Oral Surgeon Springfield

Wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars to grow into the back four corners of the mouth. Between the ages of 17 and 25, the average person typically develops four wisdom teeth. Their growth is somewhat unpredictable, and it is possible to develop more than four or fewer than four. Dentists are trained to detect third molars in the early stages of growth, and they can refer you to Oral & Facial Surgeons of Illinois in Springfield, IL, office for removal.

How Do I Know I Need My Wisdom Teeth Removed?

Many patients and parents of patients wonder if it is necessary to have third molars extracted, but the answer differs for everyone. The size of the mouth is a major deciding factor in whether or not a patient requires extractions, but it’s not the only one. The most efficient way to find out if you or your child needs third molars removed is to attend a consultation at our office. Our oral surgeons are qualified to examine and safely remove wisdom teeth. Some of the most common reasons to undergo wisdom teeth extraction include:

• Impaction. When wisdom teeth become impacted, or trapped beneath the gum tissue, they tend to cause oral health problems, such as infection, cysts, and tumors.
• Lack of space. The average mouth is too small to accommodate another set of molars. Without enough space to grow correctly, third molars can cause dental crowding, damage to nearby teeth, and more.
• Prevention. We suggest removing third molars to prevent symptoms from ever appearing and avoid complications that arise with their growth, even though you may not be experiencing any symptoms yet.

If you are experiencing any pain or discomfort in the back of your jaw or your general dentist sees a potential future problem, we encourage you to contact our office in Springfield, IL, to set up a consultation. Early removal helps lower the chance of damage and other future problems for your oral health. Younger patients also make for an easier procedure and recovery.

The Wisdom Teeth Removal Procedure

Removal differs with every patient, and many factors can affect the procedure process, including the number of teeth requiring extraction, their position in the mouth, their stage of growth, and whether they are impacted. During your consultation, your oral surgeon will examine your condition and take all of these factors into consideration when developing your individualized treatment plan. We will take 3D CBCT scans of your mouth and discuss your options for anesthesia.

When the anesthetic has taken effect, the surgeon will carefully expose the tooth, if impacted. He will make incisions in the gum tissue as necessary to access and remove the wisdom teeth. Your surgeon will place sutures, and you will rest in our office until the sedation wears off. A responsible adult must drive you home and should remain with you for 24 hours after your procedure.

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 Springfield, IL

If your dentist has told you that you need your wisdom teeth extracted, or if you have been experiencing symptoms such as pain or swelling, please contact our office. Our surgeons will identify if you need your third molars extracted and develop a custom treatment plan for your needs. We look forward to hearing from you and scheduling your consultation.