Wisdom Tooth Oral Surgery

in Ottawa, IL

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Decoding the Mystery of Third Molars: Your Guide to Wisdom

Facing the challenge of wisdom teeth? For many, the thought of third molar removal can bring a mix of questions and concerns. These teeth can lead to discomfort, impaction, and even damage to surrounding teeth.

At the Ottawa, IL, dental office of Dr. John Conness, we prioritize your comfort and well-being throughout the wisdom teeth removal process. We offer comprehensive evaluations, personalized treatment plans, and various sedation options to make your experience as smooth as possible. Ready to discuss your needs? Call us at (815) 434-1022.

Why are Wisdom Teeth Often Problematic?

Impacted wisdom teeth can grow at awkward angles, potentially damaging adjacent teeth, causing pain, or increasing the risk of infection. Common issues associated with wisdom teeth include:

  • Impaction: The tooth is unable to fully erupt due to lack of space. Wisdom tooth impaction may cause severe pain, as they push nearby teeth.
  • Angled Eruption: If wisdom teeth grow at an incorrect angle, they potentially crowd other permanent teeth.
  • Partial Eruption: Part of the tooth breaks through the gums, creating a space for bacteria to accumulate.
  • Pain and Swelling: Inflammation around the wisdom tooth can cause discomfort.
  • Infection: Bacteria can enter the gum tissue around an impacted or partially erupted tooth, leading to infection.

Why Choose Dr. Conness for Surgical Wisdom Tooth Removal?

With over 30 years of experience, Dr. John Conness brings a wealth of knowledge and a commitment to patient-centered care to every procedure.

Here’s why you can trust Dr. Conness and his team at our Ottawa, IL office for your wisdom teeth removal:

  • Extensive Experience: Dr. Conness has over three decades of experience in implant and surgical dental procedures, including wisdom tooth extraction. For 15 years Dr. Conness was a faculty member at the Misch Resnik Implant Institute, and he is also a contributing author to the world’s number one-selling implant textbook, Contemporary Implant Dentistry (Fourth Edition), authored by Dr. Randolph Resnik and published by Elsevier Publications.
  • Advanced Training: Dr. Conness holds a Fellowship from the Academy of General Dentistry, an Implant Dentistry Certificate from Temple University and the Misch Resnik International Implant Institute, and Diplomate status with the ICOI (less than 1% of dentists achieve this).
  • Focus on Comfort: Dr. Conness offers various sedation options, including IV Sedation, and will discuss your concerns to recommend the best approach.
  • Collaboration with Illinois Anesthesia: For deeper sedation, Dr. Conness collaborates with Illinois Anesthesia, a reputable group of CRNAs and MDs.

From consultation to recovery, we are committed to ensuring a smooth and successful experience. Call (815) 434-1022 to schedule your wisdom tooth consultation.

Surgical Wisdom Tooth Removal Procedure

The surgical wisdom tooth removal procedure typically involves several steps. After starting your IV and administering IV sedation medications to ensure your comfort, Dr. Conness will carefully access the wisdom tooth, which may involve removing some gum tissue or bone. Throughout the entire process, our two nurses closely monitor the patient alongside advanced cardiac monitoring technology, ensuring a safe and comfortable sedation experience.

The tooth may be sectioned into smaller pieces for easier removal. Once the tooth is extracted, the area is cleaned and sutures may be placed. Dr. Conness will provide detailed post-operative instructions to guide your recovery.

IV Sedation for a Comfortable Wisdom Tooth Removal Process

For patients with moderate to severe anxiety, IV sedation provides a deeper level of relaxation and comfort during wisdom tooth removal. Administered through an intravenous line, IV sedation ensures you remain deeply relaxed and at ease throughout the procedure.

Recovery After Wisdom Teeth Surgical Procedure

Dr. Conness will provide you with detailed post-operative instructions to help manage your recovery after having wisdom teeth removed. These instructions may include:

  • Pain Management: Prescription pain medication or over-the-counter pain relievers may be recommended to control bleeding in the tooth socket.
  • Cold Compresses: Applying ice packs to the affected area can help reduce swelling around neighboring teeth.
  • Soft Foods: Eating soft or liquid foods, such as soup, yogurt, and mashed potatoes, is recommended for the first few days of the healing process. Foods to eat after dental surgery
  • Oral Hygiene: Gentle rinsing with salt water is important for keeping the extraction site clean.
  • Rest: Getting plenty of rest is essential for healing and maintaining the blood clot, which helps prevent dry sockets. Please refer to these Post-Op Surgery Instructions for more information.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I remove wisdom teeth?

The ideal time for wisdom teeth removal is typically in your late teens or early twenties, before the roots are fully formed and the surrounding bone becomes denser. Your dentist will monitor your wisdom tooth movement to determine if removal is necessary, as well as how many wisdom teeth may need removal.

Is wisdom teeth removal painful?

No, wisdom tooth removal itself isn’t painful thanks to the IV sedation, which ensures you’re completely relaxed and comfortable. While you won’t feel pain during the procedure, some post-operative discomfort and swelling are common. In order to manage your post-operative discomfort, Dr. Conness will prescribe non-narcotic prescription pain medication and anti-inflammatory medication.

How long does it take to recover from wisdom teeth removal?

The recovery time varies depending on the complexity of the extraction. Most people can return to their normal activities within a few days.

What are the risks of not removing impacted wisdom teeth?

Leaving impacted wisdom teeth in place can increase the risk of dental problems like tooth decay, infection, damage to adjacent teeth, and other oral health problems. If you suspect your wisdom teeth are impacted, contact Dr. Conness at (815) 434-1022.

Your Comfort, Our Priority: Wisdom Teeth Removal in Ottawa, IL

At the office of Dr. John Conness, we prioritize your comfort and well-being throughout the wisdom teeth removal process. We offer comprehensive evaluations, personalized treatment plans, and various sedation options to make your experience as smooth as possible.

Ready to discuss your needs? Call us at (815) 434-1022. We also welcome patients from all the surrounding areas.

Full Mouth Extractions

At Dr. John M. Conness in Ottawa, IL, we offer full mouth extractions.

Happy Clients & Big Smiles

Dr. John M. Conness has transformed my teeth! When I came in, I had teeth on the top of my mouth and every which way – yikes! Now, I get regular compliments on my smile. The office staff is friendly, familiar, and it is apparent that they care for their patients!

— Peter

Dr. John M. Conness

Dr. Conness is a licensed Illinois general dentist who has been performing implant and surgical procedures for over 30 years. Dr. Conness and his staff are committed to offering every patient the very best dental care currently available to the dental profession. Our goal is to tailor treatment to meet the patient’s individual desires, goals, and expectations. Dr. Conness has presented many educational programs in the areas of implant surgical dentistry and implant restorative dentistry.

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