Wisdom Teeth Removal in Markham

Wisdom teeth are the last permanent teeth to develop, typically emerging in the late teens or early twenties. Many people have four wisdom teeth — one in each corner of the mouth — though some individuals have fewer, and a small number have none at all.

The human jaw has evolved over thousands of years and is often too small to accommodate wisdom teeth comfortably. As a result, these teeth frequently become impacted, meaning they are unable to emerge fully through the gum tissue. Impacted wisdom teeth can grow at odd angles — sideways, toward the adjacent molar, or angled toward the back of the mouth.

Even wisdom teeth that erupt partially or fully can cause problems. Their position at the back of the mouth makes them difficult to clean, increasing the risk of decay and gum disease. For all of these reasons, removal is a common and generally straightforward procedure.

Common signs that wisdom teeth may need attention include pain or discomfort at the back of the mouth, swollen, tender, or bleeding gums around the back teeth, jaw pain or stiffness, difficulty fully opening your mouth, an unpleasant taste or persistent bad breath in that area, or a visible tooth partially emerging through the gum.

In some cases, wisdom teeth cause no symptoms at all but still pose a risk. Your dentist may identify impacted wisdom teeth on routine X-rays and recommend removal before they cause damage to adjacent teeth or bone, or before an infection develops.

We evaluate wisdom teeth at Smile Dental Arts Centre in Markham using panoramic X-rays that give us a clear view of the position of all four wisdom teeth, their proximity to nerves and adjacent structures, and their stage of root development — all important factors in planning a safe extraction.

Wisdom tooth removal at Smile Dental Arts Centre in Markham begins with a thorough assessment, review of your X-rays, and a discussion of the procedure. Your dentist will explain what to expect step by step, including the type of anaesthesia that will be used and any sedation options available.

Local anaesthesia is used to numb the area completely before the extraction begins. Depending on the complexity of the case and your preferences, sedation may also be available — please ask our team about options. You should not feel pain during the procedure; you may feel pressure and movement, but not sharp pain.

For simple extractions, the tooth is loosened and gently removed. For impacted teeth, a small incision in the gum may be required, and the tooth may need to be sectioned into smaller pieces for easier removal. Stitches are placed when needed and typically dissolve on their own within a week or two.

Most patients recover from wisdom tooth removal within three to seven days, though some swelling and mild discomfort may persist for up to two weeks. The first 24 hours are the most important for recovery.

Following your dentist's post-operative instructions carefully significantly reduces the risk of complications. Key guidance includes: biting gently on gauze to control bleeding, applying ice packs to reduce swelling, avoiding rinsing or spitting forcefully for the first 24 hours (to protect the blood clot), taking prescribed or recommended pain medication as directed, and eating soft foods while avoiding hot, hard, or crunchy items.

Dry socket — a condition where the blood clot is dislodged or dissolves before the wound heals — is a possible complication that causes significant pain. Avoid using straws, smoking, and vigorous rinsing for at least 72 hours after extraction to minimize this risk. If you experience severe pain several days after your extraction, contact our clinic promptly.

The cost of wisdom tooth removal depends on the complexity of the extraction, the number of teeth being removed, whether sedation is used, and other factors specific to your case. A cost estimate will always be provided before your procedure.

Many dental insurance plans cover wisdom tooth extractions, often at least partially, particularly when the teeth are impacted or causing a clinical problem. Verify your coverage with your insurer in advance. The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) may cover oral surgery services for eligible Canadians — ask our team for more details.

If you have concerns about cost, please speak with our administrative team. We want to help you access the care you need.