Wisdom Tooth Removal

Safe and Experienced Wisdom Tooth Removal in Calgary

Wisdom teeth are the last set of teeth to come out, usually between the ages of 17 to 21. They are the final set of molars located at the very back of the mouth. While some people never experience problems with these teeth, many require wisdom tooth removal due to pain, infection, or misalignment due to limited space in the mouth.

Sierra Dental provides gentle, experienced care for wisdom teeth removal. This ensures a safe, comfortable, and effective procedure.

To learn more about wisdom tooth removal and treatment costs, book a personalized consultation with our team today.

Understanding Wisdom Teeth and What to Expect

In the late teens to early adulthood is when one would expect the wisdom teeth to need attention. In the following sections, we answer some common questions our Calgary patients ask about wisdom teeth, from when they come in, how the surgery goes, and what recovery looks like.

Why Wisdom Tooth Removal May Be Necessary?

The most common reason why the wisdom teeth typically cause problems is because of the limited space in the mouth, so they tend to grow in awkward angles or become impacted beneath the gum line. This can lead to a number of oral health concerns if not addressed early.

Some symptoms you should look out for are pain or discomfort, inflamed gums, facial swelling, and difficulty in speaking or eating. If you are experiencing any of these, it may be time to visit your dentist for a thorough assessment so they can determine if it is the wisdom tooth that is causing the problem.

What Problems Can Wisdom Teeth Cause?

At Sierra Dental, we frequently see the following concerns associated with the wisdom teeth:

Impacted wisdom teeth – This occurs when the jaw is not large enough to accommodate the erupting wisdom teeth. Because of this, they tend to stay trapped beneath the gums.

Partial eruption and infection – When a wisdom tooth only partially breaks through the gums, a flap of gum tissue may grow over it. This can trap food and bacteria that can potentially lead to infection, pain, and swelling.

Angular growth – Some wisdom teeth can grow at an angle, whether sideways, backward, or forward. This can be a problem if it puts pressure on nearby teeth or nerves.

Tooth decay – Angled wisdom teeth that press against the adjacent tooth can cause cavities.

Cysts – In some rare cases, impacted wisdom teeth may lead to cyst formation.

What are the Benefits of Removing Wisdom Teeth?

Our in-house oral surgeon,often recommends early wisdom tooth removal when it is in the patient’s best long-term interest. While most wisdom teeth need to be removed, some patients are lucky to have no symptoms or have properly erupted wisdom teeth.

But if you are experiencing pain or simply want to be proactive to avoid future issues, wisdom tooth extraction offers several important benefits:

• Prevents crowding of other teeth
• Reduces the need for future orthodontic treatment
• Protects adjacent teeth from decay
• Promotes better oral hygiene
• Eases pain and discomfort
• Minimizes future dental complications

If you are unsure whether you need your wisdom tooth removed, our team can help you understand your concerns and provide suitable treatment solutions.

How Urgent is Wisdom Tooth Removal?

In most cases, wisdom tooth removal is not urgent and can be scheduled at a time that works best for you.

However, if you are experiencing severe pain, swelling, or signs of infection, it is important to seek dental care right away. These symptoms may indicate an impacted or infected wisdom tooth, which requires immediate attention.

For proactive care, we recommend regular check-ups to monitor the growth and position of your wisdom teeth. We use advanced imaging solutions, such as digital X-rays and CBCT scans, to anticipate future problems and plan removal before urgent symptoms arise.

Sierra Dental is currently accepting new patients who want experienced advice and compassionate care. Let us help you stay ahead of wisdom tooth care with personalized treatment plans designed around your comfort, health, and schedule.

What Can You Expect with Wisdom Tooth Removal?

Whether you are experiencing pain, crowding, or need preventive third molar removal, our team of family dentists and oral surgery experts will walk you through each step to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience.

Here’s what you can generally expect:

Initial Consultation

• You will meet with one of our Calgary family dentists or oral surgery specialists to understand your history, review your X-rays, and discuss your specific case.
• We will assess whether you need a single or full extraction (for all four wisdom teeth).
• We will advise if sedation dentistry, such as oral, IV, or nitrous oxide, is recommended.

Preparing for the Procedure

• If necessary, certain medications may be temporarily stopped before surgery. Always follow your dentist or physician’s guidance on this.
• Pre-operative instructions will be provided to help you prepare for the wisdom tooth removal

During the Procedure

• IV sedation or local anesthesia will be provided to ensure your comfort throughout the process.
• Your dentist or oral surgeon will carefully open the gum, section the tooth, and gently remove the tooth.

Recovery and Aftercare

• Rest is an essential part of recovery. Major physical activity should be avoided.
• If prescribed pain relievers or antibiotics, take them as directed to ensure complete healing.
• If you stopped any medications, you may discuss with your doctor when to restart these medications.
• Sleep slightly elevated to reduce bleeding risk.
• Stick to soft, cold foods like smoothies, yogurt, and soup for the first few days.
• Avoid smoking, drinking through a straw, or alcohol until your dentist or surgeon clears you.

We will schedule follow-up appointments to remove any stitches and monitor your progress as you recover.

Is Wisdom Teeth Removal Painful?

We make the wisdom tooth removal experience as comfortable as possible. The procedure itself is not painful; our skilled dental surgeons will administer a local anesthetic to numb the area so you will not feel any discomfort during treatment.

For patients feeling especially anxious or undergoing complex extractions, we offer IV sedation administered safely by our sedation dentists. This can help patients relax more deeply during treatment.

After removal, it is normal to experience mild pain, swelling, or bleeding. Your dentist may place dissolvable stitches, and symptoms should subside in a few days. Our dentist will prescribe pain medications and practical home care tips like using an ice pack during the first 24 hours and moist heat after to ease swelling and discomfort.

Should you need any extra support post-surgery, our team offers aftercare guidance and follow-up services to make sure your recovery is smooth.

Wound Care After Wisdom Teeth Removal

The first 24-72 hours following wisdom tooth removal are crucial to healing well and avoiding complications like dry socket or infection. The general steps to follow during this time are:

• Be careful not to bite the inside of your cheek, lip, or tongue, which may still be numb from local anesthesia
• Bite periodically and gently on gauze pads to control bleeding and cover the wound. Change the gauze pad as needed.
• If bleeding persists after 24 hours, call our clinic for urgent care.
  Use saltwater rinses after 24 hours to soothe the area and reduce bacteria. Avoid mouthwash with alcohol.
• Avoid disturbing the clot that will form over the wound. Do not use straws, avoid smoking and poking the area, and do not rub your tongue on the wound.
• Eat soft, cool foods such as mashed potatoes, yogurt, smoothies, and soup. As you recover and the symptoms begin to subside, you may slowly go back to your usual diet.
• Brush with care, but avoid the extraction site for the first few days.

We are here to support our patients during their wisdom tooth removal recovery. If you have concerns or unusual symptoms, such as prolonged bleeding, swelling or pain, our team is just a call away.

How Long Does Wisdom Teeth Recovery Take?

For most of our patients, recovery from wisdom teeth removal takes about 3 to 4 days, with many able to return to work or school shortly afterwards. But, this is not the same for everyone. Several factors can come into play when it comes to the length of recovery, such as:

Complexity of procedure – a deep impacted wisdom can take a longer time to heal

Age and health – younger patients and those in excellent general health tend to recover faster

Smoking and lifestyle – Smokers and those with pre-existing conditions may have a slower healing process

Our dentists and specialists in oral surgery will provide you with a personalized recovery plan for faster and better healing.

Need Wisdom Tooth Removal in Calgary?

Sierra Dental confidently manages everything from simple extractions to complex wisdom tooth surgeries. With our certified specialist, Dr. Choo-Soon Kua, DDS, FRCDC, and a full team of experienced dentists trained in complex surgeries and sedation dentistry, our patients are in trusted hands every step of the way.

Our advanced dental equipment, including CBCT scanners, digital imaging, and 3D planning software, allows us to diagnose and treat with precision, ensuring minimal discomfort and faster healing.

Whether you are dealing with impacted third molars or just planning a preventive removal, we are here to help. Call us today at (403) 297-9600 or book your consultation to start your journey with a team that truly understands your needs.

New patients are always welcome!