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 recommend the removal of these teeth before a host of various oral health problems 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 wisdom teeth extraction, you will be referred to a trusted oral surgery practice such as Oral & Facial Surgeons of Illinois in Decatur, IL.

Will I Need My Wisdom Teeth Extracted?

Even if the wisdom teeth are not causing any uncomfortable symptoms, we strongly recommend the early removal of these extra molars. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause various oral health problems, and early removal will 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. Some of the reasons we suggest early removal include:

• Impaction. Wisdom teeth are the most likely teeth to become impacted, or stuck beneath the gums. When impaction occurs, various oral health problems such as infection, cysts, and tumors can arise.
• 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, if you have discomfort or tenderness in the back of your mouth, or if you have persistent bad breath, we encourage you to contact our office in Decatur, IL. It may be time to have your wisdom teeth taken out.

The Procedure

Your overall wisdom teeth removal procedure will depend on a few factors. These include the number of teeth to be extracted, their position in the mouth, their stage of development, and whether they are impacted. At the consultation, we will take 3D scans of your mouth and discuss your options for anesthesia. Many patients choose to undergo IV sedation for this procedure.

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, your oral surgeon will administer your chosen form of anesthesia or sedation. When it has taken effect, the surgeon will make a small incision in the gums and carefully extract the molars. If the teeth are larger or more difficult to remove, the surgeon will break them into pieces to make removal easier. Once extraction is complete, your surgeon will place sutures and you will rest until the anesthesia wears off. Then, your prearranged driver will drive you home. Feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns you may have during your recovery.

You can find more common questions and answers on our Wisdom Teeth Removal FAQ page. If you have other questions or concerns, please contact us.

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 oral surgeons will be happy to consult with you to create a custom plan for your treatment.