Wisdom Teeth Surgery Jennings, MO
Wisdom Teeth Surgery Jennings, MO. Despite their name, wisdom teeth do not make you wiser. So, having surgery to remove them will not affect your brain power in the least bit. 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 extracted at one point in their lives.
Martin Dental & Associates is dedicated to making our services as accessible and affordable as possible for Jennings, MO residents. With two convenient locations near Jennings, MO, a select number of skilled dentists with decades of experience, and a proficient team of professionals and dental hygienists, we are the top 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 individuals of all ages in the Jennings, MO area. If your wisdom teeth are causing you pain or discomfort, you probably should have them removed. Give us a call immediately at 314-739-1222 for our Maryland Heights office, or 573-764-2425 for our Gerard location, or contact us online.
Why Do I Need Wisdom Teeth Surgery in Jennings, MO?
Our Jennings, MO patients’ needs vary, but, in most cases, Dr. Martin and the staff of dentists at Martin Dental & Associates suggest having your wisdom teeth extracted because they affect the rest of your teeth. Sometimes our staff might suggest wisdom teeth surgery even if they do not fully emerge, simply to avoid damage at a later date. Other common problems wisdom teeth can contribute to are:
- Malocclusion or improper jaw alignment
- Sinus issues
- Cysts
- Damaging cavities
When Should My Wisdom Teeth Be Extracted in Jennings, MO?
Pain and discomfort are normally the telltale signs for our Jennings, MO patients that their wisdom teeth have broken through their gums, and could need extraction. There’s no need to worry though, as wisdom teeth removal is the most common dental surgery in the United States, accounting for 95 percent of tooth removals among people between the ages of 16 and 21. Wisdom teeth extraction is particularly optimal in young adulthood when these molars are still healthy, as jawbones become firmer with age and teeth more difficult to remove. Premises for Jennings, MO 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 firmly in place, this new, extra set of molars can force them to move. This causes pain, bite problems, and overcrowding, making it difficult to floss and brush effectively, and eventually causing cavities or tooth decay.
Like all teeth, wisdom teeth erupt from the jaw and through the gums, but this is not always the case, particularly when there is no space left surrounding the other teeth. On occasion, wisdom teeth grow impacted inside the jaw, moving the other teeth and perhaps even the jawline. This can restrict the opening of the mouth and cause extreme pain when doing so.
Impacted wisdom teeth can cause sinus congestion, pressure, and pain. Oral health is overall health, so it is crucial to pay attention to any ailment or symptom in Jennings, MO. 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 Jennings, MO patients only recognize that their wisdom teeth are impacted when they experience pain. However, like any dental issue, it starts small and even essentially undetectable. Do not brush off any toothache, or even sensitivity and slight throbbing sensations.
Oral health is not just limited to teeth – your gums play a large 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 spots along the gum line often are sore to the touch, getting in the way of proper flossing and brushing, eventually causing tooth decay and cavities.
In addition to wisdom teeth surgery, Dr. John Martin and the skilled staff of dentists at Martin Dental & Associates provide the following for our Jennings, MO patients:
Our Jennings, MO patients also have access to a wide range of dental procedures, such as:
What is the Recovery Process in Jennings, MO From Wisdom Teeth Surgery at Martin Dental & Associates?
The most significant benefit of wisdom teeth extraction is that it diminishes the risk of future oral health problems like gum disease, tooth decay, damage to adjacent teeth, bone loss, and jaw damage. You will want to be very careful not to displace your blood clot or stitches in Jennings, MO for a week after surgery. Much like any scab, the blood over your wisdom tooth hole heals and protects the wound. If the blood clot is disrupted, you’ll 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.
Activities you should avoid during recovery in Jennings, MO include:
- Anything that could dislodge your blood clot or stitches
- Drinking from a straw
- Smoking
- Spitting
Some Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Jennings, MO Wisdom Teeth Surgery at Martin Dental & Associates
How do I manage pain in Jennings, 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 Jennings, 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 Jennings, MO?
Most people fully 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 immediately 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 Jennings, MO.
When can I go back to work or school in Jennings, MO?
Most individuals return to school or work in 2-3 days, however, if your job requires heavy lifting or physical labor, you might require a few extra days away from work.
What can I eat in Jennings, 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 call Dr. Martin or another dentist due to complications in Jennings, MO?
Wisdom teeth surgery is a standard, safe operation that does not bring about major hurdles, 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 Near Jennings, MO For Information On Wisdom Teeth Surgery | Martin Dental & Associates
Wisdom teeth surgery is a common procedure to fix or prevent issues with your third molars. Once your wisdom teeth are removed you will have better control over cleanings in Jennings, MO, including brushing and flossing, and thus better oral and overall health. Great smiles begin with us.
Give us a call today at 314-739-1222 for our Maryland Heights office, or 573-764-2425 for our Gerard location, or contact us online.