Wisdom Tooth Pain and Other Warning Signs
Wisdom teeth, also called third molars, are the last set of permanent adult teeth to come in. They grow at the very back of the mouth, on the top and bottom, behind your second molars. Most people’s wisdom teeth erupt between the late teens and mid-twenties, though timing varies. Some get them earlier or later, and some people never develop wisdom teeth at all. Even when wisdom teeth come in without causing pain or other immediate problems, there are still many reasons you may need a tooth extraction.
When Should Wisdom Teeth Be Removed?
- They are coming in crooked, tilted, or pushing against a neighbouring tooth.
- There is not enough room in your jaw, which can cause painful crowding and other complications.
- Their position traps food and makes them hard to clean, raising the risk of cavities and gum disease.
- Impacted wisdom teeth are more likely to become infected.
What to Expect During Wisdom Teeth Removal
Some wisdom teeth can be removed with a simple extraction by your dentist, while others may need a routine surgical procedure performed by an oral surgeon. After your exam, your dentist will explain which type of wisdom tooth extraction is right for you. You may have all four wisdom teeth removed at once or over several appointments.
Examining your teeth
Before your wisdom tooth extraction is scheduled, we take a close look at your teeth and jaw. Dental x-rays help us see how your wisdom teeth are developing, how they are positioned, and what the root structure looks like. This tells us whether your wisdom teeth need to come out, and whether a simple extraction is possible or oral surgery is needed. We never want any surprises!
The removal process
At your first exam, our team will explain what to expect and how to prepare for your procedure. Depending on your comfort level and your dentist’s recommendation, we may use local freezing, sedation, or anaesthesia. We use gentle, minimally invasive techniques to remove wisdom teeth as comfortably as possible and help you enjoy a faster, smoother recovery.
Aftercare
We may ask you to bring a friend or family member to wait at the clinic, drive you home afterward, and stay with you while you recover. You will also get detailed aftercare instructions on what to do and what to avoid for a smooth, comfortable recovery. If you have any questions during your wisdom teeth recovery, please don’t hesitate to give us a call.
Cost of a wisdom tooth removal in Toronto
The cost to have your wisdom teeth removed can vary quite a bit. With a typical insurance plan, a simple, single tooth extraction commonly costs about $100 to $200 or more out of pocket. Without insurance, you can expect to pay approximately $200 to $600 or more for a simple extraction per tooth.
It is difficult to provide an accurate quote for wisdom tooth extraction online or over the phone, since your treatment plan must be tailored to your specific needs and can only be determined after an oral exam. Dental extractions generally fall into two broad categories, which may help explain what your wisdom tooth removal could cost and why:
Simple Tooth Extraction
A simple extraction is performed on a wisdom tooth that is fully erupted, or visible in the mouth, without complications. These can be completed by a general dentist using local anesthesia. If your wisdom tooth can be removed quickly and easily, the cost will typically be lower.
Surgical Tooth Extraction
A surgical extraction is more complex and involves removing a wisdom tooth that has not fully erupted, has become impacted, has complicated roots, or is positioned poorly against the neighbouring second molar. Because a surgical extraction requires greater care, expertise, and consideration, it typically comes at a higher cost.
Keep in mind, no dental practice can provide an accurate quote over the phone, as these procedures are complex and depend on many factors. Every case is unique, so it is important to speak with a dentist who can evaluate your specific situation and present you with treatment options to consider.
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Impacted or erupting wisdom teeth can put pressure on the jaw and surrounding nerves, which may cause pain that spreads to your ears, temples, or head. Jaw pain and headaches can also come from other issues, such as teeth grinding or TMJ disorders, so an exam helps find the true cause.
Not always. Many people see wisdom teeth removal as a rite of passage, but it is only needed if they are impacted, infected, decayed, or causing problems for your jaw or nearby teeth.
You can gently brush your other teeth the night of your procedure, but avoid the extraction sites for the first 24 hours. After that, brush carefully around the area and rinse gently with warm salt water as directed. Keeping your mouth clean helps prevent infection and supports healing.
Swelling is normal and usually peaks two to three days after surgery, then gradually goes down over the following week. Applying a cold compress to your cheek for 20 minutes at a time during the first day or two can help. Keeping your head raised while you rest can also reduce swelling.
Many people return to work or school within two to three days, depending on how they feel and the type of extraction they had. Plan to avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for several days, since increased blood flow can cause bleeding and swelling at the extraction site.
Most patients feel little to no pain during wisdom teeth removal, since the area is fully numbed with local freezing or sedation. Our minimally invasive techniques help us work quickly and precisely while reducing trauma to surrounding tissue. Some soreness and swelling afterward is normal, and our aftercare instructions help keep you comfortable as you heal.
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