Wisdom Teeth Surgery Maplewood, MO
Wisdom Teeth Surgery Maplewood, 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 frequently cause tenderness when they erupt from the gums and they 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 people needing to have their wisdom teeth removed during their lifetime.
Martin Dental & Associates is dedicated to making our services as accessible and affordable as possible for Maplewood, MO residents. With two convenient locations near Maplewood, MO, a select number of skilled dentists with decades of experience, and a proficient team of professionals and dental hygienists, we are the leading pick of St. Louis-area residents for dental services, including wisdom teeth surgery.
Dr. John Martin and the knowledgeable staff at Martin Dental & Associates provide wisdom teeth surgery for people of all ages in the Maplewood, MO area. If your wisdom teeth are causing you pain or discomfort, you likely should 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 in Maplewood, MO?
Our Maplewood, MO patients’ needs vary, but, in most cases, Dr. Martin and the team of dentists at Martin Dental & Associates recommend having your wisdom teeth extracted because they affect the rest of your teeth. Sometimes our team may suggest wisdom teeth surgery even if they do not fully emerge, only to avoid damage later on. 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 Maplewood, MO?
Pain and discomfort are generally the telltale signs for our Maplewood, MO patients that their wisdom teeth have erupted, 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 molars are still healthy, as jawbones become firmer with age and teeth more difficult to extract. Premises for Maplewood, MO wisdom teeth removal at Martin Dental & Associates 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 tough 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 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 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 office, 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 Maplewood, MO.
Several of our Maplewood, MO patients only comprehend that their wisdom teeth are impacted when they experience pain. However, 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 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 swollen, reddish areas along the gum line frequently feel 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 Maplewood, MO patients:
Our Maplewood, MO patients also have access to a wide range of dental procedures, such as:
What is the Recovery Process in Maplewood, 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 issues such as gum disease, tooth decay, damage to adjacent teeth, bone loss, and jaw damage. You’ll want to be extremely cautious not to dislodge your blood clot or stitches in Maplewood, 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 broken, 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.
Activities you should steer clear of during recovery in Maplewood, MO include:
- Anything that could displace your stitches or blood clot
- Sucking on a straw
- Smoking
- Spitting
Some Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Maplewood, MO Wisdom Teeth Surgery at Martin Dental & Associates
How do I manage pain in Maplewood, 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 Maplewood, 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. Rather, give rinsing with warm salt water a try.
How long will it take to recover from wisdom teeth surgery in Maplewood, MO?
Most people completely recover from wisdom teeth surgery in 3-4 days, however it can take up to 2 weeks to recover if your teeth were impacted or came in at an awkward angle. 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 location, if the bleeding or pain is too much in Maplewood, MO.
When can I return to work or school in Maplewood, MO?
The majority of people can go back to work or school in 2-3 days, however, if your job requires physical labor or heavy lifting, you may require a few extra days off of work.
What can I eat in Maplewood, MO after wisdom teeth surgery?
Steer clear of hard, crunchy, and spicy food, as well as drinking through straws. But 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.
When should I contact Dr. Martin or another dentist because of complications in Maplewood, MO?
Wisdom teeth surgery is a standard, safe operation that doesn’t cause major impediments, but you should contact Martin Dental & Associates if you experience:
- 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
- Pus or blood in nasal drainage
Contact Our Experienced Dental Team Near Maplewood, MO For Information Regarding Wisdom Teeth Surgery | Martin Dental & Associates
Wisdom teeth surgery is a common procedure to prevent or fix problems with your third molars. Once your wisdom teeth are removed you will have better control over cleanings in Maplewood, MO, 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 location, or 573-764-2425 for our Gerard office, or reach out to us online.