Have questions about getting your wisdom teeth removed? We have answers!

Maybe your wisdom teeth have just started to come in or perhaps you’ve had them for a while but are unsure what to do about them. No matter your situation your St. Louis, MO dentists Drs. Jeffery and Jodi Johnson can answer all your questions about wisdom teeth and why they should be removed.

Why do wisdom teeth need to be removed?

This third set of molars usually come in between the ages of 17 to 25 and your St. Louis general dentist may recommend getting them removed if:

• They’re impacted: Since these teeth come in at the back of the mouth very rarely do they come in normally. Wisdom teeth are often impacted, meaning that they never fully erupt. This can often cause pain and other issues.
• They are at a bad angle: Sometimes wisdom teeth come in crooked and press against other teeth, which can also cause damage.
• There isn’t room in your mouth: There may not be enough room in your mouth for accommodating another set of teeth. Instead of causing issues like crowding and crookedness, these teeth will need to be removed.
• You have a cavity: If you can’t get back into the molars to properly brush and floss this can increase your chances of decay or infection.

What should I expect during my dental consultation?

Before you get your wisdom teeth out you will meet with us. During your visit we will discuss any pre-existing health problems you may have, any drug allergies, current medications you’re taking, and the anesthesia (general, local or IV sedation) we’ll use. This is also your time to ask us any questions you may have about your upcoming surgery.

What is a wisdom tooth extraction like?

Once anesthesia has taken effect we will make incisions into the gums, remove any bone that may be covering the tooth and then break up the tooth into removable pieces. Once the tooth is removed and the area is cleaned we will stitch up the gums and place gauze over the area to reduce bleeding and to allow a blood clot to form. The whole process usually takes about 45 minutes or less.

What is the recovery process like?

We will give you a list of take-home instructions on how to care for your mouth as it heals. For the first day you’ll want to eat only soft foods and as you heal slowly start to incorporate more foods back into your diet. Your stitches may also dissolve within a few weeks, or you may need to come in to have them removed.

If you want to talk about your wisdom teeth and what the best course of action is for your smile, then it’s time to call our St. Louis dental office today to schedule a consultation.