Wisdom Teeth Removal
Do you suffer from persistent jaw pain, gum inflammation, or difficulty opening your mouth? Your wisdom teeth could be to blame.
At Hopkin Oral Surgery in Salt Lake City, UT, we perform wisdom teeth removal to eliminate pain and restore your oral health.
Find out how board-certified oral surgeon Dr. Dustin J. Hopkin can help you feel better today…
Are You Living With Pain Because of Your Wisdom Teeth? Schedule a consultation today
There are many reasons you might need your wisdom teeth removed, but pain is a common one. Dr. Dustin J. Hopkin and his experienced team can help relieve the symptoms and prevent further oral health issues. With advanced technology and sedation options, Hopkin Oral Surgery in Salt Lake City, UT, provides comprehensive care. Say goodbye to the pain! Call us or request a consultation online today.
Wisdom Teeth Removal Explore the Benefits
Experience Pain Relief
Impacted or problematic wisdom teeth can cause painful symptoms that affect you or your child's everyday life. It can be challenging to eat, sleep, or perform daily activities without focusing on your teeth. Wisdom teeth removal at our Salt Lake City office provides instant relief by eliminating the source of the problem.Avoid More Extensive Issues
Undergoing wisdom teeth removal reduces the risk of misalignment and damage to surrounding teeth, which would require more expensive and time-consuming dental care to repair in the future. By acting now, you can save time, money, and achieve peace of mind.
Improve Your Oral Health
Wisdom teeth can make brushing and flossing more challenging. Because bacteria can get trapped in hard-to-reach places, patients may have bad breath and an increased risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health issues. Wisdom teeth removal significantly improves oral health and hygiene, helping you feel better.
"This place was amazing!" Hear from Our Patients
Malishya Jensen
2020
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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Micah Weisenberg
2020
A review from a different perspective. I am a general dentist and have had referred many cases to Dr. Hopkin. He is a gifted surgeon who has amazing interpersonal skills. He keeps my patients informed and comfortable throughout the whole process. And when dealing with larger/complex cases, having good communication between the specialist, dentist, and patient is essential to achieving the desired outcomes. After seeing his work for the past two years, if my family or I needed to see an oral surgeon, we would be going to Dr. Hopkin (and I don't say that about all the dentists and specialists I have worked with).
View On GoogleWhat Is a Wisdom Tooth?
Wisdom teeth are the common name for our third set of molars, which typically begin to erupt between the ages of 17 and 21. They come in at the very back of the mouth behind the existing molars. In some cases, third molars erupt without any problems. In other cases, they can cause pain, inflamed gums, or misalignment of surrounding teeth. Some wisdom teeth may become impacted, or unable to erupt through the gums.
Do You Have Any of These Symptoms? You May Need Your Wisdom Teeth Removed
Chronic Bad Breath
Wisdom teeth can cause chronic bad breath and a foul taste in the mouth due to bacteria build-up, trapped food, or infection.Inflamed Gums
When a tooth has partially erupted, the gums around it become swollen and sore to the touch.Tooth Decay
Due to their location in the mouth, wisdom teeth are challenging to clean, making them susceptible to tooth decay.Sinus Issues
Wisdom teeth can cause headaches and other uncomfortable sinus issues due to added pressure in the jaws.Misalignment
Wisdom teeth that grow in crooked often trigger misalignment, making surrounding teeth shift out of place.Jaw Pain
Patients who need their wisdom teeth removed often find it difficult to open their mouths due to stiffness and soreness.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, we recommend that you schedule an evaluation at our Salt Lake City office right away.
"He Is a Gifted Surgeon Who Has Amazing Interpersonal Skills" 5-Star Reviews for Our Salt Lake City Practice
Kim Plute
2020
My daughter had her wisdom teeth removed a few weeks ago by Dr. Hopkin. It was a great experience. The staff that worked with her were caring and professional. Her nurse, Yvette, was so sweet to her. She was feeling fairly good the following day, and much better 2 days later. Very little bruising or swelling. It’s been almost 3 weeks and she’s had no complications. Glad we decided to use Dr. Hopkin!
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Jonathan Huck
2020
I just had surgery. It was so quick and painless! The whole procedure started before I could get anxious. All of, the staff are helpful, knowledgeable, and friendly. But, most importantly, Dr. Hopkin is extremely skilled, like I said quick and painless. 10 out of 10 recommend!
View On GoogleVisit Our Warm and Inviting Office
For many patients, wisdom tooth removal is the first surgery they will ever undergo, so it's normal for the procedure to sound scary. However, wisdom tooth removal is one of the most commonly performed dental procedures at our office.
The Hopkin Oral Surgery team strives to help patients feel comfortable during their visit with us by creating a calm, easygoing environment. We understand that wisdom teeth removal can be stressful or intimidating, but we use advanced techniques and offer gentle sedation options to make the extraction as pain-free as possible. To request a consultation or learn more, call our Salt Lake City, UT, dental office at:
(801) 277-3942
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More Reasons Why Many Undergo Wisdom Teeth Removal
Insufficient Space
A big reason why wisdom teeth are so problematic is that many people's jaws are too small to accommodate them. As a result, erupting wisdom teeth can cause existing teeth to shift out of alignment. This can cause considerable discomfort and may even require orthodontic treatment to correct.
Partially Erupted Tooth
Partially erupted wisdom teeth create pockets of gum tissue that can collect bacteria and debris. Over time, this can lead to bad breath, periodontal infection, and even abscesses.
Preventative Care
Many oral surgeons recommend removing wisdom teeth before they begin to cause problems. Early removal reduces the chances of wisdom tooth-related oral health problems that may require more extensive, costly dental care in the future.
Does Age Matter When Removing Wisdom Teeth?
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Age can make a difference. In younger people, the jawbone hasn't fully hardened. But with each passing year, wisdom teeth become more firmly anchored. In older adults, the teeth and bones may have hardened so much that the jaw and surrounding teeth could be damaged when the wisdom teeth are removed.
Watch How a Wisdom Tooth Causes Misalignment
In a small jaw, erupting wisdom teeth can cause misalignment and many other health problems.
What Are Impacted Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are impacted when they are unable to fully grow in. Some impacted wisdom teeth remain trapped under the bone or gums, while others only partially erupt. Impacted teeth are problematic because they are unpredictable and can grow in many different ways. When they grow in sideways, they can damage other tooth roots or nerves, causing a host of oral health issues. Dr. Hopkin uses advanced imaging tools at his Salt Lake City practice to view exactly where and how the tooth is impacted in order to plan the most precise surgery.
We Use Advanced Technology to Provide the Highest Quality Care in Utah
Our dental office is proud to utilize state-of-the-art technology when planning your wisdom tooth extraction. Instead of just using x-rays, we use 3-D imaging equipment to gain a comprehensive view of your entire mouth and jaw. This allows us to pinpoint exactly where your wisdom teeth are located and how they affect surrounding teeth. Based on our findings, we can create a customized treatment plan. Thanks to our careful planning and eye for detail, treatment is incredibly precise and virtually pain-free. To learn more, schedule a consultation online or call our Salt Lake City office in Utah at:
(801) 277-3942
Wisdom Tooth Removal Is Virtually Painless Thanks to Our Sedation Options
Here at Hopkin Oral Surgery in Salt Lake City, UT, your comfort is our greatest priority. In addition to local anesthesia, we offer different types of sedation. Patients who need more than one tooth extracted usually opt for sedation.
Nitrous Oxide
Also known as "laughing gas," nitrous oxide is a simple but effective way to help you feel calm and relaxed during your procedure. Patients inhale nitrous oxide through a mask during the duration of their procedure, and the effects immediately wear off when the mask is removed. There is no grogginess or disorientation after, so you can drive yourself home after surgery.
IV Sedation
Intravenous (IV) sedation is an excellent option for patients who prefer to be completely relaxed or asleep during their procedure. This option is considered more invasive because it is administered through a needle in your arm or hand, helping you achieve deeper levels of relaxation than nitrous oxide. If you receive IV sedation, you will need a family member or friend to drive you home from the procedure.
"It Was So Quick and Painless!" Hear From More Happy Patients
Karla Bennett
2019
Dr Hopkin and his staff are awesome. They are caring, quick and efficient. I have been a patient more times then I want to admit :) and they are always senstive to my concerns. If your looking for an oral surgeon.. look no more.. I would absolutely recommend Dr Hopkin for your Oral Surgery procedure. Oh and his new office and location is very convienent which is a plus
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Donna Middlemas
2018
These guys truly are amazing! I am 24 hours post op from having all 4 wisdom teeth removed and the swelling has already started to go down. Dr Hopkin and his staff were all very patient answering all my dumb questions and easing the nerves. I was in and out in less than an hour. I would definitely recommend Hopkin Oral Surgery!
View On GoogleWhat to Expect during Recovery
Dr. Hopkin will prescribe pain medication to help minimize any discomfort. Patients may also choose to take over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen.
Blood clots will form at the extraction sites after surgery. It is important not to drink out of a straw or make a sucking motion with your mouth as this can dislodge the clots and cause dry socket.
It is normal to experience swelling for a few days after surgery. This decreases with time and can be alleviated by applying a cold compress to the jaw for the first 24 hours after surgery.
Patients must eat a soft food diet for the first few days following their procedure. Recommended foods include soup, applesauce, or yogurt. You will be able to add in more solid foods as healing progresses.
Patients must avoid exercise and other strenuous activity for the first few days after surgery. An increase in heart rate or blood pressure can cause more bleeding at the extraction site.
Prevent Future Oral Health Issues Contact our Utah dental practice today
Some patients choose to have their wisdom teeth removed as a precaution. Patients who have their wisdom teeth removed at a younger age have fewer complications than those who wait. It can also prevent further oral health issues such as shifting, decay, and infections.
Dr. Hopkin and his team can guide you through the process and help you determine if this is a good course of action for you. Contact our Salt Lake City dental practice today for a consultation.
(801) 277-3942
"Thank you Hopkin Oral Surgery team!" More Happy Salt Lake City Patients
Selena Cordova
2022
Had all four wisdom teeth removed yesterday and it was such an easy and quick experience thanks to the staff and surgeon. I was in the best hands and couldn't recommend Hopkin more!
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Tiffany Martinez
2022
Hopkin Oral Surgery got my mom in as a new patient within 24 hours and literally had abscess drained and wisdom tooth out in 15 minutes. I am so thankful for the quick care and the attention my mom received. Thank you Hopkin Oral Surgery team! ♥
View On GoogleExplore Your Financing Options Yes, We Offer Them!
Our Salt Lake City dental office is committed to making wisdom teeth removal affordable for patients throughout Utah. Because wisdom tooth removal is considered a necessary procedure to maintain your oral health, it is usually partially or fully covered by insurance. For patients who have out-of-pocket costs, we offer in-house payment plans to help make treatment more affordable.
We also work with CareCredit, a third-party financing company that splits treatment costs into low or zero-percent interest payments. Our team is happy to walk you through the process and answer any questions you may have. We are transparent with all of our pricing and provide you with an estimate during your consultation. Factors that affect pricing may include how many teeth are removed, the extent of treatment needed, and the sedation methods used.
More Questions About Wisdom Teeth and Extraction
Do I really need to have my wisdom teeth removed if they aren't causing pain?
According to a study by the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons and the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Foundation, wisdom teeth that erupt normally may still be prone to issues and disease. AAOMS recommends that patients have their wisdom teeth monitored and assessed if they are not removed.
What if I decide to keep my wisdom teeth?
If you decide to keep your wisdom teeth, the American Dental Association recommends that you monitor them for potential issues in the future. Visiting your dentist for regularly scheduled exams can help catch issues before they progress. For example, if a wisdom tooth begins to decay, it can cause infections in your mouth, leading to other oral health issues and even tooth loss. If you begin to experience any symptoms or pain, contact your dentist as soon as possible.
How do I know if my wisdom teeth are an issue if I am not in pain?
An X-ray can give Dr. Hopkin a detailed look at what is happening beneath the gum line. Your regular dentist can also monitor your teeth during routine exams to determine if any shifting has occurred and suggest wisdom teeth removal before it becomes a bigger issue.
What is a dry socket?
A dry socket can occur after a tooth extraction when a blood clot does not develop or is dislodged before the extraction site is healed. That can cause inflammation, pain, and infection to occur in the area, and it is one of the most common complications following tooth removal. A dry socket can usually be prevented by following your oral surgeon's instructions.
How long does it take for the extraction site to fully heal?
Your extraction site should be fully or close to fully healed and closed by about six weeks following surgery. It will vary by patient and by the type of extraction you require.
Have more questions? We are happy to answer them!
"They Are Caring, Quick and Efficient"
Tamera DeRushia
2020
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. The procedure was so fast and comfortable. 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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Conrad Harting
2021
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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