Wisdom Teeth Surgery Bridgeton, MO
Wisdom Teeth Surgery Bridgeton, MO. Despite their name, wisdom teeth do not make anyone wiser. So, losing them will not affect your brain power at all. 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 essentially become a rite of passage for young adults, with an estimated 85 percent of the United States population needing to have their wisdom teeth removed at one point in their lives.
Martin Dental & Associates is dedicated to making our dental services as affordable and accessible as possible for Bridgeton, MO residents. With two convenient locations near Bridgeton, MO, a select number of skilled dentists with decades of experience, and a proficient team of dental hygienists and professionals, we are the leading choice of St. Louis-area 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 Bridgeton, MO area. If your wisdom teeth are the main reasons for your pain or discomfort, you probably need to have them removed. Give us a call as soon as possible at 314-739-1222 for our Maryland Heights location, or 573-764-2425 for our Gerard location, or reach out to us online.
Why Do I Need Wisdom Teeth Surgery in Bridgeton, MO?
Our Bridgeton, MO 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. On occasion our staff might suggest wisdom teeth surgery even if they don’t completely emerge, just to avoid damage at a later date. Other routine issues wisdom teeth can contribute to are:
- Malocclusion or improper jaw alignment
- Sinus problems
- Cysts
- Damaging cavities
When Should My Wisdom Teeth Be Extracted in Bridgeton, MO?
Pain and discomfort are normally the telltale signs for our Bridgeton, MO patients that their wisdom teeth have broken through their gums, and could need extraction. There’s no need to fret though, as wisdom teeth removal is the most common dental surgery in the U.S., accounting for 95 percent of tooth removals among people aged 16-21. Wisdom teeth extraction is particularly optimal in young adulthood when these teeth are still healthy, as jawbones become firmer with age and teeth more difficult to remove. Reasons for Bridgeton, MO wisdom teeth removal at Martin Dental & Associates include:
- Damage to Nearby Teeth
- Damage to the Jaw
- Sinus Problems
- Pain and Sensitivity
- 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 hard to floss and brush effectively, and eventually causing tooth decay or cavities.
Wisdom teeth, just like all teeth, erupt from the jaw and through the gums, but this is not always the clear-cut case, particularly when there is no space left surrounding the other teeth. On occasion, wisdom teeth grow impacted within the jaw, moving the other teeth and perhaps even the jawline. This can limit the opening of the mouth and cause pain when doing so.
Dr. Martin and the staff 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. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause sinus pain, pressure, and congestion. Oral health is overall health, so it is crucial to pay attention to any ailment or symptom in Bridgeton, MO.
Several of our Bridgeton, MO patients only recognize that their wisdom teeth are impacted when they experience pain. But, like any dental issue, it starts small and even essentially undetectable. Don’t neglect any pain, or even sensitivity and slight throbbing sensations.
Oral health isn’t just limited to teeth – your gums play a huge role and suffer through impacted wisdom teeth. When wisdom teeth break through at an angle to surrounding teeth, or horizontally, they can cause the gums to swell and make it hard to clean. These reddish spots along the gum line often are sore to the touch, getting in the way of proper flossing and brushing, eventually leading to tooth decay and cavities.
Along with wisdom teeth surgery, Dr. John Martin and the skilled staff of dentists at Martin Dental & Associates provide the following for our Bridgeton, MO patients:
- Pediatric Dentist
- Cosmetic Dentistry Services
- Severe Tooth Pain
- Crowded Teeth
- All on 4 Dental Implants
- Chipped Tooth Repair
- Best Dentist Near Me
- Dental Surgeon Near Me
- Invisalign
Our Bridgeton, MO patients also have access to a wide selection of dental procedures, including:
What is the Recovery Process in Bridgeton, MO From Wisdom Teeth Surgery at Martin Dental & Associates?
The most significant benefit of wisdom teeth extraction is that it reduces the risk of future oral health issues such as damage to adjacent teeth, tooth decay, gum disease, jaw damage, and bone loss. You will want to be very cautious not to dislodge your blood clot or stitches in Bridgeton, MO for at least a week after surgery. Much like any scab, the blood over your wisdom tooth hole protects and heals the wound. If the blood clot is disrupted, you will be in increased pain and at an increased risk of infection. This is referred to as dry socket. You can get a dry socket in just one or all of the wound holes.
Several activities you should steer clear of during recovery in Bridgeton, MO include:
- Anything that could dislodge your stitches or blood clot
- Sucking on a straw
- Smoking
- Spitting
Some Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Bridgeton, MO Wisdom Teeth Surgery at Martin Dental & Associates
How do I manage pain in Bridgeton, MO 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 in Bridgeton, MO. 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 a day to avoid dislodging your blood clot. Instead, try rinsing with warm salt water.
How long will it take to recover from wisdom teeth surgery in Bridgeton, MO?
The majority of individuals fully recover from wisdom teeth surgery in 3-4 days, however it can take up to 2 weeks to recover if your teeth came in at an awkward angle or were impacted. Some bleeding, pain, and swelling is normal, but call us as soon as possible at 314-739-1222 for our Maryland Heights office, or 573-764-2425 for our Gerard office, if the bleeding or pain is excessive and unbearable in Bridgeton, MO.
When can I return to work or school in Bridgeton, MO?
Most individuals return to work or school in 2-3 days, but, if your job requires physical labor or heavy lifting, you might need to take a few extra days off of work.
What can I eat in Bridgeton, MO after wisdom teeth surgery?
Stock your kitchen with soft foods like yogurt, pudding, rice, eggs, and pasta. 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 contact Dr. Martin or another dentist due to complications in Bridgeton, MO?
Wisdom teeth surgery is a standard, safe operation that doesn’t bring about 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 does not improve with medication
- Swelling that worsens after three days
- Facial numbness
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Pus or blood in nasal drainage
Contact Our Experienced Dental Team Near Bridgeton, MO For Information About Wisdom Teeth Surgery | Martin Dental & Associates
Wisdom teeth surgery is a common procedure to prevent or fix problems with your third molars. You will have better control over cleanings Bridgeton, MO once your wisdom teeth are removed, including brushing and flossing, and thus boosted oral and overall health. Great smiles begin with us.
Call us today at 314-739-1222 for our Maryland Heights office, or 573-764-2425 for our Gerard location, or contact us online.