Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of adult teeth to emerge in your mouth. Most people develop four wisdom teeth, one in each corner of the mouth, typically appearing between the ages of 17 and 25.
While some people experience no issues as these teeth come in, many others face pain, crowding, or infection that requires professional care. At our St. Louis dental office, we specialize in safe, comfortable wisdom tooth extraction designed to protect your oral health and prevent future complications.
Unlike other teeth, wisdom teeth often don’t have enough space to emerge properly. As a result, they may grow in at an angle, push against neighboring teeth, or only partially erupt through the gums. These conditions can lead to a variety of issues, including crowding, gum irritation, jaw pain, and even infections.
In many cases, wisdom teeth become impacted, meaning they remain trapped beneath the gums or jawbone. Impacted wisdom teeth can create pressure against your other teeth and may lead to cysts, bone damage, or nerve irritation. Because the back of the mouth is harder to clean thoroughly, partially erupted wisdom teeth are also more prone to decay and gum disease.
Some people don’t realize they have a problem with their wisdom teeth until discomfort begins. Common symptoms that may indicate the need for extraction include:
Even if you aren’t experiencing pain, your dentist may recommend wisdom tooth removal based on X-rays or other imaging that show potential issues developing below the surface.
At our St. Louis dental office, we encourage patients, especially teens and young adults, to schedule an early evaluation for their wisdom teeth. Using advanced digital X-rays, we can assess how the teeth are developing and whether there is enough room for them to erupt normally.
Extracting wisdom teeth before they cause discomfort can prevent a wide range of future dental problems. Younger patients generally heal faster, and their tooth roots are not yet fully formed, which makes the extraction process easier and recovery smoother. Proactive treatment helps protect the alignment of your existing teeth and reduces the risk of painful infections later in life.
If you need wisdom teeth removed, our experienced St. Louis dental team will ensure you’re comfortable and informed every step of the way. Before the procedure, we’ll take a detailed look at your X-rays to plan the best approach for each tooth.
Depending on your needs and comfort level, your dentist will use local anesthesia, and possibly nitrous oxide, to make sure you are relaxed and pain-free throughout the procedure. The type of extraction depends on whether your wisdom teeth are fully erupted or impacted:
Our dental team uses the latest tools and techniques to ensure precision, safety, and a smooth experience from start to finish.
Following your wisdom tooth extraction, we’ll provide detailed aftercare instructions to help you heal quickly and avoid complications. Some swelling or mild discomfort is normal in the first few days, but most patients find that recovery is faster and easier than expected.
To support healing, we recommend:
Most patients return to normal activities within a few days, though complete healing may take a couple of weeks. Our team will check in with you to ensure your recovery is progressing as expected.
While not everyone needs their wisdom teeth removed, extraction offers several important benefits for those who do. These include:
By taking care of the problem early, you can preserve your oral health and maintain a comfortable, confident smile for years to come.
Choosing the right dental team for wisdom tooth extraction makes all the difference. Our St. Louis practice combines years of surgical expertise with a compassionate approach that prioritizes your comfort and peace of mind. We use modern imaging technology, gentle techniques, and personalized anesthesia options to create the safest and most comfortable experience possible.
From your first consultation through follow-up care, our friendly staff is here to answer questions, explain each step, and make your treatment as stress-free as possible. Whether you’re a parent scheduling a procedure for your teen or an adult managing discomfort from wisdom teeth, you can trust our St. Louis team to deliver exceptional care every time.
If you’re experiencing pain, swelling, or crowding in the back of your mouth, don’t wait for the problem to get worse. Schedule a wisdom tooth consultation at Kingston Dental Care today. We’ll perform a thorough examination, review your X-rays, and recommend the best treatment plan for your unique needs.
Our goal is to make wisdom tooth extraction as simple, safe, and comfortable as possible, helping you protect your smile and enjoy lasting oral health.
Contact our office today to book your appointment and learn more about wisdom tooth extraction in St. Louis.
Dr. Logan Smith, D.D.S, is now a part of the Kingston team. Learn more about his background and education here.
We look forward to meeting you. Call (314) 487-0052 or request an appointment online to set up your first visit. We’ll be in touch soon.
