Wisdom Tooth Extraction
Wisdom Tooth Extraction Kirkwood, MO. Wisdom tooth extraction is basically a rite of passage for many people in Kirkwood, MO, much like getting a driver's license. In fact, over 10 million wisdom teeth are extracted each year, according to data published by the U.S. National Library of Medicine. And, coincidentally, there is an average of almost 9 million new drivers aged 19 and younger each year.
Surgical wisdom tooth extractions are actually the most common surgery in the United States. Roughly 85 percent of people need to have their wisdom teeth extracted during their lifetime. But its widespread popularity certainly doesn't lessen the importance or severity of wisdom tooth extraction. Wisdom teeth are the last set of molars to form in your mouth, located on each of the upper and lower jawbone. They don’t come in at the same time and, frequently, grow incorrectly, increasing the necessity for a wisdom tooth extraction near Kirkwood, MO.
When it comes to a process like a wisdom tooth extraction, you need a dentist and staff you can trust near Kirkwood, MO. Give us a call at 314-739-1222 for our Maryland Heights office, or 573-764-2425 for our Gerard office, or reach out to us now to make an appointment or consultation. First-time patients near Kirkwood, MO, are always welcome at either convenient locale.
Martin Dental & Associates is proud to be responsible for your wisdom tooth extraction near Kirkwood, MO, a task we don't take lightly. We provide several high-quality services, including:
How Do I Know If I Need a Wisdom Tooth Extraction Near Kirkwood, MO?
Wisdom tooth extraction can be done at either of our locations near Kirkwood, MO, in a single visit. If wisdom teeth aren't extracted, they can cause your teeth to crowd, become infected, and leave lasting damage to surrounding teeth and/or your gums.
Kirkwood, MO wisdom tooth extraction is scheduled mostly as a preventative measure. When wisdom teeth come in, they can crowd the mouth and lead to various possible problems. But the most common reason for wisdom tooth extraction is an impacted wisdom tooth. Many people in Kirkwood, MO develop impacted wisdom teeth, to varying degrees and at various times, making a wisdom tooth extraction necessary. Several near Kirkwood, MO, have impacted wisdom teeth that come in only partially (just barely scratching the surface of the gum) or not at all (remaining under the gum surface). Make certain you reach out to the Martin Dental & Associates team near Kirkwood, MO, for a full consultation and diagnosis on a wisdom tooth extraction. An impacted wisdom tooth may:
- Grow at an angle toward the next tooth, a second molar
- Grow at an angle toward the back of the mouth
- Grow at a right angle to the other teeth, as if the wisdom tooth is "lying down"
- Grow straight up or down like other teeth, but stay trapped with the jawbone
Problems can quickly develop from untreated impacted wisdom teeth in Kirkwood, MO, including pain, infection, gum disease, and tooth decay. We propose that you schedule a scan and consultation with Dr. Martin to ensure proper medical attention for a wisdom tooth extraction. He will prepare a step-by-step, customized treatment plan for you in Kirkwood, MO, including any pertinent wisdom tooth extraction specifications. This ongoing communication is vital to Martin Dental & Associates' patient-doctor relationship.
When Do I Schedule a Wisdom Tooth Extraction Near Kirkwood, MO?
It is important to have wisdom teeth extracted before they are fully grown because it is much easier and less painful during the earliest stages of growth. The longer the wisdom teeth are left exposed and untreated, the better chance there is of infection and lasting damage. The wisdom tooth extraction process itself is relatively easy, and typically lasts less than an hour. Dr. Martin and his team of experts near Kirkwood, MO, numb the targeted extraction area with specialized anesthesia. Once the patient is comfortable, Dr. Martin utilizes specialty instruments to gently loosen and pry the wisdom teeth out of their sockets.
A patient's recovery time varies, from two days to a week. Dr. Martin prepares his Kirkwood, MO, patients with a customized recovery process, including instructions and alleviations on:
- Pain management
- Swelling and bruising
- Bleeding
- Cleaning your mouth
- Activity
- Tobacco use
- Food and beverage options
Kirkwood, MO Wisdom Tooth Extraction | Dr. John Martin Dental & Associates of Greater St. Louis
Wisdom tooth extraction is a common dental treatment, one that Dr. Martin has done for more than 30 years near Kirkwood, MO. Even if your impacted teeth aren't currently causing problems, Martin Dental & Associates can extract your wisdom tooth or teeth to prevent crucial problems that can be caused by the overcrowding and other complications in Kirkwood, MO.
Speak with Dr. John Martin and the Martin Dental & Associates team to make your wisdom tooth extraction near Kirkwood, MO, today. Reach out to us or call us at 314-739-1222 for our Maryland Heights office, or 573-764-2425 for our Gerard location.