Many patients arrive nervous and leave with a plan they feel good about. The consultation is the simplest way to get the answers you need and take the first step toward confident care.
What's Included in Your Wisdom Teeth Consultation
Your free wisdom teeth consultation in Minnetonka is a complete evaluation designed to give you a full picture of your oral health. We want you to leave with clear answers and no hidden concerns.
Panoramic X-Ray at No Charge — and No Impact on Your Insurance
For all wisdom teeth patients, part of your complimentary consultation includes a panoramic X-ray at no cost. This single image captures your entire mouth, including all four wisdom teeth, their roots, and their position relative to nerves and sinuses. Because we do not bill your insurance for this visit, there is no claim, no impact on your deductible, and no surprise bill. You get a complete diagnostic image at zero expense.
What Our Surgeons Evaluate During Your Visit
During the consultation, Dr. Johnson or Dr. Swift will review your panoramic X-ray and perform a clinical exam. They will evaluate:
- Whether your wisdom teeth are fully erupted, partially erupted, or impacted
- The angle and direction of each tooth
- The health of the surrounding gum tissue and bone
- Any signs of infection, decay, or cysts
- The potential for crowding or damage to nearby teeth
- Your current symptoms and any history of pain or swelling
After this assessment, your surgeon will discuss the findings with you in plain language and recommend the best path forward. If treatment is recommended, we will then submit a pre-estimate to your insurance so you know your expected coverage before you decide.
Why Patients Choose Wise Decision for Their Wisdom Teeth Consultation
Patients come to us because they want a specialist who will take the time to explain everything clearly. Here is what sets our consultation apart.
Board-Certified Surgeons with Mayo Clinic and University of Minnesota Credentials
Both of our surgeons are board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons. Dr. Johnson completed advanced surgical training at Mayo Clinic and has over 30 years of experience. Dr. Swift served as Director of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the University of Minnesota. Together, they bring a level of training usually found at academic medical centers but delivered in a comfortable, private practice setting. When you choose Wise Decision, you are choosing expertise you can trust.
Hospital-Quality Anesthesia Available — Right Here in Minnetonka
If your consultation leads to a recommendation for removal, we can perform the procedure right here in our office with hospital-quality anesthesia options. Our facility meets Category 1 Anesthesia Facility standards, and double board-certified pediatric anesthesiologists are on site during IV sedation. This means the same level of safety you expect from a hospital, but with a setting designed for comfort and convenience.
What Happens If Removal Is Recommended?
If our surgeons recommend removal and you choose to delay, certain risks can become more likely over time. Impacted wisdom teeth can lead to infection, cysts that damage the jawbone, decay on neighboring molars, and increased crowding of your other teeth. The decision is always yours, and we will never pressure you. But we will give you an honest picture of what could happen if you wait.
Consultation vs. Removal — What to Expect at Each Step
It helps to understand the difference between a consultation and the actual removal procedure. Here is a quick comparison.
| Feature | Wisdom Teeth Consultation | Wisdom Teeth Removal |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Included with panoramic X-ray | Varies based on insurance and complexity; we discuss costs during consultation |
| What happens | Exam, X-ray, evaluation, discussion of findings | Surgery performed under local anesthesia, IV sedation, or general anesthesia |
| Duration | 30 to 45 minutes | 45 minutes to 1.5 hours depending on the number of teeth and complexity |
| Next steps | If removal is recommended, we outline a treatment plan and answer questions you might have | You go home to recover; your surgeon will call you that evening to check on you |
| Anesthesia involvement | None during consultation | Options discussed and provided during procedure |
| Who you meet | The oral surgeon | The oral surgeon and clinical team, plus anesthesiologist (if needed) |
The consultation is purely diagnostic and takes place in a relaxed setting. Many patients say it is much easier than they expected.
Why the Consultation Is a Separate Appointment
Patients often ask why they cannot have their consultation and surgery on the same day. In the state of Minnesota, a consultation appointment is required before any surgical procedure can take place. That visit is where your surgeon reviews your imaging and health history, confirms the diagnosis, obtains your informed consent, and plans your anesthesia. It protects you, and it means nothing about your surgery is decided in a rush.
How to Prepare for Your Wisdom Teeth Consultation
Preparing for your visit is simple. Bring a valid photo ID and your dental insurance card if you have one. Make a list of any medications you take regularly, and write down any questions or concerns you want to ask. If you are receiving sedation during your surgery, you must have a parent, guardian, or driver to bring you home after the procedure.
During the visit, you will have plenty of time to ask questions. We want you to leave fully informed and comfortable with whatever decision you make.
