If you have been told that you may need your wisdom teeth removed, knowing what to expect can make the process feel much less intimidating.
Wisdom teeth extraction is a common dental procedure, but every patient and every tooth is different. Some wisdom teeth are fully erupted and relatively straightforward to remove. Others may be partially or completely impacted beneath the gums.
At Smiles by Bis in Oakville, the first step is understanding what is happening and why treatment may be recommended.
Before Wisdom Teeth Extraction
Before recommending an extraction, your dentist will evaluate your wisdom teeth and the surrounding area.
This may include:
- A dental examination
- X-rays to see the position of the wisdom teeth and roots
- Reviewing your symptoms
- Reviewing your medical history and medications
- Discussing the recommended treatment and what you can expect
The goal is not simply to confirm that wisdom teeth are present. It is to understand whether they are creating a problem or are at risk of affecting your oral health.
This is also a good time to ask questions. You should understand why removal is being considered and what type of procedure may be needed.
What Happens During Wisdom Teeth Extraction?
The procedure depends on the position of the tooth. If a wisdom tooth has fully erupted, it may sometimes be removed in a similar way to another tooth.
If the tooth is impacted or partially trapped beneath the gum or bone, a surgical extraction may be required.
Before the procedure, the area is numbed with local anesthetic. Depending on the case and the patient’s needs, additional sedation options may also be discussed.
During a surgical extraction, your dentist or oral surgeon may need to access the tooth through the gum and, in some cases, remove a small amount of surrounding bone or divide the tooth into sections.
You may feel pressure or movement, but the treatment area should be numb.
What Happens Immediately After?
Once the wisdom tooth is removed, the area is cleaned and stitches may be placed if needed.
A blood clot begins to form in the extraction site. This is an important part of normal healing.
Your dental team will give you instructions for caring for the area, including information about:
- Bleeding
- Eating and drinking
- Oral hygiene
- Physical activity
- Managing discomfort and swelling
- Medications, if recommended
- When to contact the dental office
If sedation is used, you may also need someone to drive you home.
How Will I Feel After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Some tenderness, swelling or jaw stiffness can be expected after an extraction, particularly if the wisdom tooth was impacted.
Every recovery is different.
A simple extraction may feel very different from removing several impacted wisdom teeth. Your dentist can give you a better idea of what to expect based on your individual procedure.
For detailed aftercare information, read our Wisdom Teeth Extraction Recovery Tips guide.
Do All Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Extracted?
No.
A wisdom tooth that is healthy, properly positioned and easy to keep clean may not need to be removed.
Your dentist can assess the position and health of your wisdom teeth and determine whether removal or continued monitoring is appropriate.
Wisdom Teeth Extraction Oakville
The decision should be based on your individual oral health rather than simply the presence of wisdom teeth.
If you are experiencing discomfort at the back of your mouth or have been told that your wisdom teeth may need to be removed, an examination can help you understand what is happening.
At Smiles by Bis in Oakville, our dental team can assess your wisdom teeth, review the appropriate imaging and explain your options.
Call 905-338-6684 to book your wisdom teeth assessment.