Services

Wisdom Teeth


What Are Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom Teeth are the last of the three sets of molars to develop in the jaw.  In many cases they do not erupt until the late teens or early twenties. Most patients will not know whether or not they have them without an x-ray or until symptoms arise.

When teeth fail to “erupt”, or begin to come into the mouth, they are called impacted teeth. They can be impacted completely or partially under the jawbone, or they can just be covered in gum tissue.

Why Do I Need My Wisdom Teeth Removed?

Oral Surgeons remove wisdom teeth to treat or prevent infection, pain, periodontal disease, crowding, damage to adjacent teeth, or associated cysts and tumors. They are much easier to remove, and have a lower rate of complications, when patients are in their teens and early twenties. Younger patients tend to heal better and faster as well.  For this reason, if it appears your wisdom teeth may have problems in the future, it is recommended to remove them while the risk of problems and complications is still low. This will be evaluated with a radiograph and discussed during a consultation with your surgeon.

What Will Wisdom Teeth Extraction Surgery Be Like?

Surgery typically takes between 30 and 60 minutes.  Your entire visit will usually be less than an hour and a half.  We designed our state of the art facility to make your visit safe and comfortable.  Be sure to review the instructions prior to anesthesia if you plan to be sedated.  We will review all of the post-operative instructions with you and your ride before you leave the office as well as give you a copy to take home.  You can also find them here.

How Can I Prevent Complications?

Complications after wisdom tooth removal are rare.  Although rare, the most common complications of wisdom tooth surgery are infection and dry socket.   Because infections are rare, routine antibiotics can cause more complications than they prevent. They also lead to the development of resistant bacteria. The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery does not recommend routine antibiotics for wisdom teeth.  Click here to find tips on dry socket prevention.

What Will Recovery Be Like?

When it comes to recovery, everyone is different.  Recovery time varies based on age, difficulty of surgery, and how your body responds.  Younger patients will typically recover faster than an older patient.  Impacted wisdom teeth will take longer to recover from than erupted wisdom teeth.  Most people will want to have at least a couple of days off of work or school to recover before returning to normal activities. You may still have mild swelling up to a week after surgery.

Post-Operative Instructions After Wisdom Teeth Extraction

Oral surgical care in a safe, warm, and caring environment!

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5 of 5 stars of 811

Dr. Loveless and his team were amazing! I was a new patient and called to see if I could get in right away to remove a wisdom tooth. It was an emergency, and they got me in within the hour!! The staff through out my whole experience, from the front desk to the dental assistants, were GREAT!!!! The office was fresh and clean. I highly recommend Dr. Loveless if you’re looking for an oral surgeon.

Raegan M.
Happy Patient

5 of 5 stars of 811

Dr. Loveless did an amazing job. I needed a wisdom tooth extracted that had a large cavity. He got it out whole in less than 1 minute. He is great. His staff is wonderful too. My whole experience was great. I will refer anyone that needs an oral surgeon!

Pamela W.
Happy Patient

5 of 5 stars of 811

Great place. Super nice staff and quick procedures. Everyone I know who got surgery done elsewhere was bedridden for a week but I had almost immediate recovery time. Highly recommend this place

Clayton J.
Happy Patient

5 of 5 stars of 811

The Staff was very helpful, Chrissy made my visit wonderful, she made me feel at ease and helped me to not be apprehensive. Dr. Loveless did a great job of extracting my tooth. I would highly recommend him and his staff.

5 of 5 stars of 811

What can I say? No one likes to visit the dentist…especially for anything other than having their teeth cleaned. I am no different. Hated that I had to have a tooth taken out but it was necessary. I was referred here by my dentist to see Dr. Loveless. If I ever have to have anything else done from an oral surgeon, I would never wish to see anyone else. Dr. Loveless and his staff not only made me feel less anxious but they were super nice and made sure that I knew everything that was being done. I would refer them to anyone with complete confidence! If I could give them more than 5 stars, I would. I want to tell them all thank you for making this process much easier on me. Just an amazing staff and surgeon!!

5 of 5 stars of 811

Dr. Loveless,

Thank you for making my tooth extraction so quick and easy. I was expecting a lot of pain. Haven’t experienced any residual pain, either since I woke up the following morning. You should hang a shingle stating “painless Dentist”!! Also, your staff is so kind and attentive. I would definitely come back when needed, and recommend you to anyone in need. Though I don’t wish that pre-surgery pain on any person (or animal) for that matter!

 

5 of 5 stars of 811

Dr. Loveless is amazing. I will continue to use and refer people to him.

5 of 5 stars of 811

Very friendly staff. Doctor spent time to explain and answer questions. Easy to make an appointment. Easy to get a recheck. Staff and Doctor made themselves readily available for questions after surgery even during holidays.

Laurie M.
Happy Patient

5 of 5 stars of 811

“You are an awesome doctor! Also, your assistants were great and made everything so much easier. Thank you for being such a caring doctor.”

5 of 5 stars of 811

Excellent oral surgeon. I had to have my wisdom teeth removed and was terrified. The staff at Archway were very professional and took care of me. Painless proceedure and I was in and out in a hour. highly recommended thank you very much!

Patrick H.
Happy Patient

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St. Louis Office

Washington Office

St. Louis Office

Office: (314) 328-5995

Address:
16 Hampton Village

Plaza Suite #200

St. Louis, MO 63109

Washington Office

Office: (636)-239-5959

Fax: (314) 328-5996

Address:
551 E 5th Street

Washington, MO 63090

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