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Extractions/Wisdom Teeth Removal

Why Remove your Wisdom teeth?

Why Remove Your Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth, also known as 3rd Molars, are the last adult teeth in the mouth to develop, usually around age 18. Often there is not enough space for these teeth, even after the completion of bone growth and development, or they may be growing in at an odd angle. As a result, they may become partially or fully impacted within the bone.
 
Over time these trapped teeth can develop problems and affect other teeth and tissues in the mouth. Some people may never experience problems with their wisdom teeth, while others will require that they be removed.
 
If there is not enough space for your wisdom teeth, we will likely recommend having them removed. Your dentist can help you with everything from preparation to aftercare and recovery.
 
Having doubts about wisdom tooth extractions? 

The thought of wisdom tooth extractions will throw an array of questions spiralling through your mind. Should I do it? What do I get from it? We have the answers to your questions! 

Why have your wisdom teeth removed? 
Anytime you’re experiencing pain or discomfort from your wisdom teeth becoming impacted, you’ll most likely need them removed. The longer impacted wisdom teeth are left untreated, the more likely you will experience issues, including: 
  • Damage to other teeth if the wisdom teeth stay hidden under the gums 
  • Gum disease or infection from wisdom teeth growing out only partially, creating an opening for bacteria 

If you’re experiencing any of the problems mentioned above, this is a sign that it’s time to have your wisdom teeth extracted. 

Are your wisdom teeth impacted?
When your wisdom teeth grow crooked or on an angle, or if there is not enough space for them, it can result in an impacted tooth. Some people experience uncomfortable symptoms due to impacted wisdom teeth, while others do not.
 
Are my wisdom teeth really that important? 
Wisdom teeth are designed to crush and chew raw, harder, or bigger pieces of food. In today’s world, with the ability to cook and cut our food, our wisdom teeth have become less important than, say, 200 years ago. The extraction of wisdom teeth has become a very common practice to maintain your overall oral health and protect other teeth. 
 
What happens during a wisdom tooth extraction? 
Your dentist or surgeon will start by administering one of three different types of anesthesia.  
 
Local anesthesia – after applying a topical numbing agent to the area, you will receive an injection at the extraction site. 
 
Sedation – your dentist or oral surgeon will administer either orally or intravenously. This method will suppress your consciousness, and you will feel no pain. You will also receive local anesthesia in your gums for additional numbing. 
 
General anesthesia – if your situation requires, you may be given general anesthesia either via inhalation or IV in your arm, and you will awaken once the surgery is finished. You will also receive local anesthesia to prevent any post-surgical pain. 
All wisdom teeth surgeries are different, but the following may be involved:
  • An incision may be made in the gum, exposing the tooth and bone.  
  • They may remove any bone that is blocking access to the tooth root.  
  • The tooth might then be divided into sections for easier extraction, after which the pieces will be removed.  
  • The extraction area will be cleaned, and any remaining debris will be removed.  
  • The wound may be stitched, and gauze will be applied to control bleeding and allow a blood clot to form. 
 
What to expect after surgery: 
Once the sedation wears off, you will most likely experience mild discomfort and slight bleeding and swelling. We recommend having an available friend or relative drive you home from the appointment. 

If after four hours, you cannot control the bleeding with gauze, it’s time to call your dentist or surgeon. 

Anticipate a one-to-two-week recovery time: 
This is the average total recovery time, however generally, you can resume daily activities within three to five days. Still, your dentist or surgeon will have detailed instructions for you to practice, following the extraction. 
 

6 important things to remember for after your procedure: 

  1. Do not remove the gauze that has been placed in your mouth for up to one hour after surgery. Be sure to replace with new clean gauze as needed, but not before one hour. Once the bleeding has slowed or stopped, you may stop using gauze. 
  2. Keep the area around where the wisdom teeth were removed clean.  
  3. The Canadian Dental Association recommends rinsing your mouth with warm water one day after your procedure, four or five times daily for three or four days.  
  4. Do not swish and do not spit. Any swishing or spitting may result in dry socket. 
  5. Place an ice pack in a clean towel on your face for 20 minutes to help with any swelling. 
  6. Don’t drink through a straw, spit, smoke, or drink any carbonated or alcoholic beverages, as they can cause dry socket.

 

The intensity of dry socket: 

Dry socket is a very painful condition and can delay the healing process.    

Following a tooth extraction, a blood clot forms in the hole in the bone where your tooth used to exist. Dry socket occurs when the blood clot gets dislodged early, exposing the underlying bone. It’s best to do everything possible to avoid dry socket, and it often may be prevented with careful at-home care after the extraction by: 

  • Refrain from using a straw  
  • Avoid spitting  
  • Avoid vigorous rinsing  
  • Do not smoke or use oral tobacco  
  • Do not brush the extraction site for up to 3-5 days  
  • Avoid crunchy or hard foods, stick to a soft food diet for a few days 

 

Top 6 things to eat while recovering: 

There’s no restricted timeline on when you can eat following your procedure. However, you’ll want to stick to soft foods for the first three to five days. Things such as:   

  • Yogurt  
  • Pudding  
  • Scrambled eggs 
  • Applesauce  
  • Macaroni and Cheese  
  • Soft pasta  

 

Your dentist will likely provide a list of foods that are safe to eat within the first few days after the extraction.  

Top advantages to having your wisdom teeth removed: 

Removing your wisdom teeth can prevent many oral health issues. Such as:  

  • Gum disease  
  • Damage and pain to surrounding teeth  
  • Tooth decay  
  • Infection  
  • Pain or discomfort in impacted teeth  
  • Future dental or oral procedures  

 

A few risks to consider: 

 Although minor or rare, there are potential risks with wisdom tooth extraction. Some pain or swelling in the area is normal and expected, rather than being considered a risk. These risks can include: 

  • Dry socket  
  • Bleeding that may exceed 24 hours  
  • Sore jaw  
  • Damage to other oral areas   
  • Infection 

 

Following your wisdom teeth extraction, you’ll receive emergency contact information so you can reach our team if you have any concerns about your recovery or healing.

Feeling nervous about having your wisdom teeth removed? Our Edmonton clinic offers oral sedation options to help you feel more comfortable and relaxed throughout your procedure.

The team at ThirtyTwo Dental is experienced in evaluating, monitoring and, when necessary, extracting wisdom teeth. We’ll help you understand your options and determine the right approach to support your long-term oral health.

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