Wisdom Teeth Removal

Wisdom Teeth Removal & Extraction

The third molars, which are commonly called the wisdom teeth, are typically the last teeth to come in. Because they are the last to erupt, there is often not enough room for the wisdom teeth to grow in as they should. When there is not sufficient space for the wisdom teeth, they may become impacted (unable to fully break through the gum tissues and jawbone) or grow in at an incorrect angle. Some common issues that result from impacted wisdom teeth include:

  • Infections
  • Gum Disease
  • Tooth Decay
  • Pain & Discomfort
  • Trapped Food
  • Damage to Nearby Teeth
  • Cyst Development

 

To prevent these potential future problems, wisdom teeth extraction might be recommended even if the impacted teeth aren’t causing any problems. 

woman with forceps in her mouth during emergency dental care
sedation dentistry services in Ottawa

What to Expect During the Wisdom Tooth Removal Process

During the Procedure

For the wisdom tooth removal procedure, your dentist or oral surgeon will use one of three types of anesthesia depending on the complexity of extractions: Local Anesthesia, Sedation Anesthesia, General Anesthesia.

The process involves: making incisions in the gum tissue, removing bone that blocks the tooth root, dividing the tooth into sections for easy removal, the removal of the wisdom tooth, followed by a thorough cleaning.

After the Procedure

If you’ve received either sedation anesthesia or general anesthesia, you will be taken to a recovery room. If you were under local anesthesia, your recovery time will be in the dental chair. It’s important to make sure that you have your transportation arrangements taken care of as you won’t be able to drive after receiving anesthetics. 

Following your wisdom tooth extraction, your dentist or oral surgeon will provide you with instructions for a healthy and speedy recovery. These instructions will include tips for pain management, dietary restrictions, and guidelines for cleaning your mouth. Contact us to book a consultation!

Frequently Asked Questions

Wisdom teeth don’t necessarily have to be removed if they grow in correctly positioned and function properly. However, if your wisdom teeth are impacted and cause crowding in your teeth, it’s important to have them extracted to avoid damaging the surrounding teeth. If your wisdom teeth become impacted, it can lead to infection, gum disease, crowding, and damage to your other teeth.

If your dentist or oral surgeon recognizes that you don’t have enough room in your mouth for your third molars to erupt, it’s in your best interest to have them removed as soon as it’s recognized. You can have your wisdom teeth removed as early as age 11 or 12 and for others it might not be until their later teen years. The younger you are the faster the healing process will be and you will also have less likelihood of complications.
Most patients will want to maintain a low profile for at least a couple of days following wisdom teeth extraction. You’ll likely experience pain, swelling, jaw stiffness and general tiredness for the first 48 hours.
Due to the varying degrees of impacted wisdom teeth and the different sedation options available, it’s difficult to give an accurate and realistic quote for most wisdom tooth removal procedures. After reviewing your dental x-rays, our dental team can provide you with a quote. It’s important to keep in mind that many insurance policies vary based on their coverage for any given surgical procedures. Our team can help review your insurance policy to find out how much of your wisdom tooth removal treatment is covered. Speak with our team today!
Most patients will recover in roughly 7-10 days after the extraction process. However, the healing process may vary significantly from one patient to the next based on the complexity of the procedure, their attention to recovery guidelines, and their body’s ability to heal.
It’s fairly common that you will experience some level of swelling and bruising after getting your wisdom teeth removed. The swelling will subside after a few days and using an ice pack can reduce swelling and help manage the pain.