Understanding Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last teeth to develop in the mouth. They typically appear between the ages of seventeen and twenty-five, though the timing varies from person to person. While some people's wisdom teeth come in without any issues, many individuals do not have enough space in their jaw to accommodate these additional teeth.
At Orion Dental, we monitor wisdom tooth development through regular dental checkups and digital X-rays at our Scarborough and Milton offices. When removal is recommended, we explain the reasons clearly and walk you through what to expect.
17–25
Typical age range for eruption
4
Wisdom teeth in most adults
3–5 days
Initial recovery period
Common
Impaction of third molars
Why Wisdom Teeth Cause Problems
The human jaw has evolved to be smaller than it once was, which means there is often insufficient room for wisdom teeth to erupt properly. When wisdom teeth cannot emerge normally, several problems can develop:
Impaction
An impacted wisdom tooth is one that is trapped beneath the gum line or within the jawbone. Impaction can be partial (the tooth breaks through the gum only partway) or complete (the tooth remains entirely within the bone). Impacted teeth can cause pain, damage to adjacent teeth, and increase the risk of cysts or infection.
Crowding
Wisdom teeth that push against neighbouring teeth can cause crowding, shifting, and misalignment. This is a particular concern for patients who have had orthodontic treatment and want to maintain their results.
Infection
Partially erupted wisdom teeth create a flap of gum tissue where bacteria and food particles can become trapped. This can lead to pericoronitis, an infection of the gum tissue around the tooth that causes pain, swelling, and difficulty opening the mouth.
Decay and Gum Disease
Wisdom teeth are located far back in the mouth, making them difficult to clean with a toothbrush and floss. This makes them more susceptible to cavities and gum disease, which can also affect the adjacent second molars.
What Are the Signs You May Need Wisdom Teeth Removed?
You don't always need symptoms to need removal — but these are the most common warning signs that it's time to book a consultation:
Pain at the Back of the Mouth
Aching or throbbing pain near the last molars is one of the most common indicators that a wisdom tooth is erupting or impacted.
Swelling Around the Jaw
Puffiness or tenderness in the jaw and cheek area — especially toward the back — can signal an impacted tooth or the beginning of an infection.
Difficulty Opening Your Mouth
Trismus (restricted jaw movement) often accompanies pericoronitis, the inflammation of gum tissue around a partially erupted wisdom tooth.
Bad Taste or Persistent Bad Breath
Bacteria trapped beneath a gum flap around a partially erupted tooth can cause a foul taste or halitosis that does not resolve with brushing.
Crowding of Adjacent Teeth
If teeth that were previously straight are beginning to shift or overlap, erupting wisdom teeth may be exerting pressure on neighbouring molars.
Recurring Infections
Repeated bouts of gum pain, swelling, or infection around the same area are a strong sign that a wisdom tooth needs to be addressed rather than managed with antibiotics alone.
When Should Wisdom Teeth Be Removed?
Not all wisdom teeth need to be removed. Your dentist may recommend extraction if:
- The teeth are impacted or partially erupted
- There is not enough room for them to come in properly
- They are causing pain, swelling, or infection
- They are growing at an angle toward other teeth
- They are contributing to decay or gum disease in adjacent teeth
- A cyst or other pathology is developing around the tooth
In some cases, your dentist may recommend removing wisdom teeth preventively, even if they are not yet causing symptoms, to avoid potential complications in the future. This is more common in younger patients, as the roots are not yet fully formed and recovery tends to be faster.
How Does Wisdom Teeth Removal Work? Step-by-Step
Consultation & Panoramic X-Ray
Your dentist examines your mouth and takes a panoramic or digital X-ray to assess the exact position of each wisdom tooth, the shape of the roots, and proximity to nerves, sinuses, and adjacent teeth. This image guides the entire treatment plan.
Anaesthesia & Sedation
The area is numbed with local anaesthesia before treatment begins. Sedation options — including nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and oral sedation — are available for patients who feel anxious or for more complex extractions.
Extraction
For fully erupted teeth, removal is similar to a standard extraction. For impacted teeth, a small incision is made in the gum, and the tooth may be sectioned into pieces for easier removal. The site is cleaned and sutured if necessary.
Recovery & Follow-Up
You will receive detailed aftercare instructions before you leave. Most patients return to normal within three to five days. A follow-up appointment confirms the site is healing cleanly and sutures (if used) are removed on schedule.
Concerned about your wisdom teeth? Our team in Scarborough and Milton can assess your situation and walk you through your options — with no pressure.
Book a Wisdom Teeth ConsultationWhat Happens During Recovery After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
After wisdom teeth removal, you can expect:
- Swelling that peaks at two to three days and gradually subsides over the following week
- Some discomfort that can be managed with prescribed or over-the-counter pain medication
- Mild bruising on the cheeks in some cases
- Difficulty opening your mouth fully for a few days
Recovery Tips for a Smooth Healing Process
- Bite gently on gauze pads to control initial bleeding
- Apply ice packs to the outside of your cheeks — twenty minutes on, twenty minutes off — during the first twenty-four hours
- Eat soft foods such as yogurt, soup, and mashed potatoes for the first few days
- Avoid straws, forceful spitting, and smoking — suction can dislodge the blood clot and cause dry socket
- Rinse gently with warm salt water starting the day after surgery
- Take all medications exactly as directed by your dentist
- Rest and avoid strenuous activity for at least forty-eight hours
What Are the Potential Complications of Wisdom Teeth Removal?
While wisdom teeth removal is a common and generally safe procedure, as with any surgery, there are potential complications to be aware of:
- Dry socket: Occurs when the blood clot is dislodged from the extraction site, exposing bone and nerves. This causes significant pain and requires treatment with a medicated dressing
- Infection: Signs include persistent fever, increased swelling after the third day, pus discharge, or worsening pain. Contact our office promptly if you notice these symptoms
- Temporary numbness: In rare cases, the nerves near the lower wisdom teeth may be affected during extraction, causing temporary numbness in the lip, tongue, or chin. This usually resolves on its own over time
Your dentist will discuss any risks specific to your situation during your consultation and take all appropriate measures to minimize the likelihood of complications.
When to Seek Emergency Care After an Extraction
Contact our office or visit an emergency clinic immediately if you experience any of the following after your wisdom teeth removal:
- Bleeding that does not slow after forty-five minutes of firm gauze pressure
- Fever above 38°C (100.4°F) that develops after the first day
- Swelling that is significantly worsening after the third day rather than improving
- Pus or discharge from the extraction site
- Severe, sharp pain beginning two to four days after surgery (a sign of dry socket)
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
Call our Scarborough office at 416-291-0306 or Milton office at 905-636-9770.
How Much Does Wisdom Teeth Removal Cost in Ontario?
The cost of wisdom teeth removal varies depending on the complexity of the extraction, the number of teeth being removed, and whether sedation is used. Many dental insurance plans in Ontario cover a portion of wisdom teeth extractions. At Orion Dental, we provide a detailed cost estimate before proceeding and can submit insurance claims electronically on your behalf. Visit our insurance and payment page for more information about payment options.
Wisdom Teeth Removal at Orion Dental
At Orion Dental, we take a careful, individualized approach to wisdom teeth management. We will evaluate your specific situation, explain our recommendations, and work to help you feel comfortable and informed throughout the process.
To schedule a wisdom teeth consultation, book an appointment online or call our Scarborough office at 416-291-0306 or our Milton office at 905-636-9770.