Wisdom Teeth Surgery St. Clair, MO
Wisdom Teeth Surgery St. Clair, MO. Despite their name, wisdom teeth do not make anyone 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 they 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 extracted at one point in their lives.
Martin Dental & Associates is committed to making our services as affordable and accessible as possible for St. Clair, MO residents. With two convenient offices near St. Clair, 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 people of all ages in the St. Clair, 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 St. Clair, MO?
Our St. Clair, MO patients’ needs vary, but, in most cases, Dr. Martin and the team of dentists at Martin Dental & Associates suggest having your wisdom teeth removed because they affect the rest of your teeth. Sometimes our staff may suggest wisdom teeth surgery even if they don’t fully emerge, simply to avoid damage at a later date. Other common problems wisdom teeth can contribute to include:
- Malocclusion or improper jaw alignment
- Sinus problems
- Cysts
- Damaging cavities
When Should My Wisdom Teeth Be Removed in St. Clair, MO?
Pain and discomfort are generally the telltale signs for our St. Clair, MO patients that their wisdom teeth have broken through their gums, and may need extraction. There’s no need to fret 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 teeth are still healthy, as jawbones become firmer as you age and teeth tougher to remove. Reasons for St. Clair, 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 shift their position. This causes pain, bite problems, and overcrowding, making it tough to brush and floss effectively, and eventually causing cavities or tooth decay.
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. On occasion, wisdom teeth grow impacted inside the jaw, shifting 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 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 St. Clair, MO.
Several of our St. Clair, MO patients only realize 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 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 surrounding 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 brushing and flossing, eventually causing cavities and tooth decay.
In addition to wisdom teeth surgery, Dr. John Martin and the talented team of dentists at Martin Dental & Associates provide the following for our St. Clair, MO patients:
Our St. Clair, MO patients also have access to a wide selection of dental procedures, including:
What is the Recovery Process in St. Clair, MO From Wisdom Teeth Surgery at Martin Dental & Associates?
The most significant benefit of wisdom teeth surgery is that it diminishes the risk of future oral health issues like gum disease, tooth decay, damage to adjacent teeth, jaw damage, and bone loss. You’ll want to be extremely cautious not to dislodge your blood clot or stitches in St. Clair, MO for at least 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 called a 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 St. Clair, MO include:
- Anything that could displace your blood clot or stitches
- Sucking on a straw
- Smoking
- Spitting
Some Frequently Asked Questions Regarding St. Clair, MO Wisdom Teeth Surgery at Martin Dental & Associates
How do I manage pain in St. Clair, 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. Clair, 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 avoid dislodging your blood clot. Rather, try rinsing with warm salt water.
How long will it take to recover from wisdom teeth surgery in St. Clair, MO?
Most individuals fully recover from wisdom teeth surgery in 3-4 days, but 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 office, if the bleeding or pain is excessive and unbearable in St. Clair, MO.
When can I go back to work or school in St. Clair, MO?
Most people return to school or work in 2-3 days, but, if your job requires heavy lifting or physical labor, you may require a few extra days off of work.
What can I eat in St. Clair, 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 St. Clair, MO?
Wisdom teeth surgery is a safe, standard operation that doesn’t cause major complications, 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 does not improve with medication
- Swelling that worsens after 3 days
- Facial numbness
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Blood or pus in nasal drainage
Contact Our Experienced Dental Team Near St. Clair, MO For Information About Wisdom Teeth Surgery | Martin Dental & Associates
Wisdom teeth surgery is a routine procedure to prevent or fix issues with your third molars. Once your wisdom teeth are removed you will have better control over cleanings in St. Clair, MO, including flossing and brushing, 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 office, or reach out to us online.