Why Would I Need to Have My Wisdom Teeth Extracted?
Wisdom teeth are a rite of passage for teens and young adults, but they are also notorious for causing problems. That’s because most people simply don’t have room in their mouths for them, and when that happens, the wisdom teeth can become impacted and painful, and may even damage the nearby teeth. Our team at Northbrook Family Dental will evaluate your needs and may recommend wisdom teeth extraction to safeguard your smile.
What Are Impacted Wisdom Teeth?
When your mouth doesn’t have the space to accommodate your incoming wisdom teeth, they often become impacted, meaning they are trapped beneath the gums or only partially erupt. Impacted wisdom teeth can grow sideways, pushing against neighboring teeth and potentially damaging them or gradually pushing them out of alignment. Additional complications may include infections, cysts, bone loss, and damage to the tooth roots of nearby teeth.
What Are Additional Reasons You May Need to Have Wisdom Teeth Extracted?
Impaction is not the only reason a wisdom tooth may need to come out. Even a wisdom tooth that’s fully erupted can be hard to reach with a toothbrush or floss, which can increase the risk of cavities and gum disease over time. Sometimes a tooth only partially breaks through, leaving a small flap of gum tissue covering part of it, and that flap can trap food and bacteria underneath in a way that’s difficult to keep clean.
Crowding is another common concern. A wisdom tooth coming in at an angle can place pressure on your teeth, undoing years of orthodontic treatment. Occasionally, a cyst or other growth forms around a tooth that hasn’t fully erupted, which needs to be addressed before it affects the surrounding bone. Some patients also deal with jaw pain, sinus pressure, or headaches that trace back to the position of their upper wisdom teeth. And in some cases, we may recommend removal proactively, while the roots are still forming, if the wisdom teeth have the potential of causing problems down the road.
What Are the Signs You May Need Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Signs your wisdom teeth are causing problems include the following:
- Persistent pain or tenderness near the back of your jaw
- Swelling, redness, or tenderness around the gum tissue behind your molars
- A lingering bad taste or mouth odor despite regular brushing and flossing
- Trouble or pain when opening your mouth all the way
- Headaches or jaw stiffness that seem to come out of nowhere
- Food getting trapped frequently behind your back teeth
- Repeated gum infections around partially erupted wisdom teeth
- Crowding or misalignment of nearby teeth
If you experience any of these concerns, make sure to contact our Northbrook practice for prompt evaluation.
When Is the Best Age for Wisdom Teeth Removal?
We typically recommend wisdom teeth removal sometime in the late teens or early twenties. At that age, the tooth roots usually haven’t fully formed yet, and the surrounding bone tends to be a bit softer, helping ensure a smoother procedure and a quicker recovery. That said, many adults in their thirties, forties, or beyond still require wisdom teeth removal, and age alone shouldn’t stop you from getting the needed care.
Your Comfort, Our Priority
At Northbrook Family Dental, we spare no effort to ensure your comfort and well-being at every step. We will numb the area before extraction to provide you with a pain-free experience. We are also happy to provide sedation dentistry options, if needed, to help you feel calm and relaxed during treatment. Every step of your tooth extraction procedure is performed with your comfort and well-being in mind.
What Does Recovery Typically Involve?
Recovery timelines can vary depending on how complex your extraction was, but most people start feeling noticeably better within three to four days. Eat soft foods, get plenty of rest, and make sure to follow your post-op instructions to support healing and recovery. If you have increasing pain or any other concerns in the days following your wisdom teeth extraction, make sure to give us a call.
Wisdom Teeth Extraction Near Me in Northbrook, IL
If you need to have your wisdom teeth extracted, you’re in excellent hands at Northbrook Family Dental. Our dedicated team is committed to providing top-tier, compassionate care you can trust. We invite you to call us at (847) 498-5970 to schedule your appointment or visit us online to request one today!