Wisdom Teeth Surgery St. John, MO
Wisdom Teeth Surgery St. John, 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 often cause extreme discomfort 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 the United States population 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. John, MO residents. With two convenient locations near St. John, MO, several skilled dentists with decades of experience, and a proficient team of dental hygienists and professionals, 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 perform wisdom teeth surgery for people of all ages in the St. John, MO area. If your wisdom teeth are causing you pain or discomfort, you likely 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 reach out to us online.
Why Do I Need Wisdom Teeth Surgery in St. John, MO?
Our St. John, 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 removed is because they affect the rest of your teeth. Sometimes our staff may recommend wisdom teeth surgery even if they do not fully emerge, only to avoid damage later on. Other common issues wisdom teeth can contribute to are:
- Malocclusion or improper jaw alignment
- Sinus problems
- Cysts
- Damaging cavities
When Should My Wisdom Teeth Be Removed in St. John, MO?
Pain and discomfort are generally the telltale signs for our St. John, MO patients that their wisdom teeth have erupted, and could need extraction. There’s no need to fret though, as wisdom teeth extraction is the most common dental surgery in the U.S., accounting for 95 percent of tooth extractions among people aged 16-21. Wisdom teeth extraction is especially ideal in young adulthood when these molars are still healthy, as jawbones become harder as you age and teeth more difficult to remove. Premises for St. John, 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 firmly in place, this new, extra set of molars can force them to shift their position. This causes bite problems, pain, and overcrowding, making it tough to brush and floss 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’s no space left around the other teeth. On occasion, wisdom teeth grow impacted inside the jaw, shifting the other teeth and even the jawline. This can limit 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 location, 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. John, MO.
A lot of our St. John, 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. Do not ignore any toothache, or even sensitivity and slight throbbing sensations.
Oral health isn’t simply limited to teeth – gums play a large role and suffer through impacted wisdom teeth. When wisdom teeth break through 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 often feel sore to the touch, getting in the way of proper brushing and flossing, eventually leading to tooth decay and cavities.
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. John, 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. John, MO patients also have access to a wide range of dental procedures, including:
What is the Recovery Process in St. John, 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 issues like damage to adjacent teeth, tooth decay, gum disease, jaw damage, and bone loss. You will want to be very careful not to displace your blood clot or stitches in St. John, MO for at least 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 broken, 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.
Several activities you should steer clear of during recovery in St. John, MO include:
- Anything that could dislodge your stitches or blood clot
- Sucking on a straw
- Smoking
- Spitting
Some Frequently Asked Questions Regarding St. John, MO Wisdom Teeth Surgery at Martin Dental & Associates
How do I manage pain in St. John, 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. John, 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, give rinsing with warm salt water a try.
How long does recovery from wisdom teeth surgery in St. John, MO take?
Most individuals 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 bleeding, pain, and swelling 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 excessive and unbearable in St. John, MO.
When can I return to work or school in St. John, MO?
Most people return to work or school in 2-3 days, but, 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. John, 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 yogurt, pudding, rice, eggs, and pasta. Also, cool foods like ice cream can help soothe the surgical areas.
When should I contact Dr. Martin or another dentist due to complications in St. John, MO?
Wisdom teeth surgery is a safe, standard operation that doesn’t bring about major hurdles, but you should call 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 three days
- Facial numbness
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing
- Pus or blood in nasal drainage
Contact Our Experienced Dental Team Near St. John, 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. You will have better control over cleanings St. John, MO once your wisdom teeth are removed, including brushing and flossing, and thus better oral and overall health. Great smiles begin with us.
Give us a call today at 573-764-2425 for our Gerard office or 314-739-1222 for our Maryland Heights location, or contact us online.