End Pain and Prevent Future Complications with Wisdom Teeth Extractions
Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are the last teeth to erupt, typically between 17 and 21. Most teeth have already come in at this age, so many wisdom teeth don’t have enough space to grow properly. These teeth either push between other teeth, causing crowding, or remain impacted in the jawbone.
Once wisdom teeth start causing problems, they never self-correct. Optima Dental Associates provides wisdom teeth extraction services to patients in and around Tinley Park, Illinois. Expertly administered by Dr. Mustafa, these extractions are gentle, predictable, and safe.
Should wisdom teeth always be removed?
Wisdom teeth often need to be removed when they don’t have enough space to grow properly. If they become impacted, grow at an angle, or crowd, they cause several complications, including:
- Pain: Wisdom teeth cause painful infections and pressure on the nearby structures. Painful wisdom teeth can make eating, sleeping, and talking painful.
- Infections: Impacted or crowded wisdom teeth create pockets where food and bacteria get trapped. Poor oral hygiene ultimately leads to decay or gum infection.
- Misalignment: Our jaws can only accommodate so many teeth. When wisdom teeth arrive late, they can ruin your alignment or previous orthodontic work.
- Damage: Wisdom teeth can push against the surrounding teeth, causing damage.
Removing your wisdom teeth prevents these complications and helps maintain optimal oral health. However, if your wisdom teeth are healthy, fully erupted, and don’t affect oral hygiene, they may not need removal. Regular monitoring and X-rays help determine whether your wisdom teeth can stay or if removal is the best option.
How are wisdom teeth removed?
Successful removal of wisdom teeth depends on understanding how they are positioned and their impact on surrounding structures. We use advanced imaging tools to determine the exact angle and root development of your wisdom teeth. Careful planning makes wisdom teeth removal less invasive and more predictable.
Wisdom tooth extraction can be:
- Simple: If the tooth has erupted and is accessible like other teeth, removal is more straightforward. The dentist gently wriggles the tooth to detach it from its ligaments. Once loose, the dentist uses forceps to pull out the tooth in one piece.
- Surgical extractions: Removing wholly or partially impacted teeth is more complex. The dentist will incise the gums and possibly remove some of the underlying bone to access the tooth. Often, the tooth is severed into pieces for a less traumatic removal.
Unlike other teeth, wisdom teeth don’t need to be replaced after removal. These third molars are not essential for chewing or maintaining proper alignment, so extracting them doesn’t create gaps that require restoration. After removal, your mouth will heal naturally, and you won’t have to worry about bridges or implants.
What can I expect after wisdom teeth removal?
After wisdom teeth removal, you can expect some swelling, mild to moderate discomfort, and possibly slight bleeding for the first 24 hours. Our team will provide post-operative care instructions, including how to manage discomfort with pain medications and ice packs.
Other guidelines cover oral hygiene, diet, and follow-up visits. Many patients recover within a few days.
Do you need wisdom tooth removal in Tinley Park, Illinois?
Some patients may never have problems with wisdom teeth. However, many aren’t this lucky. Don’t let wisdom teeth compromise your comfort or oral health. Enjoy safe and painless wisdom teeth removal services at Optima Dental Associates. Call (708) 315-2105 and reserve your appointment today.
