Wisdom Teeth

Your wisdom teeth, or the third molars, often cause crowding, are impacted, or have other issues that require their surgical removal. At Doc Bram in Lisle, Illinois, experienced dentist Keith Bram, DDS, uses his extensive surgical training to perform wisdom tooth extractions. Call the office today or book your appointment online to have your wisdom teeth evaluated and treated with the best smile care. 

What are wisdom teeth?

Your wisdom teeth are a set of molars that break through your gums in your late teens or early adulthood. These wisdom teeth can cause problems because many people’s mouths aren’t big enough to accommodate them. They also commonly get trapped beneath the gumline or, if they do break through, come in at an awkward angle and push on your existing teeth.

Do I need to have surgery to have my wisdom teeth out?

Every person’s case is different. If you have emerged wisdom teeth that don’t interfere with the alignment of your bite, chewing, or dental hygiene, there’s no need to have them removed. 

Because they’re crowded in the very back of your mouth, they can be hard to keep clean. Wisdom teeth are more vulnerable to infection, decay, and other dental problems. 

Dr. Bram does recommend surgical removal of your wisdom teeth if:

• They emerge only partially through your gums
• They are impacted, or entrapped, within your jaw
• They’re likely to crowd or damage nearby teeth
• Are painful
• Become decayed or cause gum disease

Oftentimes, a preventive surgical extraction of your wisdom teeth is a smart step. This prevents any crowding, infections, or pain from impaction that might happen later on. 

What happens during wisdom teeth surgery?

Simple extractions are possible if your wisdom teeth are fully exposed but cause problems. Surgical extraction is recommended if your wisdom teeth are impacted.

With surgical extraction, you’re placed under intravenous (IV) sedation. You’ll be conscious and able to respond to simple commands, but unaware of the procedure or any discomfort. Dr. Bram numbs your mouth as well. He’ll make an incision in the gumline to remove the teeth and stitch you back up. You go home the same day to recover.

What is it like to recover from wisdom teeth extractions?

Expect to have some bleeding and discomfort following the extraction of your wisdom teeth. Ice packs, over-the-counter medications, and, sometimes, prescription medications help you stay comfortable. 

Dr. Bram gives you thorough after-care instructions to help you prevent infection or complications, like dry socket. Maintain a soft food diet for several days, avoid drinking from a straw, and stick to low-impact activities for about a week to avoid dislodging the blood clots that form at the site of extraction. 

Call Doc Bram to set up your wisdom teeth evaluation or book your appointment online today.