Wisdom Teeth Extraction in Park Ridge, IL
Wisdom teeth extraction is necessary to ensure the long-term health of your teeth, jaw, and gums. The average adult’s mouth has space for 28 teeth; 14 on the top and 14 on the bottom. But, by age 18, 32 teeth are trying to squeeze together in your mouth. These extra four teeth are your wisdom teeth or third molars and are notorious for causing dental and oral health problems if you don’t get them extracted.
Why Do I Need Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Wisdom teeth are anatomically antiquated, which means you don’t need them. In humans’ prehistoric past, the third molars were instrumental for tearing and chewing raw meat and plants. As humans evolved and adopted better cooking methods, however, the human body no longer needed the third molars. So, your mouth only fits 28 teeth today because you no longer need the third molars. But they will still grow in your mouth between 14 and 25, which is when you should get them taken out.
Technically speaking, if the wisdom teeth emerge in proper alignment and are healthy, you do not have to get them removed. But, if you don’t, you risk your wisdom teeth becoming problematic at any point in the future. Before the age of 25, the roots of the third molars usually have not yet bonded with your jawbone. And the longer you wait, the harder it is to remove the molars once their roots have fused with your jawbone.
Wisdom teeth often grow sideways, partially emerge, or get trapped beneath the gum line. In these instances, the wisdom teeth are impacted and must be removed to avoid developing an infection or cysts on your jawbone. Impacted teeth often leave gaps and pockets between the tooth and the gum line, allowing bacteria to grow and infect the tissue.
Another reason to remove your third molars is that they can cause significant pain, swelling, and sensitivity when they emerge. If impacted wisdom teeth are not removed, they can cause misalignment in the rest of your healthy teeth, jawbone cysts, and oral tumors in some cases. We recommend scheduling your wisdom tooth removal as soon as they become evident during your oral examination.
Are You Seeking Relief From Wisdom Tooth Pain?
Don’t suffer any longer! Dr. Sisto can gently extract wisdom teeth to prevent future complications.
Oral Examination
An oral examination enables Dr. Sisto to evaluate the positioning of the wisdom teeth and whether they are problematic. If your wisdom teeth are impacted or problematic, Dr. Sisto will strongly recommend extraction. The earlier you remove them, the easier it is for your jaw to heal and the less of a risk of surgical complications.
Outpatient surgery is performed under anesthesia, and we are happy to accommodate your sedation preference. We are certified to offer a full range of sedation therapies to ensure you are relaxed during your procedure. Talk to Dr. Sisto during your consultation about surgical or dental anxiety.
Wisdom Teeth Removal Procedure
Wisdom Teeth Presentation
To provide you with a better understanding of wisdom teeth, we have provided the following multimedia presentation. Many common questions pertaining to wisdom teeth are discussed.