A wisdom tooth is an extra tooth that develops in the jaw. It can be found anywhere between the age of 17 and 25. If wisdom teeth do not have enough space to grow, they can cause several oral health issues. Wisdom teeth that are misaligned or only partially erupted can cause pain and infection.

What Is the Process for Wisdom Teeth Removal?

First, your dentist will take an x-ray of your mouth to determine the position of your wisdom teeth and if there are complications that may need to be addressed first. Then you'll be anesthetized using a local anesthetic to numb the area and prevent pain when the tooth is removed. The dentist will then remove the tooth using forceps or rotary tools, depending on the position of the tooth. Some teeth may be removed in pieces if necessary. Your dentist will suture the surgical site closed and provide you with post-surgical instructions to care for your mouth while healing takes place.

Maintaining good dental health is always important, but it becomes even more important when you are undergoing any type of oral surgery. Removing teeth can be a highly invasive procedure, and there is always some amount of risk involved. However, when performed by a qualified professional, the risk of complications is greatly reduced. Your dentist will first conduct a full examination of your mouth to ensure your teeth are healthy enough for extraction. If your wisdom teeth are impacted or diseased in any way, they will likely need to be extracted. It is crucial to your overall health to remove problematic wisdom teeth before they cause permanent damage to surrounding teeth and bone structures.

Do You Need to Have Your Wisdom Teeth Removed?

Not everyone needs to have their wisdom teeth removed, and some people may not have any issues with them at all! However, if any of the following apply to you, you may want to have your wisdom teeth removed to avoid future problems.

Your wisdom teeth are impacted, meaning one or more of them is stuck and unable to fully erupt through the gums. Impacted teeth can cause a number of issues, including the overcrowding of your teeth, tooth pain, or infections that can spread quickly to the rest of your mouth. If your wisdom teeth have only partially erupted, you may experience issues with your wisdom teeth later on in your life.

You experience jaw pain or discomfort when biting down or opening your mouth wide. Pain in your jaw or frequent headaches may be signs that your wisdom teeth are coming in at an angle or are impacting adjacent teeth. If this is the case, having your wisdom teeth taken out is usually the best option to prevent more serious problems from occurring.

Your dentist sees signs of infection around the roots of your wisdom teeth. If bacteria have the opportunity to grow under your wisdom teeth, it can lead to an abscess or an infection that requires immediate treatment. This can be caused by food particles getting trapped between teeth, which can cause cavities and gum disease to develop more easily. If not treated properly, these infections can lead to extensive damage and tooth loss.

You have difficulty chewing food or swallowing it because of the shape of your wisdom teeth or because you have misalignments of your bite. Having your wisdom teeth extracted is often the best way to correct these types of alignment concerns and prevent any long-term damage.

Your wisdom teeth need to be removed for orthodontic reasons. In some cases, your dentist may recommend that your wisdom teeth be removed before orthodontic treatment begins. This is often done to create space in your mouth to make straightening your teeth easier. 

At Dynamic Dental Services, we offer the best dental care possible to each of our patients in a positive and relaxing environment. If you're ready to experience the best dental care, please contact us at (773) 538-6191 or visit us at 5401 S. WENTWORTH AVE. #200, Chicago, IL 60609.