Wisdom Tooth Extractions Palos Heights

Gentle Care to Protect Your Long-Term Oral Health

Young adult dental patient making thumbs-up gesture

You probably know quite a few people who got their wisdom teeth removed when they were a teenager or young adult. Some people even get them removed later in life. Yes, this is a common procedure that is often necessary to protect a person’s long-term oral health! If you still have your wisdom teeth, Dr. Young and our Palos Heights team can evaluate their condition and determine if you need to get them extracted. If removal is necessary, you can count on us to perform the procedure with gentleness and care. Contact us today to request your consultation.

Why Choose Revival Dentistry for Wisdom Tooth Extractions? 

  • IV Sedation Makes the Procedure Comfortable & Easy
  • Caring Dental Team Committed to Successful Treatment Outcomes
  • Dental Insurance & CareCredit Financing Both Accepted

What Are Wisdom Teeth?

Dental X-ray showing wisdom teeth in upper arch

The wisdom teeth are the third set of molars, which are located at the back of the mouth — one in each quadrant. They typically develop when a person is in their teens or early 20s. For ancient human ancestors, this extra set of teeth often proved necessary for survival. In today’s modern world, however, wisdom teeth are now considered vestigial.

Why Do Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed? 

Young man experiencing dental pain

Some people can keep their wisdom teeth for a lifetime without any adverse consequences. In many cases, though, removal is necessary because most people simply do not have enough room in their mouth for a third set of molars. Therefore, the wisdom teeth may become impacted (stuck fully or partially beneath the gumline). Impacted wisdom teeth are known to cause a range of problems, including:

  • Pain
  • Cysts
  • Tumors
  • Infections
  • Oral hygiene challenges
  • Food impaction (food getting stuck around the teeth)
  • Damage to nearby teeth

What to Expect from the Wisdom Teeth Procedure

Two extracted teeth resting on gauze

We understand that the prospect of tooth removal can be intimidating, but our team wants to make it as easy as possible. We even offer IV sedation, which can make you feel as if you are sleeping through your procedure!

If your wisdom teeth have fully erupted from the gumline, the removal process is easy and straightforward. We use a tool called an elevator to lift each tooth, then grip it with forceps and rock it back and forth until the connective tissues holding it in place are broken.

If a tooth is impacted, it might be necessary to create incisions in your gums or break the tooth into smaller pieces. This is what is known as a surgical tooth extraction.

Recovering From Wisdom Teeth Extractions

Woman relaxing on her sofa at home

Most people feel normal within 1 – 2 weeks of their extraction procedure. In the meantime, you might experience intermittent bleeding, swelling that gradually subsides, and general soreness.

Our team will provide detailed post-op instructions to aid your recovery. For example, you will need to:

  • Get enough rest
  • Take medications as directed
  • Avoid smoking
  • Avoid the use of drinking straws
  • Be very gentle when brushing and flossing

Of course, if you run into any questions or concerns while you are healing, you should contact our team right away so we can assist you.