Wisdom Tooth Extractions - Arlington Heights, IL

Why Are Wisdom Teeth Extracted?

Wisdom teeth are your third set of molars that typically develop in your late teens or early twenties. Sometimes, patients are able to keep their wisdom teeth without any problems, but typically, the jawbone doesn’t have enough space to accommodate them. This can cause problems if they aren’t removed, leading to impacted teeth, where the molars can’t fully break through the gums. We also extract wisdom teeth for these common reasons:

• Crowding can cause damage to other teeth
• Wisdom teeth can push your smile out of alignment
• Wisdom teeth can cause inflammation and pain in the gums
• Extra teeth make it more difficult to care for the already hard to reach areas of the smile

Candidates for Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Typically, we will be monitoring our patients smiles, looking out for your wisdom teeth in our X-rays. We will be able to schedule your appointment before any problems occur. However, wisdom teeth can also appear rapidly in between appointments. You may be able to feel something hard underneath your gums, or you may even see parts of the teeth peeking out. If this occurs, don’t hesitate to contact our dental office!

The Wisdom Tooth Extraction Process

Before beginning, we will ensure that you’re numb and comfortable. We have anesthesia so you won’t have to worry about pain during the procedure. Then, we will make small incisions in the gums to access the wisdom teeth. In some cases, your wisdom teeth may have emerged enough that we can easily extract them all at once. However, more complicated cases may require the division of your tooth, so we can remove it in smaller pieces. Either way, we will keep you relaxed and pain-free. After the teeth are extracted, our expert dentist will clean around the area and stitch it up for a healthy smile.

Aftercare for Wisdom Tooth Extraction

After your wisdom tooth extraction, you should have someone who can safely drive you home. It’s important to rest for the next couple of days, which is why many patients schedule their treatment on Fridays. Avoid drinking through a straw or eating hard/chewy foods during the first 24 hours. Additionally, take our medication and rinse as prescribed to minimize any soreness or discomfort. You should also avoid brushing and flossing the site during the first couple days but be sure to maintain your regular oral healthcare routine. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact our dental office!

Wisdom Tooth Extraction FAQ’s

Curious about wisdom tooth extractions? Please don’t hesitate to contact our office and discuss your concerns directly with one of our friendly team members. However, we also know you may like to prepare on your own, which is why we’ve included the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about wisdom tooth extractions below. Read on to get the information you need for peace of mind during your upcoming appointment.