When Should Wisdom Teeth Be Removed?
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of permanent adult teeth to come in. They erupt far back in the mouth, both top and bottom, behind your second molars. Most people notice their wisdom teeth coming in sometime between their late teens and mid-twenties, though timing varies quite a bit from person to person. Some people get theirs earlier or later, and others never develop wisdom teeth at all. In some cases, wisdom teeth erupt without causing any noticeable problems, but there are several reasons why wisdom teeth extraction is still often recommended.
When should wisdom teeth be removed?:
- They may be coming in at an angle or become impacted against the neighbouring tooth.
- There may not be enough room in your jaw, leading to painful crowding and complications.
- In the wrong position, wisdom teeth can trap food or become impossible to clean properly, leading to tooth decay
- Impacted wisdom teeth are far more prone to infection.
Wisdom Teeth Removal: What to Expect
Depending on how your wisdom teeth are positioned, extraction may be as simple as a routine procedure performed right in our office, or it may require a more involved surgical extraction from an oral surgeon. After a thorough examination, your dentist will be able to tell you exactly what type of wisdom tooth extraction you’ll need. Some patients have all 4 wisdom teeth removed in a single appointment, while others prefer to have them extracted gradually over more than one visit.
X-Rays and Examination
Before we ever book your wisdom tooth extraction, we want a clear picture of your teeth and jaw first. We’ll take X-rays and examine them closely to see exactly how your wisdom teeth are positioned and what your root structure looks like. This step tells us whether your wisdom teeth actually need to come out, whether a simple extraction will do the job, or whether you’ll need a surgical extraction with an oral surgeon. No surprises, just a clear plan going in.
The Wisdom Tooth Removal Process
During your initial exam, our team will walk you through exactly what to expect and how to prepare for your wisdom tooth extraction. Depending on your comfort level and your dentist’s professional recommendation, you may receive local freezing, sedation, or general anesthesia. We use minimally invasive extraction techniques to remove wisdom teeth as gently as possible, so you can feel at ease throughout the procedure and enjoy a smooth, speedy recovery.
Recovery and Aftercare
For your safety, we may ask you to bring a friend or family member who can stay with you at the practice, drive you home afterward, and keep you company while you recover. Before you leave, we’ll walk you through detailed aftercare instructions, including practical tips on what to do and what to avoid to support a quick, comfortable wisdom tooth extraction recovery. If any concerns come up along the way, don’t hesitate to give us a call, we’re always happy to help.
How Much Does Wisdom Teeth Removal Cost in Toronto?
The cost of wisdom teeth removal at Smyl Dentistry can vary quite a bit from patient to patient. With a typical dental insurance plan, a simple, single tooth extraction commonly costs about $100 to $200+ out of pocket. Without insurance, you can expect to pay approximately $200 to $600+ per tooth for a simple wisdom tooth extraction.
It’s difficult to give an accurate wisdom teeth removal cost online or over the phone, since your treatment plan needs to be tailored to your specific case and can only be confirmed after an oral exam. That said, dental extractions generally fall into two broad categories, which can help give you a better sense of what your wisdom tooth extraction might cost and why:
Simple Tooth Extraction
A simple extraction is performed on a wisdom tooth that has fully erupted and is visible in the mouth without complication. These extractions can typically be completed by a general dentist using local anesthesia. If your wisdom tooth can be removed quickly and easily, the cost will generally be lower.
Surgical Tooth Extraction
A surgical extraction is more involved and applies to a wisdom tooth that hasn’t fully erupted, has become impacted, has complex root structure, or is positioned awkwardly against your second molar. Because a surgical extraction requires additional expertise, planning, and care, it typically comes at a higher cost.
Keep in mind, no dental practice can provide an accurate quote for wisdom teeth removal over the phone, since every case depends on several clinical factors. Every patient’s situation is different, which is why it’s important to speak with a dentist who can evaluate your case in person and walk you through your treatment options.
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
Many people assume wisdom teeth removal is just something everyone has to go through. In reality, wisdom teeth only need to come out if they become impacted or start crowding your jaw and surrounding teeth.
Dentistry has come a long way, and your comfort is always our priority. We use modern tools and techniques to minimize discomfort while working quickly, precisely, and with as little trauma to your mouth as possible, helping you heal faster. You’ll also receive clear aftercare instructions to keep you comfortable and support a smooth recovery.
About an hour after your procedure, you can remove the gauze and have something to eat. Stick to soft foods for the first 24 hours to protect the extraction site, and avoid hot foods and drinking through a straw for several hours afterward.
You’ll receive personalized aftercare instructions at your appointment, but here are some general wisdom teeth removal aftercare tips to help reduce your risk of complications and support a faster recovery:
- Avoid spitting, rinsing your mouth, blowing your nose, using a straw, or smoking for the first 24 hours after your extraction.
- Keep your fingers and tongue away from the extraction site.
- Steer clear of hot foods and hot drinks.
- Skip aspirin, since it can interfere with blood clotting.
- Hold off on exercise and other physical activity.
Plan on taking it easy for three or four days after your wisdom teeth come out. Resting during this time lowers your risk of complications and supports proper healing. Full recovery typically takes about two weeks, though most patients feel only minimal discomfort well before then.
What Our Patients Are Saying
Patient, Kind, and Caring Staff
Comfortable Care From Start to Finish
Google Verified Patient Reviews
Booking an Appointment is Easy!
Simply call us or book an appointment in 3 easy steps:
Fill Out a Quick Form
We'll Call You Right Away
Choose a Time That Works for You
