Safe and Comfortable Wisdom Teeth Extractions
At Kanaka Creek Family Dental, our Maple Ridge dentists are experienced in providing gentle and effective wisdom teeth removal. We understand that the thought of extraction can be stressful, and we are committed to making your experience as comfortable as possible.
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, typically emerge between the ages of 17 and 25. When there is not enough room in the jaw for them to come in properly, they can become impacted, cause crowding, or lead to infection. Removing problematic wisdom teeth helps protect your oral health and prevent future complications.
When Should Wisdom Teeth Be Removed?
Not all wisdom teeth need to be removed, but extraction is often recommended when they are impacted, growing at an angle, causing crowding, or leading to pain and infection. Your dentist will use digital X-rays to evaluate the position of your wisdom teeth and recommend the best course of action for your individual needs.
Wisdom Teeth FAQs
If you would like to learn more about wisdom teeth removal and how it may benefit your oral health, take a look at the frequently asked questions below:
- How do I know if my wisdom teeth need to be removed?
Common signs that your wisdom teeth may need removal include pain or swelling at the back of the jaw, difficulty opening your mouth, recurring infections in the gum tissue around the tooth, or damage to neighbouring teeth. However, some impacted wisdom teeth may not cause symptoms at all, which is why regular dental check-ups with X-rays are important for monitoring their development.
- What happens during a wisdom tooth extraction?
The procedure depends on whether the tooth has erupted or is impacted. For erupted wisdom teeth, the extraction is similar to a standard tooth removal. For impacted teeth, a small incision may be made in the gum tissue to access the tooth. Local anaesthetic is used to numb the area, and sedation options are available for patients who feel anxious about the procedure.
- Is wisdom tooth removal painful?
During the procedure, you should not feel any pain thanks to local anaesthesia and available sedation options. After the extraction, some swelling, discomfort, and mild bruising are normal and typically subside within a few days. Your dentist will provide you with aftercare instructions and may prescribe medication to help manage any post-operative discomfort.
- How long is the recovery after wisdom teeth removal?
Most patients recover within 3 to 7 days, though it can take a few weeks for the extraction site to fully heal. During the first few days, it is important to rest, eat soft foods, avoid using straws, and follow all post-operative care instructions provided by your dentist to ensure a smooth recovery.
- What is the best age to have wisdom teeth removed?
Wisdom teeth are typically evaluated in the late teens to early twenties. Removing them at a younger age is often recommended because the roots are not yet fully developed and the bone surrounding the teeth is softer, which can make the extraction easier and recovery faster. However, wisdom teeth can be removed at any age if they are causing problems.
- Does insurance cover wisdom teeth removal?
Many dental insurance plans provide some coverage for wisdom teeth extractions, especially when the procedure is deemed medically necessary. Coverage varies depending on your plan, so we recommend contacting your insurance provider to confirm the details. Our team is also happy to help you with insurance inquiries.
- What should I eat after wisdom teeth removal?
For the first few days after your extraction, stick to soft foods such as yogurt, applesauce, mashed potatoes, smoothies (without using a straw), and lukewarm soups. Avoid hard, crunchy, or spicy foods that could irritate the extraction site. You can gradually return to your regular diet as healing progresses and your dentist advises.
- What are the risks of not removing impacted wisdom teeth?
Leaving impacted wisdom teeth untreated can lead to a number of complications, including recurring infections, cyst formation, damage to adjacent teeth, gum disease, and tooth decay. In some cases, impacted wisdom teeth can also contribute to jaw pain and crowding of other teeth. Regular monitoring and timely removal when recommended can help prevent these issues.