Are you worried about your wisdom teeth? Wisdom tooth extractions can be a scary prospect. But fear not. Our dentists help with training and expertise. We will ensure the process goes smoothly and comfortably. Wisdom tooth extractions are a standard procedure that we often perform in our Naperville, Illinois office.
Thanks to Naperville Family Dentists, you’ll be able to keep your teeth in line for optimal dental health. Plus, you’ll recover quickly and be back to your routine in no time.
Why Do Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?
Wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars to erupt, and they often come in late – around the ages of 17 to 25. By this time, your adult teeth are already aligned, often taking all the available space in your jaw.
For many people, wisdom teeth cause no problems, and they erupt without any issues. However, for others, wisdom teeth can cause several problems. They may crowd other teeth or grow in at an angle, which can cause pain and lead to other oral health problems.
Wisdom teeth may also become impacted, meaning they get stuck under the gums or only partially erupt. If this happens, it can damage nearby teeth or cause infection. They can also be challenging to clean because bacteria and plaque can be trapped between the gum and partially-erupted tooth, an area your toothbrush or floss often can’t reach.
Additionally, because wisdom teeth are so far back in the mouth, they can be challenging to reach for cleaning, leading to cavities or gum disease. For these reasons, wisdom teeth may need to be removed, even if they’re healthy.
How to Prepare for the Procedure
Before your procedure, you may need to fast for at least six hours. Fasting means no food or drink, including water. You’ll also need to arrange for a ride home after the procedure, as sedation will make it unsafe for you to drive.
What is the Wisdom Tooth Extraction Procedure Like?
We typically perform wisdom tooth extractions under local anesthesia, which numbs the treatment area.
During the procedure, Dr. Primiano or Dr. Mach will make an incision in the gums to expose the wisdom tooth and the bone surrounding it. Then, we will remove the tooth and clean out any remaining debris. Finally, we will stitch up the gums and place a gauze pad over the area to help with the recovery.
The entire process usually takes less than an hour, and you’ll be able to go home the same day.
What is Recovery Like After Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
After wisdom tooth extraction, it’s normal to experience some swelling, soreness, and bruising. To help with these symptoms, our dentist will give you specific instructions, which may include:
- Applying ice to the outside of your face for 20 minutes at a time.
- Taking over-the-counter pain medication as needed.
- Eating soft foods and avoiding straws for the first few days.
- Brushing and flossing carefully around the extraction site.
- Rinsing with saltwater starting the day after surgery.
Most people recover from wisdom tooth extraction within a few days to a week. However, everyone is different, so it’s important to follow your dentist’s instructions and call if you have any concerns.
Call Us Today to Get Started in Naperville
Are you considering wisdom tooth extraction? Contact our office today to schedule a consultation. We’ll help you determine if extraction is the proper treatment for you and answer any questions about the procedure.
We have the experience and expertise to ensure the extraction is quick, safe, and effective in Naperville, Il. Schedule an appointment today for a wisdom tooth extraction at Naperville Family Dentists.