Wisdom Teeth Removal in Hinsdale: What You Need to Know
Have you been feeling that nagging ache at the back of your mouth? Or perhaps you've noticed some swelling around your gums? These could be signs that your wisdom teeth are starting to emerge or are causing problems.
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of teeth to develop in your mouth. While they can sometimes erupt without any issues, they often lead to complications that require wisdom teeth removal.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the very last set of molars to develop in your mouth. They usually appear in late adolescence or early adulthood, typically between the ages of 17 and 25. While some people never develop wisdom teeth at all, most people have at least one. They are located at the very back of your upper and lower jaws.
Why Wisdom Teeth Removal Is Often Necessary
Wisdom teeth often cause problems because our jaws are smaller now. There's not always enough room for these extra teeth to grow in correctly. When a wisdom tooth doesn't have space, it's called "impacted."
Impacted wisdom teeth can push on your other teeth and make them crooked. They can also be hard to clean, which can cause infections and gum disease. Sometimes, they only partially break through your gums, making it easy for food and bacteria to get trapped. This can cause even more problems.
Dentists often recommend wisdom teeth removal to prevent these issues, even if they aren't causing pain yet. It's better to take care of the problem early.
Signs You Might Need Wisdom Teeth Removal
How do you know if your wisdom teeth need to come out? There are some common signs to watch for. You might feel pain or swelling in the back of your mouth where your wisdom teeth are located. Your gums might be red, tender, or bleed easily. You might also have trouble fully opening your mouth or experience a bad taste in your mouth that doesn't go away.
Sometimes, you might even notice that your other teeth are starting to feel crowded or shift position. If you have any of these symptoms, go see a dentist. They can examine your mouth and take X-rays to determine if your wisdom teeth are causing problems.
What Happens During a Wisdom Teeth Removal?
First, your dentist will talk with you about any concerns. They will examine your mouth and take X-rays to see the position of your wisdom teeth. This helps them plan the best way to remove them.
Most dental clinics offer different options for anesthesia to keep you comfortable and pain-free. If you're nervous, they can offer you something to relax. Dentists also use local anesthetics to numb the area around the wisdom tooth.
The extraction itself is usually quick. The dentist gently loosens the tooth and lifts it out. Sometimes, they may need to divide the tooth into smaller pieces for easier removal. After the tooth is out, they clean the area. You might have a few stitches, but these usually dissolve on their own. Finally, they’ll provide detailed instructions on how to care for your mouth afterward.
Recovering from Wisdom Teeth Removal
After your wisdom teeth come out, you might experience some swelling and discomfort for a few days. Don't worry, this is completely normal! At our clinic, we'll help you manage any discomfort and heal quickly. You can use over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. We might also give you a prescription for something stronger if you need it. Applying an ice pack to your jaw can also help reduce swelling.
What to Eat After Wisdom Teeth Removal
"What can I eat?" is a common question after wisdom tooth removal. Stick to soft foods and liquids for the first few days. Think smoothies, soups, mashed potatoes, and yogurt. Avoid anything hard, crunchy, or chewy that could irritate the extraction site.
When Can I Use a Straw After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Avoid using straws for at least a week after your extraction. The sucking motion can dislodge the blood clot that forms in the socket where the tooth was, leading to a painful condition called dry socket.
Keep Your Mouth Clean
You'll also need to keep your mouth clean to prevent infection. We'll show you how to gently rinse with salt water. You can still brush your teeth, but be careful around the extraction site.
Most people feel back to normal within a few days. Just remember to follow our instructions, and don't hesitate to call us if you have any questions or concerns.
Possible Complications and How to Avoid Them
Most people recover easily after getting their wisdom teeth out. But sometimes, problems can happen.
Dry Socket
Dry socket happens when the blood clot in your mouth comes out too early. This can hurt a lot. To avoid this, don't use a straw for at least a week. Don't smoke, and don't spit forcefully.
Infection
To prevent infection, keep your mouth clean. Rinse with salt water a few times a day, and brush your teeth carefully.
Numbness
Sometimes, your lip, chin, or tongue might feel numb after surgery. This is usually temporary.
Call us right away if:
Your mouth bleeds a lot and won't stop.
You have a lot of pain, and medicine doesn't help.
You have signs of infection, like a fever or more swelling.
You have trouble breathing or swallowing.
Worried About Wisdom Teeth? We Can Help!
Taking care of your wisdom teeth is important for a healthy mouth. Wisdom teeth removal is common and often necessary. It can prevent problems like pain, infection, and crooked teeth.
At Salt Creek Family Dental, we understand that you might feel nervous about getting your wisdom teeth out. Our friendly team will answer your questions and help you feel comfortable. We use the latest techniques to make the process as easy as possible.
Want to learn more about wisdom teeth removal? Call us to schedule a visit.