Are you experiencing pain at the back of your mouth? Wisdom teeth often cause discomfort when they emerge in early adulthood, and sometimes they need to be removed. When impacted or misaligned, these third molars can lead to infection, damage to adjacent teeth, and other oral health complications.
At Club K Dental, we provide comprehensive wisdom tooth extraction services for patients throughout Springfield, Missouri. Our experienced dental team uses advanced techniques and technologies to ensure safe, efficient removal with minimal discomfort. We understand dental procedures can feel intimidating, which is why we prioritize your comfort and peace of mind throughout the entire process.
Wisdom teeth, also called third molars, typically emerge between ages 17-25. According to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, about 85% of wisdom teeth eventually need removal due to complications or potential future problems. But why exactly do these teeth often require extraction?
Many people simply don’t have enough room in their mouths for these additional molars. When wisdom teeth try to emerge without adequate space, several problems can occur:
When wisdom teeth grow at awkward angles, they create hard-to-clean spaces where bacteria thrive. This often leads to infection, swelling, and discomfort. Early removal helps prevent these complications and protects your overall oral health.
How can you tell if your wisdom teeth need professional attention? Several symptoms often indicate potential problems:
Pain or tenderness at the back of your mouth is the most common warning sign. This discomfort may radiate toward your jaw or ear, especially when chewing. You might also notice swelling around your jaw or difficulty opening your mouth fully.
Bad breath or an unpleasant taste that persists despite good oral hygiene can indicate infection around a wisdom tooth. Some patients experience headaches stemming from pressure created by these emerging teeth.
Visible changes also provide important clues:
If you experience any of these symptoms, we recommend scheduling an evaluation promptly. Early assessment allows for more treatment options and can prevent more serious complications.
Many patients feel anxious about wisdom tooth removal, but understanding the process can help ease these concerns. At Club K Dental, we follow a careful, patient-centered approach to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure.
We begin with a comprehensive examination, including digital X-rays to determine the position of your wisdom teeth and develop a precise extraction plan. During your consultation, we’ll explain your specific situation, discuss sedation options, and answer all your questions.
On the day of your procedure, we’ll ensure you’re comfortable with appropriate anesthesia. The extraction process typically involves:
Most wisdom tooth extractions take between 30-60 minutes, depending on complexity. Many patients are surprised by how quickly and smoothly the procedure progresses.
After extraction, we provide detailed aftercare instructions to promote healing and minimize discomfort. Most patients experience some swelling and tenderness for 3-5 days following the procedure. Cold compresses, prescribed or recommended pain medication, and soft foods help manage these temporary symptoms.
Complete healing of the extraction site typically takes 1-2 weeks. During this time, we remain available to address any concerns and ensure your recovery progresses normally.
Timing matters when considering wisdom tooth extraction. While these teeth can be removed at any age when problems arise, there are advantages to addressing them earlier rather than later.
Younger patients (late teens to early twenties) typically experience:
Research from the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research shows that wisdom teeth removed before age 25 generally have fewer complications and faster healing times. However, this doesn’t mean older adults should avoid necessary extractions. We successfully treat patients of all ages, adjusting our approach to accommodate individual needs.
Some patients wonder if they should wait until wisdom teeth cause problems before considering removal. While this may be appropriate in some cases, preventive extraction is often recommended when:
During your consultation, we’ll help you understand whether immediate extraction or ongoing monitoring makes more sense for your specific situation.
When considering wisdom tooth removal in Springfield, Missouri, the dental team you choose makes all the difference in your experience. At Club K Dental, we combine clinical excellence with compassionate care to ensure the best possible outcomes for our patients.
Our team’s extensive experience with both routine and complex extractions means you’ll receive skilled care tailored to your unique needs. For personalized advice about your wisdom teeth or to schedule a consultation, visit our contact form
At Club K Dental, we offer a distinctive dental experience that you won’t find anywhere else. We are a Mercury-Free, Mercury-Safe, Biologic office committed to holistic dental care. Our practice focuses on finding and preventing the root cause of disease or damage rather than simply treating symptoms. We offer specialized services including Allergy Elimination through NAET, Ozone Therapy, and SAFE Amalgam removal. We work collaboratively with other healthcare providers to deliver comprehensive, holistic care that addresses your overall wellness, not just your dental health.
Your first visit with us will be approximately 90 minutes, during which we conduct a thorough assessment of your dental and overall health. We’ll take a Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) or 3D radiograph to examine your airway, bone structure and density, teeth, sinuses, and other anatomical landmarks in your upper and lower jaws. We also perform a Vitamin D test and a Saliva pH test to gauge your overall health status. You’ll receive a dental cleaning using ozonated water and meet with Dr. Knapton to discuss your health goals and treatment options. This comprehensive approach enables us to develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
Nambudripad’s Allergy Elimination Technique (NAET) is a non-invasive, drug-free method for treating allergies. This holistic approach helps identify and eliminate allergic reactions through a combination of techniques derived from traditional Chinese medicine, kinesiology, and chiropractic principles. Dr. Knapton is certified in NAET and has personal experience with its effectiveness. He sought NAET treatment for his own hands that were cracking and bleeding, with remarkable results after conventional treatments failed. He has also successfully treated his children for allergies using NAET, resolving his son’s sandpaper skin and his daughter’s persistent leg rash.
Our SAFE Amalgam Removal process adheres to strict protocols to safeguard you from mercury exposure during the removal of old mercury fillings. As members of the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT), we adhere to scientific safety measures throughout the procedure. This includes using specialized equipment to minimize mercury vapor, providing oxygen during the procedure, using a rubber dam to isolate the tooth, and employing high-volume suction to capture particles and vapor. We follow these protocols to reduce your exposure to potentially harmful substances while replacing your amalgam fillings with biocompatible alternatives. After removal, we may recommend detoxification support to help your body eliminate any mercury that may have accumulated in your system over time.
