Wisdom teeth, also called third molars, are the final set of molars to emerge. For the average person, this usually occurs between the ages of 17 and 25. Because human mouths often do not have enough room to accommodate these four extra molars, dentists and oral surgeons usually recommend removal of these teeth before a host of various oral health problem arise. Dentists are trained to detect these molars in the early stages of growth and can determine if your wisdom teeth may cause oral health problems for you. If your dentist recommends you for wisdom teeth extraction, you will be referred to a trusted oral surgery practice such as Oral & Facial Surgeons of Illinois.
Will I need my wisdom teeth extracted?
Even when the wisdom teeth are not causing any uncomfortable symptoms, we strongly recommend early removal of these extra molars. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause various oral health problems, and early removal will often save you quite a bit of discomfort, time, and money in the future. Younger patients also tend to have an easier procedure and a quicker recovery. When you come in for a consultation at our office in Decatur, IL, our oral surgeons will examine your condition and formulate a plan for your personalized treatment. The oral surgeons at Oral & Facial Surgeons of Illinois are all highly trained and experienced in the removal of third molars. Some of the reasons we suggest early removal include
- Impaction. Wisdom teeth are the most likely teeth to become impacted (stuck beneath the gums). When impaction occurs, various oral health problems can occur such as infection, cysts, and tumors.
- Lack of space. For most people, our mouths are too small to accommodate an extra set of molars. Without enough space to grow in correctly, third molars can cause dental crowding, damage to nearby teeth, and more.
- Prevention. We suggest early extraction of wisdom teeth to prevent future symptoms from ever appearing. Even without symptoms, there could be oral health complications in store as your third molars develop.
If your dentist has recommended that you have your wisdom teeth removed, or if you are suffering from discomfort/tenderness in the back of your mouth or have persistent bad breath, we encourage you to contact our office in Decatur, IL to set up a consultation appointment with one of our oral surgeons.
The Procedure
Your wisdom teeth removal procedure will depend on a few factors. The number of teeth to be extracted, their position in the mouth, their stage of development, whether they are impacted, and the depth of impaction are all taken into consideration by the oral surgeon when consulting with you to plan your personalized treatment.
After your consultation appointment and before your procedure, you will have time to review your pre- and post-operative instructions. If you have any questions about these instructions, please do not hesitate to contact our office. When you return to the office for surgery, the oral surgeon will administer your chosen form of anesthesia or sedation. When it has taken affect, the oral surgeon will open your gums and carefully extract the molars. Sometimes, if the teeth are larger or more difficult to remove, the oral surgeon will break them into pieces to make removal easier. Once extraction is complete, your gums will be stitched up and you will be sent home to heal, guided your post-operative instructions. As always, feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns you may have during your recovery.
Wisdom Teeth in Decatur, IL
If your dentist has told you that you need your wisdom teeth extracted, or if you have noticed signs that your wisdom teeth are causing problems, please contact our office in Decatur, IL. Our doctors will be happy to consult with you to develop a detailed plan for your treatment.