Wisdom Teeth Surgery Kirkwood, MO
Wisdom Teeth Surgery Kirkwood, MO. Despite their name, wisdom teeth do not make anyone wiser. So, losing them will not affect your brain power 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 basically 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 committed to making our dental services as accessible and affordable as possible for Kirkwood, MO residents. With two convenient offices near Kirkwood, MO, several skilled dentists with decades of experience, and a proficient team of professionals and dental hygienists, we are the top pick of St. Louis-area residents for dental services, including wisdom teeth surgery.
Dr. John Martin and the knowledgeable staff at Martin Dental & Associates perform wisdom teeth surgery for people of all ages in the Kirkwood, MO area. If your wisdom teeth are the main reasons for your 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 location, or 573-764-2425 for our Gerard location, or reach out to us online.
Why Do I Need Wisdom Teeth Surgery in Kirkwood, MO?
Our Kirkwood, MO patients’ needs vary case-by-case, but the main reason Dr. Martin and the staff of dentists at Martin Dental & Associates suggest having your wisdom teeth extracted is because they affect the rest of your teeth. On occasion our staff might suggest wisdom teeth surgery even if they don’t completely emerge, simply to avoid damage at a later date. Other common issues wisdom teeth can contribute to are:
- Malocclusion or improper jaw alignment
- Sinus issues
- Cysts
- Damaging cavities
At What Point Should My Wisdom Teeth Be Extracted in Kirkwood, MO?
Pain is normally the telltale sign for our Kirkwood, MO patients that their wisdom teeth have broken through their gums, and could need extraction. There’s little need to worry though, as wisdom teeth removal is the most common dental surgery in the U.S., accounting for 95 percent of tooth extractions among people aged 16-21. Wisdom teeth removal is particularly optimal in young adulthood when these molars are still healthy, as jawbones become firmer as you age and teeth more difficult to extract. Reasons for Kirkwood, MO wisdom teeth removal 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 bite problems, pain, and overcrowding, making it hard to floss and brush effectively, and eventually causing tooth decay or cavities.
Like all teeth, wisdom teeth erupt from the jaw and through the gums, but this isn’t always the case, particularly when there is no space left around the other teeth. Some wisdom teeth grow impacted within 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 pain, pressure, and congestion. Oral health is overall health, so it is crucial to pay attention to any symptom or ailment in Kirkwood, 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 Kirkwood, MO patients only comprehend that their wisdom teeth are impacted when they experience pain. But, like any dental problem, it starts small and even virtually undetectable. Do not brush off any pain, or even sensitivity and slight throbbing sensations.
Oral health is not just limited to teeth – gums play a huge role and suffer through impacted wisdom teeth. When wisdom teeth erupt at an angle to surrounding teeth, or horizontally, they can cause the gums to swell and make it hard to clean. These swollen, reddish areas along the gum line frequently feel sore to the touch, getting in the way of proper brushing and flossing, 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 Kirkwood, MO patients:
Our Kirkwood, MO patients also have access to a wide range of dental procedures, including:
What is the Recovery Process in Kirkwood, 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 damage to adjacent teeth, tooth decay, gum disease, jaw damage, and bone loss. You’ll want to be extremely careful not to displace your blood clot or stitches in Kirkwood, MO for a week after surgery. Like any scab, the blood over your wisdom tooth hole heals and protects the wound. If the blood clot is disrupted, you’ll be at an increased risk of infection and in an increasing level of pain. 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 avoid during recovery in Kirkwood, MO include:
- Anything that could displace your stitches or blood clot
- Drinking from a straw
- Smoking
- Spitting
Some Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Kirkwood, MO Wisdom Teeth Surgery at Martin Dental & Associates
How do I manage pain in Kirkwood, 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 Kirkwood, 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 24 hours to stay away from dislodging your blood clot. Rather, try rinsing with warm salt water.
How long does recovery from wisdom teeth surgery in Kirkwood, MO take?
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 swelling, pain, and bleeding 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 too much in Kirkwood, MO.
When can I go back to work or school in Kirkwood, MO?
The majority of people can go back to school or work in 2-3 days, however, if your job requires heavy lifting or physical labor, you might need to take a few extra days away from work.
What can I eat in Kirkwood, 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 due to complications in Kirkwood, MO?
Wisdom teeth surgery is a safe, standard operation that doesn’t bring about major complications, 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 three days
- Facial numbness
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing
- Pus or blood in nasal drainage
Reach Out to Our Experienced Dental Team Near Kirkwood, MO For Information On Wisdom Teeth Surgery | Martin Dental & Associates
Wisdom teeth surgery is a routine procedure to prevent or fix issues with your third molars. You will have better control over cleanings Kirkwood, MO once your wisdom teeth are removed, including flossing and brushing, and thus improved 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.