Wisdom Tooth Extractions
At Smith Family Dentistry, serving families throughout the Niagara Region for over 50 years, we provide professional wisdom teeth assessments and extractions with a focus on keeping our patients comfortable, informed, and confident in their care.
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last adult teeth to develop and usually begin to appear during the late teenage years or early adulthood. For some people, wisdom teeth come in properly and never cause a problem. For others, there may not be enough room in the mouth for the teeth to fully emerge, causing them to become partially erupted or impacted.
Our dental team can examine your wisdom teeth, take the appropriate dental X-rays, and determine whether they should be monitored or if extraction may be recommended.
Why Are Wisdom Teeth Removed?
Wisdom teeth may need to be removed when they are causing problems or have the potential to affect the health of the surrounding teeth and gums.
Common reasons for wisdom teeth extraction can include:
- Pain or tenderness at the back of the mouth
- Swollen or irritated gums
- Wisdom teeth that are impacted or only partially erupted
- Repeated infection around the tooth
- Tooth decay in a wisdom tooth that is difficult to clean
- Pressure or damage to neighbouring teeth
- Gum problems surrounding the wisdom tooth
- Cysts or other concerns identified during a dental examination or X-ray
Not every wisdom tooth needs to be removed. Our dentists will carefully evaluate your individual situation and recommend the treatment that is appropriate for your oral health.
Impacted Wisdom Teeth
An impacted wisdom tooth is one that does not have enough room to fully emerge through the gums or grow into its proper position.
Sometimes an impacted wisdom tooth causes no immediate symptoms. In other cases, patients may experience discomfort, swelling, tenderness, difficulty cleaning the area, or recurring infection.
Regular dental examinations allow us to monitor the development and position of your wisdom teeth and identify potential concerns before they become more uncomfortable or difficult to manage.
Your Wisdom Teeth Assessment
During your appointment at Smith Family Dentistry, our dental team will examine your mouth and review the position and development of your wisdom teeth. Dental X-rays may be taken so we can see the teeth, roots, surrounding bone, and neighbouring teeth more clearly.
We will explain what we see, answer your questions, and discuss whether your wisdom teeth can simply be monitored or whether removal would be beneficial.
When extraction is recommended, the complexity of the tooth and your individual needs will determine the most appropriate treatment. When necessary, we can also arrange a referral to an appropriate dental specialist.
What to Expect After Wisdom Teeth Extraction
Some swelling, tenderness, and mild discomfort are normal following a wisdom tooth extraction. Before you leave, you will receive instructions explaining how to care for the extraction area and support proper healing.
Patients are generally advised to rest, choose softer foods during the early stages of recovery, maintain good oral hygiene while being gentle around the extraction site, and carefully follow the instructions provided by their dental professional.
Every patient heals differently, and our team is available to answer questions or address concerns you may have following your treatment.
Book Your Wisdom Teeth Assessment
If your wisdom teeth are beginning to cause discomfort, or you would simply like to know whether they should be monitored or removed, contact Smith Family Dentistry to schedule an assessment.
You’re welcome to book your appointment online or call our office at 905-684-2353.
Our team will be happy to help you understand your options and determine the best approach for maintaining a healthy, comfortable smile.
