Wisdom teeth

[TooNice]

So I just had my first dentist check up in probably over a decade. Unsurprisingly, there are issues, though I am reasonably happy that he did not tell me that all my teeth are decaying, and it's too late for anything.

On the other hand, after paying what I later found out to be a ridiculous cost for an X-Ray (60 quid), he suggested that I removed my wisdom teeth on the basis that the lower ones have started decaying and it may save me some issue later on. The alternative would be to fill them up, but he said that the decay may happen again in the future, and at some point it may need to be removed if they start causing problems. Plus, as I was thinking of having my teeth alignment corrected, it would free out some space.

At first he suggested that I had just the lower ones removed, but after a while, he suggested I removed both the upper and lower ones. Now to be honest, I do get attached possessions and even more so to part of my body. Plus, the quote I got for having my molars extracted was pretty shocking. If it is something that I should really do (I'll consult another dentist for a second opinion), then I will go ahead with me, but I would like to hear about people's experience/opinion over here.

[ACiD303]

My wisdom teeth were causing me a multitude of problems:

Due to their position, it was impossible to clean the rear of my molars - which, of course, allowed them to decay.
Due to the pressure they were exerting on my molar, and other teeth, I was in agony most of the time.
Due to the angle they were pointing - almost perpendicular to my molars - I wish I had gone for the funny anaesthetic instead...but it was still the best decision...my molars were at risk and wisdom teeth I can do without....molars....not so much, I'd rather keep them!

I still have one wisdom tooth left (top half) - still not too sure why they didn't just remove it whilst I was there.

If you're presented with good reasons to remove your wisdom teeth I think you should just take it - if they think it may cause problems later on, it probably will!

[srichards27]

My dentist told me i would need mine removed as they were going to compact together and the chances of decay are much greater. He said all this from an xray, my wisdom teeth hadnt even appeared through my gum yet! Anyway i declined and said i would see what happens. They have grown in and not been a problem whatsoever. they just want to make money. keep an eye out youll know all about it if they were to be a problem

[Honoop]

I think that if there is nothing currently wrong with them and you are intending on attending the dentist more regularly in the future - ie. every 6mths like you should do - then you may as well leave alone for now. Plus it kinda sounds like your dentist is after your money a bit.

I had one of my wisdoms removed years ago because it was decayed, I'd not been to the dentist for a while and it was so decayed it was a traumatic experience having it out.

[hamd01]

My wisdom teeth have never come through....and I'm 32. My dentist did an xray and advised that if they do come through I'm going to have problems as they are pointing right into the side of my back teeth. She said the best option is to leave well alone since it isnt causing me a problem, and that they are unlikely to come through.

[skuzgib]

If you are going to have your teeth straightened, then it's important speak with some orthodontists first before you have anything done, as having them out may be unecessary.

ANd if you think private extractions are expensive, wait until you see what you'll have to play for private orthodontic work

[Lemsip]

I had mine taken out so there was more room for the rest of the teeth - was too cramped.

If you are going to have your teeth straightened, then it's important speak with some orthodontists first before you have anything done, as having them out may be unecessary.

Agreed here, I was advised to do this.

[Salazaar]

Mine are perfectly okay except that I only have three of them. The last one never came through.

[TooNice]

Actually, I got quote. £3200 at minimum for the Invisalign and that would only be for the front teeth. To have everything done, I'd have to add at least another grand (beyond my budget). I'll get an appointment with an orthodontist elsewhere to get a second opinion and get another quote.

Proceeding with the extractions with the current clinic would set me back a total of £680. I am pretty sure that's steep by any standard. Oh yea, I just had a much needed clean/polish for £85 (and found out that a friend with a private dentist in Aberdeen get charged a third of that).

To be fair, I can't fault their service, but I reckon that any service they provide that goes beyond the cleaning would cost beyond my means (or at least willingness to pay). The funny thing is, the dentist said that the filling I had done many years ago (decade+) in a not so fancy clinic and paid probably no more than £15 were well done and still fine. I wonder how much would I would have to pay here. Thanks for the feedback so far.

[dave87]

ANd if you think private extractions are expensive, wait until you see what you'll have to play for private orthodontic work

I'll second that if my experiences are anything to go by

[r_j_k_p]

if you find the cost too much
go to a dental hospital/school and let a student pull it out for you for free

[TooNice]

@skuzgib & Dave87: Could you give me an idea of how expensive, expensive? I just booked another consultation with a much cheaper clinic (or as quoted on the website), but I will be once again seen by a dentist and not an 'orthodontic'. I wonder if I should look for one.

[dave87]

TooNice - ygpm.

[skuzgib]

@skuzgib & Dave87: Could you give me an idea of how expensive, expensive? I just booked another consultation with a much cheaper clinic (or as quoted on the website), but I will be once again seen by a dentist and not an 'orthodontic'. I wonder if I should look for one.

Well if you want to straighten your teeth, orthodontists are specialists in aligning teeth and jaws, so that's who you'll want to see. You're most likely looking at braces of some description; average price for an adult is around £2500 depending on where you live, exactly what treatment you're having, etc.

[dave87]

That is roughly my experience, though I was after nonextraction therapy, and as such cost a little more and took a while longer.


Oh, and where abouts are you based?

[TooNice]

@skuzgib & Dave87: Thanks. That's more or less in line with what my information search. It's still a lot of money, but I guess it kinda sank in that if I want my teeth privately straightened, that's what I would have to pay. Even so, they managed to surprise me with the £3200 *Min* quote (for that price, I expect all my teeth to be straightened, not just the front ones). I guess that's how they can afford such a fancy clinic in London City (where I am currently based).

Does make me think twice about how much I value having perfectly straight teeth. I like the idea, but in practice, I don't show my teeth that often (and it's not because they are visibly malaligned - I don't think it is noticeable on pictures in the rare instance where I show my teeth).