Call now toll free (888) 380-6337 for more information, for a free,
no obligation quote and/or to enroll over the phone with a credit or debit card.

Save up to 60% - No Waiting Period!
First Visit $25 includes exam and x-rays
Teeth cleaning (non-perio) $25
30 Day - Money Back - Price Satisfaction Guarantee
Same Day or Next Day Appointments
Dental emergencies welcome - Routine dental care
One Low Yearly Membership Fee (No monthly fees)
Excellent employee group dental plan.
Group members do not have to be related.
Hundreds of participating dentists in California, Nevada, Texas

Online Dental Enrollment Mail Dental Enrollment

When you enroll in our discount dental plan you receive same day coverage, and in many cases, you can get same day or next day appointments. We specialize in helping people with no dental insurance find affordable dental discount care, low cost dentists, and low cost dental treatments for dental emergencies. We help new members get their dental treatment ASAP, and we help all of our members save up to 70% on their dental bill.

The Affordable Care Dental Membership Card offers the following unique features:

Bigger Savings: The discounts you'll get with the Affordable Care Dental Plan are significantly higher than most other plans. Our discounts are up to 60% and even higher in some cases! Most other advertised plans have little or no discounts, and unlike other plans, the Medical Discounts Dental Plan provides a written list of the final discount price that our members pay.
 

Solid Company: The Affordable Care Dental Plan uses an exclusive list of pre-selected dentists and dental offices that have been recommended by consumers. In addition, all the dentists and dental providers in our network have well established, successful dental practices.
 

Payment: Unlike other plans that require monthly payments, the Affordable Care Dental Plan has one small fee that covers a year of dental care savings..
 

Money Back Guarantee: Within 30 days from the date you enroll, if you use an Affordable Care Dental Provider, and are charged higher prices without your consent than what is listed, we will fully refund your enrollment fees.

Dental Plan Advantages

• Members are encouraged to recommend their own dentists for participation.

• No costs to join plan for dentists recommended by existing members

• Immediate "same day" use

• $25 first visit - includes exam and x-rays

• $25 teeth cleaning

• Group members DO NOT have to be related to receive the group discount price.

• Members receive a $10 referral fee on new members they recommend

• No qualifications or restrictions to use this program.

• Members save up to 70% on dental care.

• Less expensive, no restrictions and more comprehensive than many expensive dental insurance programs.

• No member restrictions

• No problem with pre-existing conditions

• No waiting period

• No deductibles.

• No paperwork or forms to fill out

• No surprises - complete price list below

• Affordable Care Dental Plan Locations
  Partial List - Call for more dental locations
  updated 8-22-12

  • New Locations added as new dentists join the network

  • Once you are a member, we encourage you to recommend your dentist to participate.

  • Exact locations w/dentists provided in membership packet.

    Arizona Participating Dentists

    Chandler Discount Endodontic Center...McClintook, Chandler, AZ 85226 (two locations)
    Chandler Discount Dental Center...Dobson Road, Chandler, AZ 85234
    Gilbert Discount Endodontic Center...Greenfield Road, Gilbert, AZ 85234
    Gilbert Discount Dental Center,.. Lindsay Road, Gilbert, AZ 85297
    Gilbert Discount Dental Center...Gilbert Road, Gilbert, AZ 85234
    Peoria Discount Dental Center...W. Thunderbird Road, Peoria, AZ 85381
    Phoenix Discount Dental Center...McDowell Road, Phoenix, AZ 85006 (two locations)
    Scottsdale Discount Dental Center...E. Camelback Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85250
    Sierra Vista Discount Dental Center...S. Frontage Road, Sierra Vista, AZ 85635
    Sun City Discount Dental Center...N.W. Grand Avenue, Sun City, AZ 85351
    Tempe Discount Dental Center...W. Southern Ave., Tempe, AZ 85282
    Tucson Discount Dental Center....N. Wilmot Road, Tucson, AZ 85711

    California Participating Dentists

    Los Angeles County Participating Dentists
    
    City of Industry Discount Dental Center...Almahurst Street, City of Industry, CA 91748
    Compton Discount Dental Center...North Bullis Road, Compton, CA 90221
    Culver City Discount Dental Center...Washington Blvd., Culver City, CA 90232
    Diamond Bar Discount Dental Center...Diamond Bar Blvd., Diamond Bar, CA 91765
    Glendora Discount Dental Center...W. Foothill Blvd., Glendora, CA 91741
    Huntington Park Discount Dental Center...Pacific Blvd., Huntington Park, CA 90255
    Inglewood Discount Dental Center...S. Market Street, Inglewood, CA 90301
    La Habra Discount Dental Center...N. Euclid Blvd., La Habra, CA 90631
    La Habra Discount Dental Center... Harbor Blvd., La Habra, CA 90631
    La Verne Discount Dental Center...Foothill Blvd., La Verne, CA 91750
    Lancaster Discount Dental Center...W. Avenue J, Lancaster, CA 93534
    Lancaster Discount Dental Center...10 Street West, Lancaster, 93535
    Lancaster Discount Dental Center...West Avenue K, Lancaster, CA 93536
    Long Beach Discount Dental Center...E. 7th Street, Long Beach, CA 90804
    Los Angeles Discount Dental Center...West 8th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90005
    Los Angeles Discount Dental Center...West 7th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90014
    Los Angeles Discount Dental Center...Westwood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90024 (two locations)
    Los Angeles Discount Dental Center...Westwood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90025
    Los Angeles Discount Dental Center...Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025 (two locations)
    Los Angeles Discount Dental Center...Venice Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90034
    Los Angeles Discount Dental Center...Robertson Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90034
    Los Angeles Discount Dental Center...Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles 90048
    Monrovia Discount Dental Center...W. Foothill Blvd., Monrovia, CA 91016
    Montebello Discount Dental Center... N. Montebello Blvd, Montebello, CA 90640
    Monterey Park Discount Dental Center...S. Atlantic Avenue, Monterey Park, CA 91754
    Monterey Park Discount Dental Center...Garfield Avenue, Monterey Park, CA 91754
    North Hollywood Discount Dental Center...Van Owen Street, North Hollywood, CA 91605
    Norwalk Discount Dental Center...Firestone Blvd., Norwalk, CA 90650
    Pasadena Discount Dental Center...South Los Robles Ave., Pasadena, CA 91101
    Pasadena Discount Dental Center...East Washington Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91104
    Pomona Discount Dental Center...W. La Verne Ave., Pomona, CA 91767
    Reseda Discount Dental Center...Reseda Blvd., Reseda, CA 91335
    Tarzana Discount Dental Center...Burbank Blvd., Tarzana, CA 91356
    Tarzana Discount Dental Center...Ventura Blvd., Tarzana, CA 91356
    Torrance Discount Dental Center...Hawthorne Blvd., Torrance, CA 90503
    Torrance Discount Dental Center...Redondo Beach Blvd., Torrance, CA 90504
    Van Nuys Discount Dental Center...Victory Blvd., Van Nuys, CA 91401
    Van Nuys Discount Dental Center...Van Nuys Blvd., Van Nuys, CA 91401
    Van Nuys Discount Dental Center...Woodman Avenue, Van Nuys, CA 91405
    West Covina Discount Dental Center...South Glendora Avenue, West Covina, CA 91790
    West Covina Discount Dental Center....Amar Road, West Covina, CA 91792
    Whittier Discount Dental Center.. South Painter Avenue, Whittier, CA 90602
    Woodland Hills Discount Dental Center...Topanga Canyon Blvd., . Woodland Hills, CA 91364
    Woodland Hills Discount Dental Center...Ventura Blvd., Woodland Hills, CA 91364

    Northern California Participating Dentists

    Bakersfield Discount Dental Center...Wilson Road, Bakersfield, CA 93309 (two locations)
    Bakersfield Discount Dental Center...Old River Road, Bakersfield, CA 93310
    Camarillo Discount Dental Center...Mobil Ave, Camarillo, CA 93010
    Citrus Heights Discount Dental Center...Greenback Lane, Citrus Heights, CA 95621
    Coalinga Discount Dental Center...E. Elm Street, Coalinga 93210
    Daly City Discount Dental Center...Gillert Blvd, Daly City, CA 94015 (two locations)
    Fairfield Discount Dental Center...Travis Blvd., Fairfield, CA 94534
    Fowler Discount Dental Center...E. Merced Street, Fowler, CA 93625
    Fresno Discount Dental Center...West Shaw I, Fresno, CA 93704
    Hollister Discount Dental Center...Sunset Drive, Suite 5, Hollister, CA 95023
    Kingsburg Discount Dental Center...Draper Street, Kingsburg, CA 93631
    Milbrae Discount Dental Center.. Broadway Avenue, Millbrae, CA 94030
    Milpitas Discount Dental Center...South Main Street, Milpitas, CA 95035
    Mountain View Discount Dental Center...South Drive, Mountain View, CA 94040
    Newbury Park Discount Dental Center...Newbury Road, Newbury Park, CA 91320
    Newbury Park Discount Dental Center...Old Conejo Road, Newbury Park, CA 91320
    Oakland Discount Dental Center...Webster Street, Oakland, CA 94609
    Oakland Discount Dental Center...Franklin Street, Oakland ,CA 94612
    Pleasanton Discount Dental Center...Stoneridge Mall Road, Pleasanton, CA 94588
    Richmond Discount Dental Center....16th Street, Richmond, CA 94801
    Sacramento Discount Dental Center...Executive Court, Sacramento, CA 95757
    Sacramento Discount Dental Center...24th Street, Sacramento, CA 95816
    Sacramento Discount Dental Center...Franklin Ave., Sacramento, CA 95823
    Sacramento Discount Dental Center...Avondale Ave., Sacramento, CA 95825
    Sacramento Discount Dental Center...Butano Drive, Sacramento, CA 95825
    San Francisco Discount Dental Center...Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94109
    San Francisco Discount Dental Center...Geary Blvd., San Francisco, CA 94117
    San Francisco Discount Dental Center...California Street, San Francisco, CA 94118
    San Francisco Discount Dental Center...Mission Street, San Francisco, CA 94134
    Santa Barbara Discount Dental Center...State Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
    Sanger Discount Dental Center...Jensen Avenue, Sanger, CA 93657
    Stockton Discount Dental Center...Lower Sacramento Blvd., Stockton, CA 95210
    Visalia Discount Dental Center... E. Mineral King, Visalia, CA 93291
    West Creek Discount Dental Center.. Ygnacio Valley Road, West Creek, CA 94598

    Orange County Participating Dentists
    
    Aliso Viejo Discount Dental Center...Liberty Street, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656
    Anaheim Discount Dental Center...North Euclid Street, Anaheim, CA 92801
    Anaheim Discount Dental Center...West Lincoln Avenue, Anaheim, CA 92801 (two locations)
    Anaheim Discount Dental Center...South Beach Blvd., Anaheim, CA 92804
    Anaheim Discount Dental Center...East Lincoln Blvd., Anaheim, CA 92805
    Buena Park Discount Dental Center...Commonwealth Ave., Buena Park, CA 90621
    Huntington Beach Discount Dental Center...Beach Blvd., Huntington, CA 92603
    Huntington Beach Discount Dental Center...Yorktown Avenue, Huntington Beach, CA 90255
    Irvine Discount Dental Center...Barranca Parkway, Irvine, CA 92604 (2 locations)
    Irvine Discount Dental Center...Culver Drive, Irvine, CA 92604
    Ladera Ranch Discount Dental Center...Crown Valley Parkway, Ladera Ranch, CA 92694
    Laguna Niguel Discount Dental Center... Golden Lantern Street, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
    Mission Viejo, Discount Dental Center...Los Alisos Blvd, Mission Viejo, CA 92691
    Mission Viejo Discount Dental Center.... Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo, CA 92692
    Oceanside Discount Dental Center...Ocean Ranch Blvd, Oceanside, CA 92056
    Orange Discount Dental Center...East Chapman Avenue, Orange, CA 92869 (2 locations)
    Orange Discount Dental Center.. South Main Street, Orange, CA 92868
    San Juan Capistrano Discount Dental Center...Del Obispo Street, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675 (two locations)
    Santa Ana Discount Dental Center...W. 17th Street, Santa Ana, CA 92706
    Tustin Discount Dental Center...Irvine Blvd., Tustin, CA 92780
    Tustin Discount Dental Center...West First Street, Tustin, CA 92780
    Yorba Linda Discount Dental Center...Yorba Linda Blvd., Yorba Linda, CA 92886

    Riverside County Participating Dentists

    Corona Discount Dental Center...W. Sixth Street, Corona, CA 92882
    Indio Discount Dental Center... Dr. Carreon Blvd., Indio, CA 92201
    Lake Elsinore Discount Dental Center...Auto Center Drive, Lake Elsinore, CA 92530
    Moreno Valley Discount Dental Center...Heacock Street, Moreno Valley, CA 92557 (two locations)
    Norco Discount Dental Center...Hamner Road, Norco, CA 92860
    Palm Springs Discount Dental Center...Tahquitz Canyon Road, Palm Springs, CA 92262
    Perris Discount Dental Center...N. Perris Blvd, Perris, CA 92571
    Riverside Discount Dental Center...Indiana Ave, Riverside, CA 92503
    Riverside Discount Dental Center...Central Ave., Riverside, CA 92506
    Riverside Discount Dental Center...Jackson Street, Riverside, CA 92503
    Riverside Discount Dental Center...Van Buren Street, Riverside, CA 92503

    San Bernardino County Participating Dentists

    Apple Valley Discount Dental Center...Highway 18, Apple Valley, CA 92307
    Banning Discount Dental Center...W. Ramsey Road, Banning, CA 92220
    Chino Hills Discount Dental Center...Los Serranos Drive, Chino Hills, CA 92604
    Colton Discount Dental Center...E. Washington Street, Colton, CA 92324
    Hesperia Discount Dental Center.. Main Street, Hesperia, CA 92345
    Ontario Discount Dental Center...North Mountain Avenue, Ontario, CA 91762
    Rancho Cucamonga Discount Dental Center...Foothills Blvd., Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730
    San Bernardino Discount Dental Center...E. Airport Drive, San Bernardino, CA 92408
    Upland Discount Dental Center...E. Foothill Blvd., Upland, CA 97186

    San Diego County Participating Dentists

    Carlsbad Discount Dental Center...El Camino Real, Carlsbad, CA 92008
    Chula Vista Discount Dental Center...Broadway, Chula Vista, CA 91911
    Chula Vista Discount Dental Center...F. Street, Chula Vista, CA 91910
    Chula Vista Discount Dental Center...Third Street, Chula Vista, CA 91910
    Escondido Discount Dental Center...Kalmia Street, Escondido, CA 92025
    Escondido Discount Dental Center...Del Lago Blvd, Escondido, CA 92029
    La Mesa Discount Dental Center...Lake Murray Blvd., La Mesa, CA 91942
    La Mesa Discount Dental Center... Grossmont Center Drive, La Mesa, CA 91942
    Oceanside Discount Dental Center... Ocean Ranch Blvd., Oceanside, CA 92056
    Poway Discount Dental Center...Poway Road, Poway, CA 97064
    Poway Discount Dental Center... Pomerado Road, Poway, CA 97064
    San Diego Discount Dental Center...Third Avenue, San Diego, CA 92103
    San Diego Discount Dental Center...Park Blvd., San Diego, CA 92103
    San Diego Discount Dental Center...30th Street, San Diego, CA 92104
    San Diego Discount Dental Center...Ruffer Street, San Diego, CA 92111
    San Diego Discount Dental Center...Gesner Street, San Diego, CA 92117
    San Diego Discount Dental Center...Moraga Avenue, San Diego, CA 92117 (2 locations)
    San Diego Discount Dental Center.. Sorrento Valley, San Diego, CA 92121
    San Diego Discount Dental Center... Genesee Avenue, San Diego, CA 92121
    San Diego Discount Dental Center... Erma Road, San Diego, CA 92131
    San Diego Discount Dental Center...Alvarado Court, San Diego, CA 92120
    San Diego Discount Dental Center...Rancho Penasquitos, San Diego, CA 92129
    Santee Discount Dental Center...Mission Gorge Road, Santee, CA 92071
     

    Nevada Participating Dentists

    Henderson Discount Dental Center... North Stephanie, Henderson, NV 89014
    Las Vegas Discount Dental Center...Simmons Street, Las Vegas, NV 89031
    Las Vegas Discount Dental Center... Charleston Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89102
    Las Vegas Discount Dental Center.. S. Valley View, Las Vegas, NV 89128
    Las Vegas Discount Dental Center... S. Rainbow Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89118
    Las Vegas Discount Dental Center... East Warm Springs, Las Vegas, NV 89119
    Las Vegas Discount Dental Center...East Flamingo Road, Las Vegas, NV 89121
    Las Vegas Discount Dental Center... North Tanaya Way, Las Vegas, NV 89128
    Las Vegas Discount Dental Center... W. Lake Mead Ave., Las Vegas, NV 89128
    Las Vegas Discount Dental Center...North Rancho Drive, Las Vegas, NV 89130
    Las Vegas Discount Dental Center.... W. Sahara, Las Vegas, NV 89146
    Reno Discount Dental Center... East Moana Lane, Reno, NV 89502
    Reno Discount Dental Center... South Meadows Parkway, NV 89521

    Houston, Texas Participating Dentists

    Houston Discount Dental Center...S. Main Street, Houston, TX 77030
    Houston Discount Dental Center...Hillcroft Road, Houston, TX 77057
    Houston Discount Dental Center...Fondren Road, Houston, TX 77063
    Houston Discount Dental Center... S.W. Freeway, Houston, TX 77074
    Houston Discount Dental Center...Bellaire Blvd., Houston, TX 77074
    Houston Discount Dental Center... Gulfton Drive, Houston, TX 77091
    Houston Discount Dental Center... Fondren Street, Houston, TX 77096
    Houston Discount Dental Center... West Loop South, Houston, TX 77401
    League City Discount Dental Center... W. Main Street, Houston, TX 77573

    New York Participating Dentist

    New York Discount Dental Center... 36th Street, New York, NY 10018

  Oral Surgery

  Oral surgery includes routine extractions, wisdom tooth surgery, and the removal of impacted teeth. Most procedures go very well, take less than an hour and are done in our office. The oral surgery patient is seated and completely numbed. It's important to wait and allow the numbness to sink in fully. The dentist checks the depth of the anesthesia by making a small incision around the wisdom tooth. Once it is confirmed that the patient is completely numb the incision is lengthened and the gum tissue is gently pulled away from the wisdom tooth. If any of the surrounding bone is in the way, it is then removed. If needed, the wisdom tooth is then gently sectioned into pieces and the pieces are then removed. Finally, stitches are placed so that the gum tissue lays back in place correctly.

  Wisdom Tooth Extraction - Discount Prices on Wisdom Tooth Removal $181 Per Tooth

  Our participating dentists are dedicated to their patients' good health and well being. You are welcome to join our family of patients by calling (888) 380-6337.

  Academy of General Dentistry
  Wisdom Teeth Information

  What Are Wisdom Teeth?
  Wisdom teeth are third molars. Normally people have three permanent molars that develop in each quadrant of the mouth; upper, lower, right and left. The first molars usually grow into the mouth at around six years of age. The second molars grow in at around age 12. The third molars usually will try to grow in at around age 18 to 20 years. Since that is considered to be the age when people become wiser, third molars gained the nickname, "wisdom teeth." Actually, they are no different than any other tooth except that they are the last teeth to erupt, or grow into the mouth. They are just as useful as any other tooth if they grow in properly, have a proper bite relationship, and have healthy gum tissue around them. Unfortunately, this does not always happen.

  What is an impaction?
  When wisdom teeth are prevented from erupting into the mouth properly, they are referred to as impacted. Teeth that have not erupted are not necessarily impacted. It may be that it is still too early in someone's dental development, and if time passes they might grow in properly. A dentist must examine a patient's mouth and his or her x-rays to determine if the teeth are impacted or will not grow in properly. Impacted teeth may cause problems. Impacted teeth can result in infection, decay of adjacent teeth, gum disease or formation of a cyst or tumor from the follicle, which is the tissue which formed the crown of the tooth. Many dentists recommend removal of impacted wisdom teeth to prevent potential problems.

  Erupted wisdom teeth
  Erupted wisdom teeth may also need to be removed. The dentist may recommend this if the tooth is non-functional, interfering with the bite, badly decayed, involved with or at risk for periodontal disease, or interfering with restoration of an adjacent tooth. Once again, every case is different and only your dentist can determine if there is a reason for you to have a tooth removed.

  When should wisdom teeth be removed?
  The following symptoms may indicate that the wisdom teeth have erupted and surfaced, and should be removed before they become impacted-meaning, the teeth have surfaced and have no room in the mouth to grow. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:

  • pain
  • infection in the mouth
  • facial swelling
  • swelling of the gumline in the back of the mouth

  Many oral health specialists will recommend removal of the wisdom teeth, (when the roots are approximately formed, or three-fourths developed, usually in the adolescent years), as early removal will help to eliminate problems, such as an impacted tooth that destroys the second molar. Third molar impaction is the most prevalent medical developmental disorder.

  What problems are often associated with impacted third molars?

  • bacteria and plaque build-up
  • cysts development (a fluid- filled sac)
  • tumor development
  • infection
  • jaw and gum disease

  What is involved in the extraction procedure?
  Wisdom tooth extraction involves accessing the tooth through the soft and hard tissue, gently detaching the connective tissue between the tooth and the bone and removing the tooth.

  Check Menstrual Calendar For Tooth Extraction

  Dry socket, the most common post-operative complication from tooth extractions, delays the normal healing process and results when the newly formed blood clot in the extraction site does not form correctly or is prematurely lost. This blood clot lays the foundation for new tissue and bone to develop over a two-month healing process.

  "Women have a greater chance than men to develop dry socket," says Barbara A. Rich, DDS, FAGD, and Academy spokesperson. "But, for women who take oral contraceptives, their likelihood of developing a dry socket is twice as likely because of their increased estrogen level."

  A study recently published in General Dentistry, the clinical journal of the Academy of General Dentistry, reports that women who take oral contraceptives experienced a 31 percent incidence of dry socket after molar extractions performed in the first 22 days of their menstrual cycle. Within two to three days after estrogen use was discontinued, the extraction site tissue began the healing process. For women whose molar extractions were performed on days 23 through 28 of their cycle, no incidence of dry socket occurred.

  "Unless there is an emergency, women using birth control should try to schedule their extractions during the last week of their cycle, when estrogen levels are inactive," recommends Dr. Rich. "The healing process can then begin immediately."

  Anyone who just had a tooth extracted should avoid drinking through a straw, because the suction will interfere with healthier clotting. "Avoid smoking, which can contaminate the extraction site and excessive mouth rinsing, which may also interfere with blood clotting," says Dr. Rich.

  When to Avoid Chicken Noodle Soup

  Each year millions of Americans have their wisdom teeth removed. The vast majority of patients heal flawlessly with little discomfort and swelling, thankful impacted or painful wisdom teeth are no longer a daily woe.

  However, a small percentage of patients experience dry socket (alveolar osteitis)--the most common complication following tooth extractions-and one that may be avoided by following expert recommendations reports the Academy of General Dentistry, an organization of general dentists dedicated to continuing education.

  Dry socket is a painful condition that occurs when newly formed blood clots at the site of the tooth extraction do not develop correctly or are prematurely lost. Dry socket delays the healing process-much like picking at a scab on the knee delays the growth of new skin.

  Research confirms that patient risk factors including smoking, taking oral contraceptives, and insufficient oral healthcare habits significantly increase one's likelihood of dry socket, according to Jamie Houston, DMD, lead author of an article that appears in the September/October issue (Volume 50, Number 5) of General Dentistry, the Academy's clinical, peer-reviewed publication.

  "Stop smoking for at least 24 hours after wisdom teeth extractions. This is critical to preventing dry socket," says E. Mac Edington, DDS, MAGD, ABGD, spokesperson for the Academy. Smoking decreases blood supply to the protective blood clots, brings toxic products to the area decreasing healing and the negative pressure of sucking can pull out a newly formed blood clot.

  Studies show that high levels of estrogen found in the first 22 days of the menstrual cycle and in many oral contraceptives can double a woman's chance of developing dry socket. Dr. Edington recommends that all female patients on oral contraceptives schedule tooth extractions during days 23-28 of their menstrual cycle to reduce this risk.

  After wisdom teeth extraction, increased commitment to proper oral healthcare and nutrition helps reduce one's risk of dry socket. This includes not eating any food with residuals (popcorn, peanuts and pasta) three to four days following the procedure. Eating soft foods such as mashed potatoes, clear soup and pudding helps ensure food particles do not interfere with the normal formation and healing of the blood clots.

  "Even chicken noodle soup can be hazardous following wisdom teeth extractions," says Dr. Edington. "One patient who curbed his pack-a-day habit, came in with dry socket and he didn't know why…I ended up removing a noodle that displaced the blood clot."

  Additional tips to prevent dry socket
  
  1. Avoid spitting, sucking on a straw and drinking carbonated soft drinks for 2-3 days following the procedure.
  
  2. Gently brush adjacent teeth and swish salt water after meals to keep the mouth free of excess bacteria.
  
  3. Talk to your dentist about all medications you're taking including oral contraceptives, aspirin and herbal supplements

  Wisdom Teeth: Is It Wise To Remove Them?

  Common misunderstandings surround their name origin, removal reasons and pain sources. Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last teeth to grow in the back of the mouth. Common misunderstandings surround their name origin, removal reasons and pain sources, according to the Academy of General Dentistry, an organization of general dentists dedicated to continuing education.

  "The name 'wisdom teeth' is age related - third molars don't erupt until teenage years and beyond, when people theoretically are more wise to the world," says Trey Petty, DDS, FAGD, spokesperson for the Academy of General Dentistry.

  Common reasons for wisdom teeth removal include impaction, pain and crowding of the other teeth, which are typical tooth growth characteristics.

  "If wisdom teeth are not visible, they are impacted or unable to erupt due to space and size limitations," says Dr. Petty. "Impacted teeth don't have enough room to grow, and will lay beneath the gums, which may or may not be a problem."

  Pain and tooth crowding are also top wisdom teeth problems. "Adults have forgotten what normal pain from a growing tooth feels like," says Dr. Petty. Complications also can arise when wisdom teeth partially erupt. The broken gum acts as a breeding ground for bacteria and germs.

  "When wisdom teeth partially erupt, food gets caught in the gums and may cause an infection, swelling, growth of a tumor or cyst and pain," says Dr. Petty. "If this happens, consult a dentist before problems worsen and affect overall oral health."

  "If wisdom teeth have erupted, the key to preserving them is maintaining good oral health by brushing twice a day and going to see a dentist twice a year," says Dr. Petty.