Wisdom Tooth Extractions – Arlington Heights

What are Wisdom Teeth?

The simplest answer is that wisdom teeth are your third set of molars. They earned the nickname “wisdom teeth” because of the timeframe they usually make an appearance (in the late teens or early 20s). However, it’s possible for them to make an appearance outside of that time frame, which is why it’s important to get X-rays taken annually.

Why Do Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?

As these third molars erupt (or remain impacted), they take up space inside the mouth and often cause discomfort. That said, there’s another reason we may recommend having them removed: if they pose a risk to your oral health. If their presence dramatically increases your risk of infection, cysts, or overcrowding, then we will create a custom treatment plan to have them extracted.

Tip: If you struggle with dental-related anxiety or have trouble staying comfortable in the treatment chair, then ask us about sedation dentistry!

What to Expect from the Wisdom Teeth Procedure

There are two ways a wisdom tooth can be removed. If it has partially erupted and is visible above the gumline, we can use specially designed instruments to gently move the tooth back and forth until it detaches from the ligaments holding it in place. If the tooth is impacted, meaning it exists beneath the gumline, we will need to create an opening in the gums and extract the tooth in sections to prevent further damage to the underlying bone.

Both options – simple and surgical – will be completed with the help of local anesthesia, which will be administered before the start of the procedure.

Recovering from Wisdom Teeth Extraction

Following your wisdom tooth extraction procedure, you will need to focus on healing. That includes:

• Getting plenty of rest (no weightlifting, running, or participating in any other strenuous activities).
• Sticking to soft foods, like applesauce, plain yogurt, and fruit smoothies (without seeds).
• Drinking lots of water to stay hydrated.
• Keeping your head elevated while you sleep.
• Using a cold compress for 10 minutes at a time.
• Taking OTC pain medication as directed.

If you have any questions for our Arlington Heights dental team – whether it’s about the procedure itself or how to know if you need to have your wisdom teeth removed – don’t hesitate to get in touch!