Wisdom Tooth Removal

Wisdom teeth removal is made easier at Avero Dental in Kitchener with a comfortable setting and sedation available.

It’s Wise to Remove Wisdom Teeth

Erupting wisdom teeth is something almost everyone goes through, with most people choosing to have a dentist remove them. Wisdom teeth can cause many problems, including infections, overcrowding in the mouth, forcing other teeth into misalignment, and causing cavities. At Avero Dental in Kitchener, Ontario, we have capable dentists and oral surgeons who can make wisdom teeth removal easier.
3D illustration of an impacted wisdom tooth angled against the neighbouring molar in the lower jaw
Dental care

Why Do We Have Wisdom Teeth Anyway?

Wisdom teeth are molars that start growing in the very back of your mouth sometime between the ages of 18 and 29. Ancient civilizations associated the time of their growth with full adulthood, which is why they are called wisdom teeth.
At one time, these molars were needed to chew food. Diets were high in fiber with little to no cooking, so having an extra set of molars was handy for sustaining an adequate diet. Times change, humans evolved, and now molars are no longer needed for survival.
Another change occurred that makes molars not only unnecessary, but problematic. Human heads got smaller. Ancient humans had bigger mouths that could accommodate these additional molars. Modern humans have smaller mouths, so wisdom teeth can crowd out other teeth and cause them to become crooked. They can also grow into the jawbone due to insufficient space.

Removing Wisdom Teeth

The four wisdom teeth do not always grow at the same time. They can come in singly, dually, in triplets, or all four. You will need to watch for their eruption and see your dentist once you start to see the tooth. Your dentist will decide the best time to remove the tooth when it can be easily removed and before it causes any problems.
The extraction is like any other tooth extraction. Wisdom teeth that are growing correctly can be removed using a local anesthetic. Those growing awkwardly or impacted will require surgical removal.
Most surgical removals of wisdom teeth can be done with a local anesthetic, but a patient can choose sedation if they are anxious, can’t remain still for a long time, or want to be put in a relaxed state for the procedure.

After the Wisdom Tooth Removal

Your dentist or surgeon will give you instructions for care after you return home. They typically include a prescription for pain medication, a recommendation to follow a soft diet for a few days, and advice on how to avoid a painful dry socket. You will feel noticeably better after a couple of days and will be completely healed in about two weeks. Your dentist may want you to complete a follow-up visit to check on healing and remove any sutures.

FAQ

Will I be able to access an emergency dentist at night?
Yes, Avero Dental will have emergency dentists available at night.
No, that would be incredibly rare. Emergency dentists diagnose and perform necessary immediate procedures to save teeth and relieve pain. Other procedures to resolve foundational issues will need to be done by your dentist.
Emergency dentists treat dental issues that cause severe pain, bleeding, or trauma and can’t wait until a dental appointment. That could be an infection or a mouth injury.
That depends on whether there are other injuries. Emergency dentists only handle situations involving teeth, gums, and the mouth.

FAQs

Do wisdom teeth always need removing?
No. If they come in straight, are cleanable, and are not causing problems, they can stay. We monitor them with X rays.
What is the best age to have them removed?
Late teens to early twenties is often easiest, because the roots are not fully formed and healing tends to be quicker.
How long is the recovery?
Most swelling settles within three to five days. Plan a quiet weekend and stick to soft foods at first.
Will I be awake for the procedure?
Usually yes, under local freezing. Sedation is available for impacted teeth or if you would prefer it.