Wisdom Tooth Extractions - Arlington Heights, IL

My Wisdom Teeth Don’t Hurt. Do I Still Need Them Removed?

One of the main warning signs that you need your wisdom teeth extracted is pain. So, if your wisdom teeth are growing in, and you don’t feel any discomfort, do you still need them extracted? Not necessarily! Your mouth may have enough room for them to grow in without affecting your smile. However, in some cases, we will still need to extract your wisdom teeth even if there isn’t any pain to avoid potential dental complications down the road.

Is It Normal to Be Anxious Before Wisdom Tooth Removal?

Dental anxiety is a common problem with millions of Americans reporting at least some kind of dental fear or nerves. However, this anxiety is automatically heightened if you know you have oral surgery on the horizon. There is no need to worry – this feeling is completely normal. We will do all we can to keep you cool, calm, and collected before, during, and after your procedure.

How Long Does It Take to Recover After Wisdom Tooth Extraction?

In general, it will take a few days for you to recover after your extraction. We recommend taking at least 2 days off work, and maybe more if your job is physically demanding. If you never like to miss work, you can schedule your appointment on a Friday to give yourself the weekend to relax. You must allow yourself a few days to recover because most activity can hurt the healing process. Soreness and discomfort are normal, but if your pain seems to get worse after at least 3 days of recovery, contact our office right away!

Why Are Wisdom Teeth More Difficult to Remove Compared to Others?

Often, wisdom teeth don’t grow like your other teeth because they don’t have enough room. This causes them to become impacted – where the tooth is angled in a position that can’t be extracted simply. In this case, we must section the tooth into different pieces before successfully removing it. Additionally, the roots of wisdom teeth can be shaped in a variety of ways, making it more difficult to extract them.

Can I Be Sedated During My Wisdom Tooth Extraction?

We have various types of sedation that we offer in addition to anesthesia. We will always discuss your specific needs and level of anxiety before your appointment. Our team is committed to helping you stay happy, comfortable, and relaxed throughout the entire process. Prior to your visit, we will review your health and medical history before recommending sedation.

How Should I Prepare for My Wisdom Tooth Extraction?

Before the day of your oral surgery, don’t hesitate to consult your dentist about anything you might have questions or concerns about. They’ll be more than happy to help you prepare by providing you with detailed guidelines on what you should do prior to your appointment. Here are the most common tips:

• Have a friend or family member take you to and from the office since you’ll be under the effects of sedation and/or anesthesia.
• Notify your dentist of any prescribed or over-the-counter medications you take, and if you use alcohol or recreational drugs, that way they can administer the proper dosage of anesthesia for your safety.
• Avoid eating or drinking anything after midnight the night before if you’re receiving general anesthesia.
• Avoid smoking for at least 12 hours before your appointment.
• Buy soft foods that you can eat for several days after your surgery.
• Wear loose clothing to stay comfortable. If you’re receiving IV sedation, wear a short-sleeved shirt or sleeves that can easily be rolled up.
• Wear glasses instead of contacts (if you have any), as your eyes will be closed during your appointment.

How Do You Make Wisdom Teeth Pain Go Away?

If your wisdom teeth are painful and making it incredibly difficult to enjoy your everyday life, then the only certain way to treat this is to have your dentist/oral surgeon remove them. Until you undergo this procedure, make sure to try these home remedies to reduce your discomfort:

• Take over-the-counter painkillers, like ibuprofen, as instructed to help provide relief to your teeth.
• Wrap a towel around a cold compress and place it on the outside of your cheek for 20 minutes at most. By doing this every few hours, you can significantly minimize discomfort and swelling.
• Try oral numbing gel that consists of benzocaine, which can help soothe irritated gums affected by impacted wisdom teeth.
• Rinse your mouth with saltwater, especially around the painful area, as this can help reduce discomfort, soothe agitated tissues, remove trapped food particles, and lower bacterial growth.

Why Do We Have Wisdom Teeth?

Our early human ancestors’ diet typically consisted of raw foods such as uncooked meat, nuts, berries, roots, and leaves. Since they didn’t cut up or process their meals, they had to rely on the strength of their jaws and powerful molars to gnaw and grind their food. Their jaws were also much larger, meaning their wisdom teeth rarely caused issues for them. Today, however, we cook, process, and cut our food, allowing us to enjoy a much softer diet. In turn, our jawbones became much smaller, which doesn’t usually allow enough room for our wisdom teeth to erupt properly. Since we don’t require a very strong bite anymore, this makes our final molars less necessary in modern times.

Does Everyone Have Wisdom Teeth?

Although most people have all four of their wisdom teeth, some people are born with only a few or none at all. According to an article published in the Dental Research Journal in 2015, it’s estimated that between 5% and 37% of the population are missing one or more of their final molars. While the reason for this is still unknown, some suggest that genetics may play a part. Parents who don’t have all of their wisdom teeth may pass this on to their children. Even so, just because wisdom teeth aren’t visible doesn’t mean they aren’t there. The best way to see if they’re there is by taking an X-ray. The majority of people have their final molars emerge around ages 17 and 21, while others may have them come out earlier or later.