Wisdom Teeth Removals

Wisdom Teeth Extractions in St. Joseph, MO

Dr. Krasniqi, in St. Joseph, MO has removed countless wisdom teeth in his years of experience. Wisdom teeth extractions involve the removal of the third and last pair of molars that majority of individuals acquire typically from the ages of 17-24. Occasionally these teeth can be useful when healthy and correctly aligned, but more commonly, they are misaligned and need extracted. Misaligned wisdom teeth can overcrowd, or even harm surrounding teeth, the maxilla (jawbone), or nerves.

Additionally, wisdom teeth may be impacted, meaning they are surrounded by gum tissue and/or the jawbone without surfacing, or only partially surface through the gum. Bacteria often enter around the partial eruption of the teeth, which tends to cause infection, resulting in swelling and discomfort. Teeth that are partially surfaced also are more susceptible to decay and gum disease due to their hard-to-reach position which poses problems with brushing and flossing.

How Do I Know if I Have Wisdom Teeth?

On occasion, wisdom teeth may need removed even before problems occur. This recommendation is to prevent a more complex extraction in the near future. Wisdom teeth removal tends to be simpler in younger patients due to the fact that the roots of the teeth are not completely developed and bone density is lesser. Older individuals undergoing wisdom teeth extractions often have longer recovery and healing times after surgery.

Prior to the removal of a wisdom tooth, your dentist will administer either a local anesthetic to numb the area where the tooth will be extracted, or a general anesthetic if several or all of your wisdom teeth need to be extracted at the same time.

With the successful completion of the wisdom teeth extraction, the patient may need stitches. Some stitches dissolve in the mouth within a few days, others need to be removed after a period of time. A folded cotton gauze pad placed over the wound will help stop the bleeding.

Dr. Krasniqi will evaluate the status of your wisdom teeth with a visual exam and panoramic X-ray. If it turns out that they’re not erupting properly, he will explain your options for removal (traditional extraction or surgical removal) and thoroughly discuss the pros and cons of each method.

Call Today to set up your appointment for a wisdom teeth examination with Dr. Krasniqi at: 816-671-9550.