Wisdom Teeth Surgery
Wisdom Teeth Surgery St. Louis, MO. Despite their name, wisdom teeth do not make anyone wiser. These late-stage, third molars often cause extreme discomfort when they erupt from the gums and crowd your existing teeth. Wisdom teeth surgery or removal has become a rite of passage for young adults, with an estimated 85 percent of people needing to have their wisdom teeth extracted during their lifetime.
Martin Dental & Associates is committed to making our services as accessible and affordable as possible. With two convenient locations, several skilled dentists with decades of experience, and a proficient team of dental hygienists and professionals, we are the leading choice of St. Louis residents for dental services, including wisdom teeth surgery.
Dr. John Martin and the experienced staff at Martin Dental & Associates provide wisdom teeth surgery for people of all ages in the St. Louis area. If your wisdom teeth are causing you pain or discomfort, you probably need to have them removed. Call us immediately at 314-739-1222 for our Maryland Heights location, or 573-764-2425 for our Gerard office, or contact us online.
Why Do I Need Wisdom Teeth Surgery?
Our patients’ needs vary, but, in most cases, Dr. Martin and the staff of dentists at Martin Dental & Associates suggest having your wisdom teeth removed because they affect the rest of your teeth. Sometimes our team might recommend wisdom teeth surgery even if they don’t fully emerge just to avoid damage later on. Other common problems wisdom teeth can contribute to include:
- Malocclusion or improper jaw alignment
- Sinus problems
- Cysts
- Damaging cavities
When Should My Wisdom Teeth Be Removed?
Pain is normally the telltale sign for our patients that their wisdom teeth have erupted, and may need extraction. There’s little need to worry though, as wisdom teeth removal is the most common dental surgery in the United States, accounting for 95 percent of tooth extractions among people between the ages of 16 and 21. Wisdom teeth removal is particularly ideal in young adulthood when these molars are still healthy, as jawbones become harder with age and teeth tougher to remove. Reasons for wisdom teeth removal include:
- Damage to Nearby Teeth
- Damage to the Jaw
- Sinus Problems
- Sensitivity and Pain
- Inflamed Gums
Because your permanent teeth are already positioned, this extra set of molars can force them to shift their position. This causes pain, bite problems, and overcrowding, making it difficult to brush and floss effectively and eventually leading to cavities or tooth decay.
Like all teeth, wisdom teeth erupt from the jaw and through the gums, but this isn’t always the case, especially when there’s no space left around the other teeth. Some wisdom teeth grow impacted within the jaw, shifting the other teeth and even the jawline. This can limit the opening of the mouth and cause pain when doing so.
Impacted wisdom teeth can cause sinus pain, pressure, and congestion. Oral health is overall health, so it is crucial to pay attention to any symptom or ailment. Dr. Martin and the team of dentists at Martin Dental & Associates are here to help. Call us at 314-739-1222 for our Maryland Heights location, or 573-764-2425 for our Gerard office, or contact us online.
A lot of our patients only realize that their wisdom teeth are impacted when they experience pain. But, like any dental problem, it starts small and even virtually undetectable. Don’t ignore any toothache, or even sensitivity and slight throbbing sensations.
Oral health isn’t limited to teeth – gums play a huge role and suffer through impacted wisdom teeth. When wisdom teeth erupt at an angle to the other teeth, or horizontally, they can cause the gums to swell and make it hard to clean. These reddish areas along the gum line often feel sore to the touch, preventing proper brushing and flossing, eventually leading to cavities and tooth decay.
In addition to wisdom teeth surgery, Dr. John Martin and the skilled team of dentists at Martin Dental & Associates offer services in these areas:
Our St. Louis-area patients have access to a wide range of dental procedures, including:
What is the Recovery Process From Wisdom Teeth Surgery?
The most significant benefit of wisdom teeth extraction is that it reduces the risk for future oral health problems like gum disease, tooth decay, damage to adjacent teeth, bone loss, and jaw damage. You’ll want to be very careful not to dislodge your blood clot or stitches for a week after surgery. Like any scab, the blood over your wisdom tooth hole protects and heals the wound. If the blood clot is disrupted, you’ll be in increased pain and at an increased risk of infection. This is called a dry socket. You can get a dry socket in just one or all of the wound holes.
Activities you should avoid during recovery include:
- Anything that could dislodge your stitches or blood clot
- Drinking from a straw
- Smoking
- Spitting
Some Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Wisdom Teeth Surgery at Martin Dental & Associates
How do I manage pain after wisdom teeth surgery?
The main ways you can manage pain and reduce swelling are by using ice and taking pain medication. The Martin Dental & Associates team will show you how and how often to use an ice pack. Don’t put ice directly on your face, as this may lead to ice burn. Our dentists will also recommend pain management medications, including antibiotics to prevent any infections while your mouth is vulnerable to germs.
Can I brush my teeth after wisdom teeth surgery?
It’s a good idea to avoid brushing around the surgery site for at least 24 hours to avoid dislodging your blood clot. Instead, try rinsing with warm salt water.
How long will it take to recover from wisdom teeth surgery?
Most people fully recover from wisdom teeth surgery in 3-4 days, but it can take up to 2 weeks to recover if your teeth were impacted or came in at an awkward angle. Some swelling, pain, and bleeding is normal, but call us immediately at 314-739-1222 for our Maryland Heights location, or 573-764-2425 for our Gerard office, if the pain or bleeding is excessive and unbearable.
When can I go back to work or school?
Most people can go back to work or school in 2-3 days, however, if your job requires physical labor or heavy lifting, you may need to take a few extra days off of work.
What can I eat after wisdom teeth surgery?
Stock your kitchen with soft foods like pasta, eggs, rice, pudding, and yogurt. Also, cool foods like ice cream can help soothe the surgical areas. Steer clear of hard, crunchy, and spicy food, as well as drinking through straws.
When should I call Dr. Martin or another dentist due to complications?
Wisdom teeth surgery is a standard, safe operation that doesn’t cause major complications, but you should call Martin Dental & Associates if you have:
- A fever of 100.4 degrees or higher
- Infection (pus) coming out of one or more extraction site
- Heavy bleeding
- Pain that doesn’t improve with medication
- Swelling that worsens after 3 days
- Facial numbness
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing
- Blood or pus in nasal drainage
Contact Our Experienced Dental Team For Information On Wisdom Teeth Surgery | Martin Dental & Associates
Wisdom teeth surgery is a common procedure to fix or prevent problems with your third molars. Once your wisdom teeth are removed you will have better control over cleanings, including brushing and flossing, and thus better oral and overall health. Great smiles begin with us.
Call us today at 314-739-1222 for our Maryland Heights location, or 573-764-2425 for our Gerard office, or contact us online.