Wisdom Teeth Surgery St. Ann, MO
Wisdom Teeth Surgery St. Ann, MO. Despite their name, wisdom teeth do not make you wiser. So, having surgery to remove them will not affect your brain power at all. These late-stage, third molars frequently 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 approximately 85 percent of people needing to have their wisdom teeth removed at one point in their lives.
Martin Dental & Associates is dedicated to making our dental services as accessible and affordable as possible for St. Ann, MO residents. With two convenient locations near St. Ann, MO, a select number of skilled dentists with decades of experience, and a proficient team of dental hygienists and professionals, 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 St. Ann, MO area. If your wisdom teeth are causing you pain or discomfort, you probably need to have them removed. Call us immediately 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 St. Ann, MO?
Our St. Ann, MO patients’ needs vary case-by-case, but the main reason Dr. Martin and the team of dentists at Martin Dental & Associates recommend having your wisdom teeth extracted is because they affect the rest of your teeth. On occasion our team might suggest wisdom teeth surgery even if they do not fully emerge, simply to avoid damage later on. Other common problems wisdom teeth can contribute to are:
- Malocclusion or improper jaw alignment
- Sinus issues
- Cysts
- Damaging cavities
At What Point Should My Wisdom Teeth Be Removed in St. Ann, MO?
Pain and discomfort are generally the telltale signs for our St. Ann, MO patients that their wisdom teeth have broken through their gums, and may 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 ideal in young adulthood when these molars are still healthy, as jawbones become harder as you age and teeth tougher to extract. Reasons for St. Ann, 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 positioned, 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.
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 remaining surrounding the other teeth. Some 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.
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 office, or 573-764-2425 for our Gerard office, or reach out to 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 St. Ann, MO.
A lot of our St. Ann, MO patients only recognize that their wisdom teeth are impacted when they experience pain. But, like any dental problem, it starts small and even virtually undetectable. Don’t neglect any pain, or even sensitivity and slight throbbing sensations.
Oral health isn’t simply 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 areas along the gum line frequently are sore to the touch, getting in the way of proper brushing and flossing, eventually leading to cavities and tooth decay.
Along with wisdom teeth surgery, Dr. John Martin and the skilled staff of dentists at Martin Dental & Associates provide the following for our St. Ann, 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 St. Ann, MO patients also have access to a wide range of dental procedures, such as:
What is the Recovery Process in St. Ann, 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 problems like gum disease, tooth decay, damage to adjacent teeth, jaw damage, and bone loss. You will want to be extremely cautious not to dislodge your blood clot or stitches in St. Ann, MO for a week after surgery. Like any scab, the blood over your wisdom tooth hole protects and heals the wound. If the blood clot is disrupted, you’ll 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 St. Ann, MO include:
- Anything that could displace your blood clot or stitches
- Sucking on a straw
- Smoking
- Spitting
Some Frequently Asked Questions Regarding St. Ann, MO Wisdom Teeth Surgery at Martin Dental & Associates
How do I manage pain in St. Ann, 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 St. Ann, 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, give rinsing with warm salt water a try.
How long will it take to recover from wisdom teeth surgery in St. Ann, MO?
Most people completely recover from wisdom teeth surgery in 3-4 days, although it can take up to 2 weeks to recover if your teeth were impacted or came in at an awkward angle. Some swelling, pain, and bleeding is normal, but call us immediately at 314-739-1222 for our Maryland Heights location, or 573-764-2425 for our Gerard office, if the bleeding or pain is too much in St. Ann, MO.
When can I go back to work or school in St. Ann, MO?
The majority of individuals return to school or work in 2-3 days, however, if your job requires physical labor or heavy lifting, you may require a few extra days away from work.
What can I eat in St. Ann, 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 St. Ann, MO?
Wisdom teeth surgery is a standard, safe operation that does not cause major complications, 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 does not 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 St. Ann, MO For Information Regarding Wisdom Teeth Surgery | Martin Dental & Associates
Wisdom teeth surgery is a common procedure to prevent or fix issues with your third molars. You will have better control over cleanings St. Ann, MO once your wisdom teeth are removed, including brushing and flossing, and thus boosted oral and overall health. Great smiles begin with us.
Give us a call today at 573-764-2425 for our Gerard location or 314-739-1222 for our Maryland Heights office, or contact us online.