Wisdom Teeth Surgery Clayton, MO
Wisdom Teeth Surgery Clayton, MO. Despite their name, wisdom teeth do not make you wiser. So, losing them will not affect your mental capacity in the least bit. These late-stage, third molars frequently cause tenderness 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 approximately 85 percent of people needing to have their wisdom teeth extracted during their lifetime.
Martin Dental & Associates is dedicated to making our services as accessible and affordable as possible for Clayton, MO residents. With two convenient locations near Clayton, MO, a select number of skilled dentists with decades of experience, and a proficient team of professionals and dental hygienists, 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 perform wisdom teeth surgery for individuals of all ages in the Clayton, MO area. If your wisdom teeth are causing you pain or discomfort, you likely should have them removed. Give us a call as soon as possible at 314-739-1222 for our Maryland Heights office, or 573-764-2425 for our Gerard location, or reach out to us online.
Why Do I Need Wisdom Teeth Surgery in Clayton, MO?
Our Clayton, 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 later on. Other common 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 Clayton, MO?
Pain and discomfort are generally the telltale signs for our Clayton, MO patients that their wisdom teeth have erupted, and could need extraction. There’s no need to fret though, as wisdom teeth extraction is the most common dental surgery in the U.S., accounting for 95 percent of tooth removals among people between the ages of 16 and 21. Wisdom teeth extraction is especially optimal in young adulthood when these molars are still healthy, as jawbones become firmer with age and teeth more difficult to remove. Reasons for Clayton, MO wisdom teeth removal are:
- Damage to Nearby Teeth
- Damage to the Jaw
- Sinus Problems
- Sensitivity and Pain
- Inflamed Gums
Because your permanent teeth are already firmly in place, this extra set of molars can force them to move. This causes bite problems, pain, and overcrowding, making it difficult to brush and floss effectively, and eventually leading to tooth decay or cavities.
Wisdom teeth, just like all teeth, erupt from the jaw and through the gums, but this is not always the case, particularly when there is no space remaining around the other teeth. Some wisdom teeth grow impacted inside the jaw, moving the other teeth and even the jawline. This can limit the opening of the mouth and cause extreme pain when doing so.
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 location, 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 symptom or ailment in Clayton, MO.
Several of our Clayton, MO patients only recognize that their wisdom teeth are impacted when they experience pain. However, like any dental issue, it starts small and even virtually undetectable. Don’t ignore any pain, or even sensitivity and slight throbbing sensations.
Oral health isn’t simply limited to teeth – your gums play a huge role and suffer through impacted wisdom teeth. When wisdom teeth break through at an angle to the other teeth, or horizontally, they can cause the gums to swell and make it hard to clean. These swollen, reddish spots along the gum line often are sore to the touch, getting in the way of proper flossing and brushing, eventually causing cavities and tooth decay.
In addition to wisdom teeth surgery, Dr. John Martin and the skilled staff of dentists at Martin Dental & Associates provide the following for our Clayton, 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 Clayton, MO patients also have access to a wide range of dental procedures, such as:
What is the Recovery Process in Clayton, MO From Wisdom Teeth Surgery at Martin Dental & Associates?
The most significant benefit of wisdom teeth surgery is that it reduces the risk of future oral health problems like gum disease, tooth decay, damage to adjacent teeth, jaw damage, and bone loss. You’ll want to be very cautious not to dislodge your blood clot or stitches in Clayton, MO for at least a week after surgery. Like any scab, the blood over your wisdom tooth hole protects and heals the wound. If the blood clot is broken, you will 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.
Several activities you should steer clear of during recovery in Clayton, MO include:
- Anything that could dislodge your blood clot or stitches
- Drinking from a straw
- Smoking
- Spitting
Some Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Clayton, MO Wisdom Teeth Surgery at Martin Dental & Associates
How do I manage pain in Clayton, 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 Clayton, 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 is probably a good idea to avoid brushing around the surgery site for at least a day to stay away from dislodging your blood clot. Rather, try rinsing with warm salt water.
How long will it take to recover from wisdom teeth surgery in Clayton, MO?
The majority of individuals completely recover from wisdom teeth surgery in 3-4 days, although it can take up to 2 weeks to recover if your teeth came in at an awkward angle or were impacted. Some swelling, pain, and bleeding is routine, but call us as soon as possible at 314-739-1222 for our Maryland Heights office, or 573-764-2425 for our Gerard location, if the bleeding or pain is too much in Clayton, MO.
When can I return to work or school in Clayton, MO?
The majority of individuals can go back to school or work in 2-3 days, however, if your job requires physical labor or heavy lifting, you may need to take a few extra days away from work.
What can I eat in Clayton, MO 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 contact Dr. Martin or another dentist because of complications in Clayton, MO?
Wisdom teeth surgery is a safe, standard operation that doesn’t bring about major impediments, but you should contact 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 3 days
- Facial numbness
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Blood or pus in nasal drainage
Reach Out to Our Experienced Dental Team Near Clayton, MO For Information Regarding Wisdom Teeth Surgery | Martin Dental & Associates
Wisdom teeth surgery is a routine procedure to prevent or fix problems with your third molars. Once your wisdom teeth are removed you will have better control over cleanings in Clayton, MO, including brushing and flossing, and thus better oral and overall health. Great smiles begin with us.
Call us today at 573-764-2425 for our Gerard office or 314-739-1222 for our Maryland Heights location, or reach out to us online.