Wisdom Teeth
Removing your Impacted Wisdom TEeth
Wisdom Teeth Presentation
To provide you with a better understanding of wisdom teeth, we have provided the following multimedia presentation. Many common questions pertaining to wisdom teeth are discussed.
The average adult has 32 teeth by age eighteen: 16 teeth on the top and 16 teeth on the bottom.
Each tooth in the mouth has a specific name and function. The teeth in the front of the mouth (incisors, canine and bicuspid teeth) are ideal for grasping and biting food into smaller pieces while the back teeth, or molar teeth, are used to grind food up into a consistency suitable for swallowing.
However, the average mouth is made to hold only 28 teeth. It can be painful when 32 teeth try to fit in a mouth that holds only 28 teeth. These four other teeth are your Third Molars, also known as “wisdom teeth.”
Don’t Live With Dental Pain
Why Should I Remove My Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to erupt within the mouth. When they align properly, and gum tissue is healthy, wisdom teeth do not have to be removed. Unfortunately, this does not generally happen. The extraction of wisdom teeth is necessary when they are prevented from properly erupting within the mouth. They may grow sideways, partially emerge from the gum, and even remain trapped beneath the gum and bone. Impacted teeth can take many positions in the bone as they attempt to find a pathway that will allow them to erupt successfully.
These poorly positioned impacted teeth can cause many problems. When they are partially erupted, the opening around the tooth allows bacteria to grow and will eventually cause an infection. The result: swelling, stiffness, pain and illness. The pressure from the erupting wisdom tooth may move other teeth and disrupt the orthodontic or natural alignment of teeth. The most serious problem occurs when tumors or cysts form around the impacted wisdom tooth, resulting in the destruction of the jawbone and healthy teeth. Removal of the offending impacted tooth or teeth usually resolves these problems. Early removal is recommended to avoid such future problems and to decrease the surgical risk involved with the procedure.
Oral Examination
With an Oral examination and x-rays of the mouth, one of our Oral & Maxillo-facial Surgeons can evaluate the position of the wisdom teeth and predict if there may be present or future problems. Studies have shown that early evaluation and treatment result in a superior outcome for the patient. Patients are generally first evaluated in the mid- teenage years by their dentist, orthodontist or by an Oral and Maxillo-Facial surgeon.
All outpatient surgery is performed under appropriate anesthesia to maximize patient comfort. Oral & Maxillo-facial Surgeons have the training, license and experience to provide various types of anesthesia to allow patients to select the best alternative. These services are provided in an environment of optimum safety, utilizing modern monitoring equipment and staff experienced in anesthesia techniques.
Remove Painful Wisdom Teeth Early
Patient Reviews: Wisdom Teeth
Please read testimonials from our patients. You can also leave us your feedback. For assistance, please call us at MOCOSI at St. Peters Phone Number 636-928-7217.
Missouri Center for Oral Surgery & Implants
Patient Review By Angela H
This was my first (and last) wisdom tooth extraction. This was also my first time ever going under general anesthesia. The staff, especially Dr. Ivey were very personable and lightened the mood and helped alleviate my fears. Dr. Ivey entered the room with a huge smile and greeted me. He was so jolly and we tossed several jokes back and forth. Right after he told me he had to start an IV, which I already knew, he told me to not worry because he had just started one on another patient 5 minutes prior, then he said "Well, they don't call me Dr. Ivey (IV) for nothing! It IS my name, afterall." If I ever need further oral surgery, I will definitely request Dr. Ivey as well as reccommend him to others.
- Angela H
Patient Review By Jackie H
I've only just had all 4 wisdom teeth removed (7 hours ago), but I am completely in awe of how wonderful everyone was. From my consult to the day of the extraction, I have had a great experience. Dr. Ivey made me feel so at ease and comfortable, and I don't do too well even having my teeth cleaned. Thank you everyone for the experience that may have changed my negative feelings toward all things dental!
- Jackie H
Patient Review By Dale W
Dr. Ivey and Deb were great. I had four wisdom teeth removed and it was easier than I expected. I am 65 and the biggest chicken in the word when it comes to dentists and I would not hesitate going back.
- Dale W
Patient Review By Aubrianna S
Dr Ivey is awesome. This was my first ever surgery so I was very nervous, but Dr Ivey's gentle & kind personality reminded me of one of my dear family members and I quickly relaxed. Thank you so much for everything!
- Aubrianna S
Patient Review By Brad L
Thank you to the staff for making my husband's wisdom tooth extractions as easy as it can be. From the office staff to Dr. Ivey- everyone was on top of their game. They were friendly, professional and did a great job to explain what to expect from the surgery and recovery. Chrissy, the surgical assistant, was excellent. Thanks again!
- Brad L
Patient Review By Katy F
I will gladly send anyone who I know needs their wisdom teeth extracted to this team. Wonderful overall experience!
- Katy F
Patient Review By Susan P
Dr Ivey and his assistant, Laurie were wonderful. Made a tough procedure easy. Thank you.
- Susan P
Patient Review By Jan R
I had a wisdom tooth and molar extracted under IV anesthetic. I am a Registered Nurse and am impressed with the up to date electronic monitoring equipment used on me during the procedure plus up to date anesthetic and pain management plan. I felt no pain from the beginning of the procedure untiI later in the evening which was minimal. Following the Pain Management plan has kept pain very well under control. I left the office in an ice pack sling with a nice case of supplies needed for the next few days including two extra gel ice packs for the freezer, a fact sheet of instructions and what to expect and do. Very professional group.
- Jan R
Patient Review By Jason G
Well done
- Jason G
Patient Review By Christine H
Excellent, no pain and fast!
- Christine H
Patient Review By Tina P
Staff was very helpful and friendly. I had a great experience!
- Tina P
Patient Review By Riley Z
Dr. Ivey & staff always do a great job and make me feel very comfortable!
- Riley Z
Patient Review By Kathy M
Good experience
- Kathy M
Patient Review By Curtis S
Good visit!
- Curtis S
Patient Review By Mehgen E
Amazing! Bottom wisdom teeth out Monday morning and I was back at work on Wednesday.
- Mehgen E
Patient Review By Jessica K
Excellent job and service!! Thank you!
- Jessica K
Patient Review By Nancy S
I have no complaints. Everything was great!
- Nancy S
Patient Review By Sherry B
I am totally shocked at how well the visit went. Everybody made it so easy for me.
- Sherry B
Patient Review By Andrea B
They were very friendly and kind. Made me laugh and also made me feel very comfortable. Extraction was very quick and efficient. I will be back!
- Andrea B
Patient Review By Samantha D
Even though we have a rough road, Dr. Loveless & his staff are amazing. I will continue to use and refer people to him.
- Samantha D
Patient Review By Donna B
Chrissy & Dr. Ivey are the best. I was scared to death and they both put me at ease. They are appreciated more than they will ever know.
- Donna B
Patient Review By Damian K
Great experience and practice. Will recommend it to all!
- Damian K
Patient Review By Haley P
Everyone very friendly-helped keep me calm. Thank you!
- Haley P
Patient Review By Olivia P
AWESOME job! THe nurses have been great, but the doctors (both) were exceptionally kind, gentle, and amazing. Quality care!
- Olivia P
Patient Review By Chad L
It was the greatest experience of my life...better than my wedding day and DisneyLand!
- Chad L
Patient Review By Brian C
Everybody was professional and friendly.
- Brian C
Patient Review By Rachel A
Very professional Dr. and staff. I don't think they need to improve. Thank you for helping me!
- Rachel A
Patient Review By sharon p
No pain and quick, efficient, personable "dental folks" aka professionals! Great Job--
- sharon p
Patient Review By Nancyu S
Had a wonderful time. I will refer my family. You're the best!!
- Nancyu S
Patient Review By Kathy W
OMG. Best visit to the Dr. Ever! Thanks so much!
- Kathy W
Patient Review By Shane L
everyone was wonderful
- Shane L