Wisdom Teeth Removal

Signs Your Wisdom Teeth May Need to Come Out

• Pain or pressure at the back of your mouth.
• Swollen, red or tender gums near a wisdom tooth.
• Bad breath or a bad taste.
• Difficulty opening your mouth fully.
• Crowding or shifting of nearby teeth.
• Repeated infections around a partly erupted tooth.
• Cavities in the wisdom tooth or the tooth in front of it.

What Is an Impacted Wisdom Tooth?

An impacted tooth is trapped in the jaw or under the gum and cannot come in properly. Impacted teeth can cause infection, pain, damage to neighbouring teeth and cysts. They are hard to clean, so decay and gum problems are common.

How We Evaluate Wisdom Teeth

We examine your mouth and take X-rays to see the position of the teeth and roots and their relationship to nearby nerves and teeth. We explain what we see, whether removal is recommended and how complex it is.

The Wisdom Teeth Removal Process

• Consultation: we review your X-rays, health history and options for comfort.
• Anesthesia: local anesthetic numbs the area, with sedation available if you want it.
• Removal: the tooth is carefully removed, sometimes in sections.
• Closing: the area is cleaned and, if needed, closed with stitches.
• Recovery instructions: we explain how to care for yourself afterward.

Comfort and Sedation

Removal is done under local anesthetic, so you should not feel pain. If you feel anxious, or if several teeth are being removed, ask about nitrous oxide, oral or IV sedation. See our sedation options page.

Recovery From Wisdom Teeth Removal

Most people feel better within a few days, and full healing takes a couple of weeks. Swelling and mild discomfort are normal early on. A clot forms in the socket and protects it, so it is important to avoid disturbing it.

Wisdom Teeth or Regular Extraction?

Wisdom teeth removal is a type of tooth extraction, but it can be more involved when teeth are impacted. We explain what your tooth needs.

Why Timing Matters

Wisdom teeth are often easier to remove in younger patients, when the roots are not fully formed and healing is quicker. That said, we assess each person individually. If your wisdom teeth are not causing problems, we may simply monitor them at your regular checkups and X-rays.

Getting Back to Normal

Plan for a quiet day or two, and return to work or school when you feel ready. Avoid strenuous exercise for a few days and keep your head slightly raised when resting to help with swelling. Keep your follow-up appointment if we ask you to come back so we can check how you are healing.

If you are not sure whether your wisdom teeth are the cause of your discomfort, call us. We will examine the area, explain what is happening and recommend the right next step.

Before Your Visit

• Tell us about your health history, medications and allergies.
• If you will have sedation, follow our instructions on eating and drinking and arrange a ride home.
• Plan to rest for a day or two and stock up on soft foods.
• Ask us any questions about the procedure and recovery.

After Your Treatment

• Bite gently on gauze to control bleeding as instructed.
• Use ice packs on your cheek in short intervals to help with swelling.
• Eat soft, cool foods for a few days and avoid straws and smoking.
• Rinse gently with warm salt water after the first day and take medication as advised.
• Call us if you have heavy bleeding, fever, severe pain that is getting worse or swelling that increases after three days.

Insurance, CDCP and Billing

We accept most insurances and offer direct billing, and our team files the paperwork for you. The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) may help eligible patients cover some services, as explained on our CDCP page. Our team will explain your options before treatment.