Most people develop wisdom teeth at some point in their late teens or early 20s. These third molars are often unnecessary and can be too big to fit the jaw. When left untreated, this may cause the wisdom teeth to become impacted, meaning they remain buried under bone or gum, resulting in long-term oral health complications.

The best way to avoid this altogether is to have the wisdom teeth removed as early as possible. At Oral and Facial Surgery of Naperville, we have years of experience performing this safe and common procedure, always putting your comfort and safety first. We are pleased to offer wisdom teeth removal for our patients in Aurora, IL, and the surrounding area.

What Are Wisdom Teeth?

In previous generations, the wisdom teeth were often necessary to replace molars that had become broken or lost altogether. Thanks to advances in dentistry and oral hygiene, wisdom teeth are seldom necessary any more, and usually take up too much room in the jaw.

With no way to emerge normally, wisdom teeth can become trapped under gum and bone, erupting just partially, or failing to erupt at all. By having your wisdom teeth removed sooner rather than later, you can avoid some of the discomfort and other complications that come from impacted wisdom teeth.

Why Get Your Wisdom Teeth Removed?

  • Discomfort and sensitivity around the impacted teeth
  • Infection in and around the gums
  • Damage to adjacent teeth
  • Cysts around the jawbone

With insufficient room to erupt, the wisdom teeth may crowd existing teeth, compromising the aesthetics and the integrity of your smile. Additionally, impaction makes it harder for you to keep your teeth clean, resulting in a higher risk of dental decay and bacterial infection. Other potential complications include tiny fluid-filled sacs that form around the jawbone that become painful cysts.

How Wisdom Teeth Removal Works

The wisdom teeth removal journey begins with a consultation. Your surgeon will review medical images, perform an examination of your teeth and jaw, and confirm that you are ready to have your third molars removed. The consultation is also a great time to ask any questions about the procedure, recovery, and results.

Your surgeon will develop a custom treatment plan, designed to provide you with the best outcome and the most comfortable clinical experience. Our practice employs state-of-the-art technology to ensure the precision and efficiency of each surgery. We also offer a number of anesthesia and sedation options, helping you to manage any physical discomfort during your wisdom teeth removal.

Once your wisdom teeth have been removed, the surgical site will be carefully packed with gauze, which can minimize bleeding and offer protection for your empty socket. You will be discharged with a full set of written aftercare instructions, guiding you in all the appropriate measures to prevent infection. You will also receive a prescription for an antibiotic, offering a further layer of protection against infection.

Most patients require two or three days to rest and heal. During this time, ibuprofen and Tylenol® are often all that you need to keep discomfort under control, though more potent painkillers are available as needed. Your surgeon will direct you to apply a cold compress for the first 24 to 48 hours, which can control swelling and ensure an expedient recovery.

If at any time you have questions or concerns about your recovery, you are invited to call our office directly. Our team is always here to provide assistance as needed.

Excellence in Wisdom Teeth Removal Near Aurora

Wisdom teeth removal is an important preventative step, allowing you to avoid more extensive oral health complications later in your life. If you live in Aurora, IL and have questions about wisdom teeth removal, we welcome you to schedule a consultation at (630) 961-5151.