch the wound to heal.

Aftercare

After the operation, Dr. Hopkin will place gauze over the extraction site to stop the bleeding and aid in blood clot formation. Dr. Hopkin will inform you of aftercare methods to follow, such as eating soft foods, not drinking through a straw, cleaning your mouth, and other best practices to prevent infection, reduce swelling, and avoid reopening the incision site.

How Much is Impacted Wisdom Teeth Removal?

The price of wisdom teeth extraction at our Salt Lake City, UT, office is $600 to $2,100. The cost for extraction will vary depending on the severity of the impacted wisdom tooth and any additional treatments to address gum disease, swelling, and other oral health matters.

Wisdom teeth removal is considered an essential procedure to maintain your oral health, meaning your insurance should cover at least part of the cost. If you don't have insurance, we offer in-house financing plans and CareCredit® financing to help break the payment up into monthly payments with low or even zero-percent interest.

What Happens If I Put Treatment Off? Possible Complications

Left untreated, wisdom teeth have the potential to cause a wide range of dental problems. A few of these may include:

Crowding

Many young patients are surprised to learn that wisdom teeth can cause teeth crowding. If your child recently underwent orthodontic treatment, the cosmetic benefits are at risk of being undone if there is not adequate room for their third molars to emerge.

Tooth Damage

As a wisdom tooth tries to erupt, it may push against the neighboring second molar. This pressure has the potential to cause root resorption of the adjacent molars, increasing the risk of additional tooth loss. 

Decay

A partially impacted wisdom tooth is at a higher risk for tooth decay and cavities. Wisdom teeth are harder to clean, so food and bacteria can more easily become trapped in the gums surrounding these teeth.

Periodontal Infections

Partially impacted molars place the patient at a higher risk for developing gum disease.

Cysts

A small sack filled with fluid, called a cyst, can form around an impacted wisdom tooth and damage the jawbone, other teeth, and nerves.

More 5-Star Reviews From Salt Lake City, UT, Patients

1

Tamera DeRushia

2020

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I definitely made the right choice. Very respectful and down to earth, I was never rushed or made to feel anything but the most important person in the room. And it wasn't just Dr. Hopkins. The entire staff was this way, 100% of the time. I was having all of my remaining top teeth removed and getting a top denture. The procedure was so fast and comfortable, I chose to be put under anesthesia. Full instructions for after care, full attention to any questions or concerns I may have had. 10/10 recommend Dr. Hopkins and his amazing staff. Thank you all for making this so easy to get finally taken care of. ❤️

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1

Conrad Harting

June, 2021

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Dr. Hopkin and his staff were very professional. The office was immaculate as well. They clearly explained my options with the procedure and what the process would entail. They also gave me proper expectations regarding insurance coverage. I’m very happy with the entire visit and would definitely recommend Dr. Hopkin to anyone.

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Dustin J. Hopkin, DDS

Hopkin Oral Surgery Dustin J. Hopkin, DDS

Dr. Dustin J. Hopkin is a highly trained oral surgeon in Salt Lake City, UT. He is proud to be board-certified by the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. At Hopkin Oral Surgery, Dr. Hopkin and his team provide excellent care with state-of-the-art technology and advanced treatment methods. Our most popular services include:

You can request a consultation with Dr. Hopkin by filling out our online form or calling (801) 277-3942.

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"I don't fear many things in life, but I can honestly say going to the dentist is one of them! But the experience Dr. Hopkin's office provided me made it not so scary. I would recommend them without hesitation to anyone!"

Layne Northrop, from a Google + Review

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