Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom Teeth Removal at North York Toronto, ON

The wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars to come in. They will usually appear around someone’s late teens or early twenties. While there are some people whose wisdom teeth are perfectly healthy and won’t cause issues for their smile, for most, wisdom teeth will need to be extracted. Common reasons a wisdom tooth may be removed include,

Wisdom Teeth Removal Process 

Before your wisdom teeth are removed, we will administer a local anesthesia to numb the area. In some cases, sedation dentistry will also be used to help relax the patient during their procedure. To remove the wisdom teeth we will open up the gums and remove the bone that covers the wisdom tooth. Then we will cut the tooth into pieces to make it easier to remove. If the wisdom teeth have fully erupted, then only a simple extraction is required (in which the teeth are pulled using forceps).

Once the teeth are removed we will stitch up the gums. In many cases, these stitches will dissolve over time. After the stitches have been placed, we will place a gauze pad over the areas to stop bleeding.Wisdom Teeth Removal In North York Toronto, ON

The recovery period for a wisdom tooth extraction is fairly fast, lasting only a couple of days. We will prescribe painkillers to take as needed for discomfort or pain. You will also need to follow a soft-food diet. You can slowly reintroduce more solid foods to your diet as your mouth begins to heal. We will provide you with a list of do’s and don’ts after your wisdom tooth surgery.

When Should I Have My Wisdom Teeth Removed?

One good rule of thumb is that it’s easier to remove wisdom teeth at a younger age when the roots of the wisdom teeth haven’t completely formed, the bone surrounding the teeth is softer and there is less chance of damaging nerves. This means that you should continue to see your North York Toronto dentist every six months for routine cleanings and exams to check the progress of your wisdom teeth. We recommend that everyone have their wisdom teeth extracted by the age of 25.

Reasons For Wisdom Teeth Removal

If your wisdom teeth are causing you problems or your X-rays show that your wisdom teeth might cause problems for your smile in the future, then they will definitely need to come out. While not everyone will need to have their wisdom teeth removed, the vast majority do. You will also need to have your wisdom teeth removed if you are experiencing any of these issues:

Damage to other teeth: If the wisdom teeth aren’t coming in straight they can press on your other teeth and cause pain and other problems for healthy teeth.

Misalignment: If you have impacted wisdom teeth they can actually shift teeth out of alignment and cause overcrowding.

Cavities: Wisdom teeth that have only partially erupted can be harder to clean and allow bacteria to thrive.

Damage to your jaw: Sometimes a cyst can develop around the wisdom tooth. If this isn’t treated in time it can damage the jaw and nerves.

Sinus problems: Wisdom tooth complications can also cause sinus pain and pressure.

Some people may never even notice any pain or discomfort when their wisdom teeth come in, so they may wonder why these teeth need to be removed in the first place. However, wisdom teeth can become impacted or get stuck. If you or your teen’s mouth is too small to make room for these molars, they could even grow in at an angle. This can ultimately cause damage to neighboring teeth. If you wait to have wisdom teeth removed, complications can occur including fractured teeth, severe bleeding, and numbness. So, when might our North York Toronto, ON, dentist recommend a wisdom tooth extraction?  

  • If the wisdom tooth is causing pain, discomfort, or other problems
  • If the X-rays show future complications
  • If the wisdom teeth are causing damage to other teeth
  • If the teeth are causing damage to the jaw (this often occurs when cysts form around the wisdom tooth)
  • If they cause sinus-related problems
  • If they cause gum irritation and inflammation
  • If they are causing infections
  • If they are causing cavities
  • If the wisdom teeth could impact the alignment of your teeth (this can be particularly disheartening for a teen who has already had braces to correct his or her smile)


If it’s time for you to have your wisdom teeth removed in North York Toronto, ON turn to Dr. Santana and her caring, gentle dental team here at Astra Dental for an extraction. 

To schedule a consultation, call us today! (416) 640-0070

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