What’s the best age to remove wisdom teeth?
Often between the late teens and mid-20s, when the roots aren’t fully formed and healing tends to be faster. We base our recommendation on your X-rays and symptoms, not age alone.
Do all four need to come out?
Not always. We recommend removing the teeth that are causing problems or are likely to. Many patients have all four removed in one visit so they only recover once.
Will I be awake?
That’s your choice. With local anesthesia you’re awake but numb; with IV sedation you’re relaxed and drowsy; with general anesthesia, provided by an anesthesiologist, you’re fully asleep.
How much time off school or work will I need?
Most people take two to four days off. Plan a quiet few days and avoid strenuous exercise for about a week.
Can I drive myself home?
Only if you had local anesthesia alone. After IV sedation or general anesthesia, a responsible adult must take you home and stay with you for 24 hours, and you shouldn’t drive for 24 hours.
What can I eat afterward?
Cool, soft foods for the first few days, such as yogurt, smoothies eaten with a spoon, eggs, pasta and soup that isn’t hot. Avoid straws, crunchy foods and alcohol. Most people are back to a normal diet within about a week.
What is dry socket?
It happens when the blood clot is lost from a socket, usually two to four days after surgery, causing pain that gets worse instead of better. Avoid smoking, straws and vigorous rinsing. If it happens, call us; we can treat it in the office.
Is wisdom tooth removal covered by insurance?
Most dental plans cover part of it, and we accept the Canadian Dental Care Plan. We can send a pre-determination so you know your share before booking.
What happens if I leave them in?
Many impacted teeth cause no trouble, but some lead to infection, decay, gum disease around the second molar or, rarely, cysts. If you keep them, have them checked with regular X-rays.
Do I need a referral?
No. You can book a consultation directly. If your dentist has X-rays, ask them to send them to us.
