Wisdom Tooth Extraction on Danforth

What are wisdom teeth?

Wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars. Most people see these teeth erupt in their late teens or early twenties – perhaps just in time to have gained some wisdom.

If you feel or notice any of the following contact your dentist immediately:

• Pain or stiffness near the back of your mouth
• Pain or irritation from a tooth coming in at an awkward angle and rubbing against your cheek, tongue, or top or bottom of the mouth
• An infected swelling in the flap of gum tissue that has formed on top of an impacted tooth that has partially broken through the gum
• Crowding of other teeth

These symptoms usually develop between the ages of 15 and 25 and can be signs of other problems, making regular visits to your dentist integral to your oral health.

Wisdom Tooth Removal

The removal of wisdom teeth has become quite common, especially to avoid complications from overcrowding. Before your tooth is extracted, the tooth and surrounding gums will be numbed with a local anesthetic. This anesthetic can be complimented with our relaxation options if they are needed. This can take the form of nitrous oxide or laughing gas, an oral sedative, or even an intravenous sedative.

The tooth is removed just like any other tooth if it has completely erupted through the gums. If it is still sitting under the gums we will make a small incision to remove the tooth. We will explain this in more detail before your procedure.

Recovery from a Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Immediately after the extraction we will monitor you in a recovery room. Depending on the type of sedative you may need some one to drive you home after the procedure.

Full healing can take some time to occur. We will provide you with care instructions to follow after the procedure and within the first week or two your mouth should be comfortable enough to use normally again. If you are concerned that your recovery is not proceeding normally call you dentist immediately.

Contact our dental office on Danforth, Toronto for any other questions for concerns.