Are you experiencing painful wisdom teeth? At Lincolnwood Family Dental, our experienced team of experts ensures your wisdom teeth removal is smooth and comfortable. We take pride in being a top choice for wisdom teeth extraction in Lincolnwood, offering personalized care that is tailored to your specific needs and comfort.
Why Choose Lincolnwood Family Dental for Wisdom Teeth Extraction?
Our comprehensive and transparent process ensures you feel fully informed and confident at every stage of the procedure. From initial consultations to post-treatment care, we provide a seamless experience tailored to your needs. Using state-of-the-art technology, we minimize discomfort and promote a speedy recovery.
Schedule Your Appointment
Call (847) 610-9272 or email info@lincolnwoodfamilydental.com today. Let us help you achieve a healthier, pain-free smile!
Understanding What is Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth, or third molars, typically emerge in your late teens or early twenties. While not everyone needs these teeth removed, they can cause significant issues, such as pain, infections, or overcrowding on front upper and lower teeth. If you’re experiencing problems, Lincolnwood Family Dental provides expert care and guidance to protect your oral health.
Why You Might Need Wisdom Teeth Removal?
- Tooth Cavities and Decay
Wisdom teeth are challenging to clean because they are located at the back of the mouth. Their position makes them prone to food particles and bacteria, which can cause cavities and tooth decay. Over time, this can affect neighboring teeth and lead to widespread dental issues. Removing problematic wisdom teeth prevents further complications and keeps your other teeth healthy.
- Gum Problems
Plaque buildup around wisdom teeth can irritate the gums, causing redness, swelling, and tenderness. Left untreated, this can become gum disease, harming surrounding tissues and bones. Contact us promptly if you notice gum irritation around your wisdom teeth.
- Infections
Impacted wisdom teeth create conditions where bacteria thrive, leading to painful infections. Symptoms can include swollen gums, difficulty opening your mouth, and infections that spread beyond the mouth. Removing impacted wisdom teeth reduces the risk of infections and protects your oral health.
- Painful Abscesses
An abscess is a pus-filled pocket caused by infection. When it forms around a wisdom tooth, it can result in intense pain, swelling, and difficulty eating or speaking. Extraction removes the source of the infection and provides lasting relief.
- Rare Issues
Wisdom teeth can occasionally cause cysts or benign tumors, damaging the jawbone, neighboring teeth, and nerves. Regular dental check-ups ensure these rare issues are detected and managed early.
- Overcrowding
If there isn’t enough room for wisdom teeth, they can push against other teeth, causing misalignment. Wisdom teeth can undo years of progress for patients with previous orthodontic treatment. Removing them early preserves your smile’s alignment and prevents complications.
At Lincolnwood Family Dental, we understand the discomfort and risks of problematic wisdom teeth. Whether you’re dealing with pain, swelling, or the issues above, our expert team is here to help. For emergency wisdom teeth extractions, schedule your consultation today!
Thinking About Wisdom Teeth Removal? Here’s What You Need to Know!
Benefits of Removing Wisdom Teeth
- Prevents infections and decay.
- Protects adjacent teeth from damage.
- Reduces mouth and jaw pain.
- Enhances overall oral health.
- Prevents potential orthodontic issues.
Potential Side Effects of Wisdom Teeth Removal
- Temporary swelling and pain.
- Mild bleeding typically subsides within 24 hours.
- Stiffness in the jaw or slow gum healing.
- There is a rare risk of damage to nearby teeth or dental work.
Getting Your Wisdom Teeth Removed at Lincolnwood Famaily Dental: A Step-by-Step Look
- Procedure Duration
Wisdom teeth removal in Lincolnwood typically takes 45 minutes to an hour. However, the procedure may take slightly longer for complex cases, such as impacted teeth. - Numbing the Area
Local anesthesia numbs the area around the wisdom tooth, ensuring a pain-free experience. For more complex cases or if you’re anxious, sedation options are available to help you relax throughout the procedure. - Preparing for Removal
If the tooth is partially or fully covered by gum tissue, the dentist will make a small incision to access it. A small portion of the jawbone may be carefully removed for impacted teeth to ensure access. - Loosening the Tooth
Once exposed, the dentist gently loosens the tooth by widening the socket. Deeply embedded or multi-rooted teeth may require additional time for loosening. - Removing the Tooth
Teeth can sometimes be removed in one piece, but in complex cases, they may be divided into smaller sections for easier removal. This method reduces stress on surrounding tissues and ensures a smoother extraction. - Stitching the Gum
Dissolvable stitches are used to close the gum if an incision is made. These stitches dissolve within days, promoting faster healing without needing removal.
Healing Hacks for Faster Recovery
Healing after wisdom teeth extraction is straightforward but requires attention to promote smooth recovery. Most people resume activities in a day, though complex cases involving anesthesia may need one to three days of rest.
Recovery Tips for the First Few Days Post-Surgery
- Expect discomfort and swelling peaking within 1-2 days, gradually subsiding.
- Stick to soft or liquid foods; chewing may initially be uncomfortable.
- Bruising and jaw stiffness are common, resolving within a week.
- Stitches dissolve naturally, and blood clots protect the wound to aid healing.
Post-Op Dos:
- Take ibuprofen or acetaminophen for pain as recommended by your dentist.
- Use warm saltwater rinses or antiseptic mouthwash gently.
- Eat soft foods like yogurt, applesauce, or mashed potatoes.
- Apply pressure with clean gauze for persistent bleeding.
- Brush carefully, avoiding the surgical site.
Post-Op Don’ts:
- Hard, crunchy foods like nuts or candies.
- Smoking and Alcohol delays healing and could cause dry socket.
- Strenuous activities during the first week.
What’s Safe to Eat After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Stick to a soft-food diet:
- Smoothies (no seeds or chunks)
- Mashed potatoes
- Applesauce
- Scrambled eggs
- Soups (lukewarm, chunk-free)
Avoid hard, crunchy, chewy, spicy, or acidic foods to prevent irritation.
Get Exceptional Care at Lincolnwood Family Dental!
Affordable pricing, expert dentists, and personalized aftercare make us the best choice for wisdom teeth extractions. We serve Lincolnwood, Skokie, Morton Grove, and nearby areas of Illinois—call (847) 610-9272 to book your consultation today.
FAQs
Can I Brush My Teeth After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Wait at least 24 hours before brushing your teeth. Brushing too soon can irritate the wound, cause bleeding, or lead to a dry socket. After the first day, gently brush your teeth, avoiding the extraction area to promote healing.
How Long Does It Take to Heal Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Healing usually takes 1 to 2 weeks. Most people feel ready to return to work, school, or daily routines within 3 to 5 days. Clear aftercare instructions will be provided to ensure a smooth and comfortable recovery.
Is Wisdom Teeth Removal Covered by Medical or Dental Insurance?
Most dental insurance plans cover part of wisdom teeth removal if deemed medically necessary.
How Long After Wisdom Teeth Removal Can I Eat?
You can start eating soft foods a few hours after the procedure once the numbness subsides. Wait 24-48 hours before consuming anything that requires chewing.
