Wisdom teeth are your third molars in the back of your mouth, and they are usually the last teeth to develop. If they are not removed, they can cause your mouth to become overcrowded and your teeth may shift. An oral exam and mouth x-rays can help determine if your wisdom teeth need to be removed.
If you’re in need of wisdom teeth removal, understanding the removal process can ease your nerves before you go in for the surgery.
Removal Process
If your x-rays show crowding, you do not have room in your mouth for your molars to fully erupt. Our professional staff takes x-rays of your mouth, either before or on the day of your removal. Before your wisdom teeth are impacted, they should be removed. An impacted wisdom tooth means that your jaw is too small and your third molars do not have enough room to grow properly.
On the day of your wisdom teeth removal, you will take medication that will help minimize pain and swelling after the surgery. For those anxious or frightened of the procedure, other forms of sedation may be recommended. Before the procedure, we use an anesthetic to help with pain and discomfort. Rest assured that our staff has the training, licensing, and experience to help provide anesthesia to make you feel comfortable throughout the procedure.
The procedure takes around 30 to 60 minutes, but plan to be in the office for 90 minutes. Make sure you have someone to take you home after the procedure, as you won’t be able to drive.
Recovery Process
On the morning or after your surgery, avoid eating or drinking anything for at least six hours, but the longer, the better. In some cases, we may need to use stitches to help close the area that will dissolve on their own within 3 to 5 days. If you have a sensation in your gums or they feel swollen, know that this is a normal part of the recovery process.
Once you are allowed to eat and drink again, we suggest eating only soft foods and drinking liquids for the first day or so. Additionally, try to stay away from dairy products the day of the surgery, as they could make you feel nauseous. It’s common to see swelling and experience discomfort once the numbing has worn off after these removals. If this is the case, you can take non-narcotic anti-inflammatory medication to see if it treats your pain. With time and rest, you will recover and be back to yourself in no time!
Cost of Wisdom Tooth Extraction
The cost of wisdom tooth extraction is discussed with you during your consultation appointment. Our staff will discuss all costs and insurance coverages with you so that you know exactly what to expect. This ensures that there are no monetary surprises as you’re trying to heal.
If you feel you may need wisdom teeth removal in the Glenview area, feel free to contact us today to discuss your options and schedule your exam! If you have questions before your exam, please reach out and we will be happy to answer your questions.