By the time wisdom teeth emerge, all other permanent teeth are already in place. It is very common for teens and young adults to have this third set of molars extracted because there is not enough room in their mouth to accommodate them, or because they are causing problems. Being proactive in monitoring wisdom tooth development can identify problems early on and prevent complications.

The doctors at Oral and Facial Surgery of Naperville regularly perform wisdom teeth removal using anesthesia to create as safe and painless of an experience as possible and promote improved oral health.


What Are Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth are a third set of molars that typically emerge in the late teens or early 20s but can develop as young as age 11. As humans have evolved and dental care has improved, the need for these extra molars has decreased. In fact, many people do not have enough space in their jaw to comfortably accommodate these teeth, making wisdom tooth removal a very common procedure.

Due to the lack of room, these teeth may not be able to fully erupt through the gums or may come in at an angle. This can result in pain, crowding of other teeth, and a higher risk of infection. Removing these teeth early on is often recommended for Wheaton, IL patients for a variety of reasons:

  • As teeth mature, the roots become longer and more firmly embedded in the jaw as the bone becomes denser. This can make tooth extraction more challenging and lead to greater discomfort after surgery.
  • Young patients tend to recover more quickly and experience fewer complications than adults over age 30.

Why Get Your Wisdom Teeth Removed?

  • Discomfort and sensitivity around the impacted teeth
  • Infection in and around the gums
  • Damage to adjacent teeth
  • Cysts around the jawbone

Early treatment can reduce risk of complications and crowding of existing teeth. If left untreated, wisdom teeth can cause other teeth to shift out of alignment impacting the way you bite and chew. Impacted teeth can also lead to pain, infection, and bone loss, which can be prevented through wisdom teeth removal.


How Wisdom Teeth Removal Works

Whether your wisdom teeth are just emerging or have already developed but not been removed, it is a good idea to schedule a consultation with an oral surgeon. The doctors at Oral and Facial Surgery of Naperville walk you through each step of the process to ensure you feel comfortable and your needs are met.

An initial consultation can determine whether your wisdom teeth are causing issues or may cause problems, and if extraction is recommended. The doctor will review your dental history and examine your teeth to see how your wisdom teeth are developing.

If surgery is necessary, the doctor will:

  • Discuss how the procedures is performed and what you can expect before, during, and after wisdom teeth removal.
  • Explain your options when it comes to anesthesia to keep you as comfortable and pain-free as possible. This may range from local anesthesia to general anesthesia depending on your needs and preferences as well as the complexity of surgery.
  • Answer any questions you may have so that you feel relaxed and confident about your care and can prepare accordingly.

Our team will create a detailed treatment plan aligned with your needs and how your wisdom teeth have emerged. Prior to surgery, anesthesia will be administered, and you will be carefully monitored. The doctor will remove the teeth and cover the surgical site with gauze to stop any bleeding and protect the empty socket.

You will be given post-operative instructions to help you through the recovery process and answer common questions following surgery. Your mouth will still be numb from the anesthetic, and many patients find taking ibuprofen and applying a cool compress is enough to manage any pain after it wears off. You may also be given a prescription pain reliever and antibiotic.

You should begin feeling better within about 48 hours, but if you have any questions or concerns about your recovery, we encourage you to contact our team. Your comfort and safety are a top priority.


Excellence in Wisdom Teeth Removal Near Wheaton, IL

Our doctors have a wealth of training and experience with wisdom teeth removal using anesthesia, and it is a procedure that we perform regularly. Whether your wisdom teeth are causing problems, or you want to remove them before they do, we are here to help and make the process as easy and painless as possible.