Signs They Need to Come Out
Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to come in, usually in your late teens or early twenties. Many mouths don't have room for them. Signs yours may need to come out:
- Pain at the back of your mouth, especially when you chew or open wide.
- Swelling in your gums or jaw near the back teeth.
- Teeth stuck in the bone, meaning they can't come in the rest of the way. Your dentist may call these impacted.
- Crowding, when your wisdom teeth push against the teeth in front of them.
Pain with swelling, fever, or a bad taste in your mouth can mean an infection, and it needs care soon.Read Why an Untreated Dental Infection Is Serious
When It's Covered
Does Missouri Medicaid pay for wisdom teeth removal? Yes, when your wisdom teeth are impacted or causing pain and your plan approves the surgery. With approval, there's nothing for you to pay.See Plans and Costs →
Our team asks your plan for that approval and follows up for you.How Approval Works →
Being Put to Sleep or Sedated
Wisdom teeth qualify. If you need them out, you can be put to sleep or sedated for wisdom teeth removal at our center, under IV sedation and general anesthesia.
Under general anesthesia, you're fully asleep the whole time, with our anesthesia team at your side. You're pain-free during surgery, and your comfort is managed after. You won't see or remember the surgery.
Being asleep also means your surgeon can take out all your wisdom teeth in one visit, so you heal once instead of coming back again and again.
Want to know who else qualifies to be put to sleep or sedated?See the Full Rules →
Common Questions
Does Missouri Medicaid pay for wisdom teeth removal?
Yes, when your wisdom teeth are impacted or causing pain and your plan approves the surgery. With approval, there's nothing for you to pay.
Do I qualify to be put to sleep or sedated? (Ages 13 and up)
Most patients 13 and up qualify when they need wisdom teeth out or four or more teeth removed.For more details, see:Tooth Extractions →
What is a prior authorization?
It's your plan saying yes to your surgery before it happens. We request it for you.For more details, see:Prior Authorization →
Who needs to come with me?
If the patient is under 18, a parent or legal guardian must come and stay the whole time. Every patient needs a responsible adult to drive them home and stay with them for 24 hours.For more details, see:Preparing for Surgery →
How long does swelling last?
It's usually worst on days 2 to 4, then fades by days 7 to 10.For more details, see:Recovery →
What happens if a tooth infection isn't treated?
The problem can spread. Pain, swelling, or a bad taste in your mouth can be signs of an infection, so don't wait on it.For more details, see:What Happens If a Dental Infection Goes Untreated?
