WatchWisdom Teeth
When do wisdom teeth need to come out?
Wisdom teeth — your third molars — usually try to come in between ages 17 and 25. For most people, there simply isn't enough room at the back of the jaw for them to erupt properly, and they become impacted: stuck under the gum or angled into the neighboring teeth. When that happens, leaving them in place often causes more problems than removing them.
This video explains the most common issues. An impacted wisdom tooth can press against the molar in front of it, causing damage, cavities, or even bone resorption that puts both teeth at risk. A partially erupted wisdom tooth creates a perfect trap for food and bacteria, leading to swelling, infection, and painful flare-ups in the gum tissue. In rarer cases, a fluid-filled cyst can form around an impacted tooth and damage the surrounding bone.
The good news: with modern techniques, wisdom tooth removal is usually straightforward and surprisingly comfortable. Depending on your case, the procedure may be done under local anesthesia, mild oral sedation, IV sedation, or general anesthesia — and we'll help you choose the right comfort option through our sedation dentistry services.
If you're feeling pressure, swelling, or pain in the back of your mouth, please don't wait. Schedule an evaluation at Brammeier Dental of Naperville — Dr. Brammeier will take an X-ray, evaluate the position of your wisdom teeth, and recommend the right next step.
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