Reviewed by Dr. Adel Elbaz, DDS, general dentist · Last reviewed
Wisdom Teeth Removal in London, Ontario
Wisdom teeth are the third and last set of molars, usually coming in between the ages of about 17 and 25. Many jaws don’t have enough room for them, so they come in crooked, only partly break through the gum, or stay trapped (impacted) under the gum or bone. That can lead to pain, infection, cavities and damage to the neighbouring teeth.
At Lunar Smile Dentistry, we check wisdom teeth with a panoramic x-ray, explain whether they need to come out and why, and remove them in our office on Wharncliffe Road South, with sedation options for anxious patients.
Do all wisdom teeth need to come out?
No. Wisdom teeth that have come in fully, sit straight, meet the opposite teeth properly and can be cleaned well can often stay. We’ll keep an eye on them at your check-ups.
We usually recommend removal when a wisdom tooth:
- is impacted and causing, or likely to cause, problems
- keeps getting infected (pericoronitis: a swollen, painful flap of gum over a partly erupted tooth)
- has a cavity that’s hard to fix, or is causing decay on the tooth in front
- is damaging the root of the neighbouring molar or causing bone loss
- is associated with a cyst
- can’t be kept clean, leading to repeated gum problems
Why the late teens and early twenties are a good time
When wisdom teeth need to come out, it’s usually easier earlier. The roots aren’t fully formed, the bone is softer, and healing tends to be quicker. That’s why we like to check wisdom teeth in the late teens, with a panoramic x-ray, even if they aren’t causing pain. See also children’s and teen dentistry.
Signs your wisdom teeth may be causing trouble
- pain or pressure at the back of the jaw
- swollen, red or bleeding gums behind the last molars
- a bad taste or bad breath that keeps coming back
- pain or stiffness when opening your mouth
- swelling of the jaw or face
- headaches or earaches on one side
Call us the same day if you have swelling, fever or trouble opening your mouth. See emergency dental care. If swelling spreads to your eye, neck or under your tongue, or you have trouble breathing or swallowing, go to the hospital emergency department.
What happens during removal
- Assessment. We review your x-ray to see the position of each tooth, its roots and the nearby nerve, and explain the plan, risks and costs.
- Comfort. The area is thoroughly frozen. You can choose laughing gas, oral sedation, or general anesthesia for more complex cases or severe anxiety.
- Removal. A tooth that has come in may be removed like any other extraction. An impacted tooth may need a small opening in the gum, and sometimes the tooth is removed in sections to keep the opening small.
- Closing. We may place a few dissolving stitches and give you gauze to bite on.
Some teeth sit very close to the nerve or need more complex surgery. When that’s the case, we’ll explain the options, which may include referral to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.
Recovery
Most people need two or three days of rest and feel back to normal within about a week.
- bite on gauze for the first hour to control bleeding
- use ice packs on the cheek for the first day, then warm compresses for stiffness
- take pain relief as we advise
- eat soft, cool foods at first: yogurt, smoothies (with a spoon), soups that aren’t hot, eggs, pasta
- from the next day, rinse gently with warm salt water after meals
- don’t smoke, vape or use a straw for at least 72 hours, and avoid vigorous rinsing or spitting
Dry socket
A dry socket happens when the blood clot in the socket is dislodged too early, leaving bone exposed. It causes throbbing pain a few days after removal, often spreading toward the ear. Avoiding smoking and straws lowers the risk. If it happens, call us: we can clean and dress the socket, and relief is usually quick.
Cost and coverage
The cost depends on how many teeth are removed, how they are positioned, and whether you choose sedation. Most dental insurance plans cover wisdom tooth removal at least in part, and the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) covers extractions. Many student plans at Western and Fanshawe include dental coverage too. We’ll give you an estimate before treatment.
Common questions
Does wisdom tooth removal hurt?
You shouldn’t feel pain during the procedure, only pressure. Afterwards, soreness and swelling peak around days two to three and then ease.
Should all four come out at once?
Often, yes, if they all need to come out: one recovery instead of several. Sometimes we remove only the ones causing problems.
How long does it take?
Simple removals take about 20 to 40 minutes. Impacted teeth take longer.
Can I go to work or school the next day?
Many people take one or two days off. Plan a quiet weekend if you can; we have Saturday appointments.
Book a wisdom teeth check in London
Book online or call 226-884-2573. We’re open six days a week, with evening appointments until 9 pm on weekdays.
Part of our family dentistry services in London, Ontario. See all dental services.