Wisdom Teeth Removal FAQs
Oral Surgeon Springfield
Do wisdom teeth always hurt when they come in?
No. Some patients never experience pain from their wisdom teeth. However, this does not mean that a problem doesn’t exist. It’s important to attend regular dental checkups since your dentist can monitor your wisdom teeth and refer you to an oral surgeon for further treatment, if necessary.
How do you know it’s time to get wisdom teeth removed?
During checkups with your dentist, X-rays will be taken to track the development of wisdom teeth. When it’s time, your dentist will refer you to an oral surgeon to have them removed. During your first visit, we will likely take CBCT scans to get a clearer understanding of your jaw structure and tooth development.
Does it hurt to have wisdom teeth removed?
Our board-certified doctors and skilled surgical staff monitor you closely during your surgical procedure and provide anesthesia and sedation options to ensure maximum comfort. Most patients undergo general anesthesia for this procedure, which allows them to sleep comfortably and wake up when it’s over. Many patients report little or no pain associated with wisdom tooth extractions. Follow the post-operative instructions that we provide to ensure a smooth recovery. Any post-surgical pain can usually be managed with ice packs or over-the-counter pain medication.
Do I have to get my wisdom teeth removed by an oral surgeon?
Oral surgeons are required to undergo an additional 4 to 6 years of training after dental school. This additional training focuses on hospital-based surgeries and the safe administration of anesthesia. Even though a dentist may know how to perform wisdom teeth extractions, an oral surgeon is more qualified in both oral surgery procedures and in-office anesthesia. Additionally, all of our doctors at Oral & Facial Surgeons of Illinois are board-certified, which is an honorable certification status that must be achieved by completing a rigorous peer evaluation process and demonstrating exceptional knowledge and patient care.
How long does it take to recover after having wisdom teeth removed?
Recovery depends on your body’s ability to heal as well as the complexity of your procedure. In general, patients can expect to return to their normal routines in a few days. You can help to ensure a smooth and speedy recovery by following our post-operative instructions after your procedure.