Your wisdom teeth are your third set of molars. Usually they show up between 17 and 25, though sometimes they're fashionably late or never arrive at all.
Here's where it gets tricky. Your jaw might not have space for them. When wisdom teeth don't have room to come in properly, they get stuck, twisted, or partially erupted. We call this impacted, and it's pretty common. An impacted tooth can cause crowding, push your other teeth around, trap food and bacteria, or even develop a cyst.
What should you watch for? Pain in the back of your mouth. Swollen or tender gums. Difficulty opening your mouth all the way. Sometimes it's obvious. Sometimes it's a dull ache that doesn't go away.
We take X-rays to see what's happening below the surface. If extraction makes sense, we'll talk through it with you first. Not just what we're doing, but why, and what to expect.
The procedure itself is straightforward. We numb the area, remove the tooth, and close it up. If it's impacted or deeply rooted, we might need to break it into pieces to remove it safely. Sounds intense, but you won't feel it. Local anesthetic takes care of that.
Recovery is usually measured in days, not months. Day one and two are the tough ones. Ice packs, soft foods, rest. Pain is manageable with medication. By day three to five, swelling peaks and then starts to improve. Most people are back to normal foods and activities by day seven to ten. Everyone heals a bit differently, so follow the instructions we give you and call if something feels off.
Cost is usually covered by insurance if it's medically necessary. We can submit your paperwork electronically so there are no surprises. And here's the thing: younger patients tend to recover faster than older ones, so if you're thinking about it, sooner is often easier.
Questions? That's what I'm here for.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean if my wisdom teeth are impacted?
It means they don't have room to come in properly, so they're stuck, twisted, or partially erupted. This can cause crowding, push your other teeth around, trap bacteria, or develop a cyst. We take X-rays to see what's happening below the surface.
What's the recovery time after wisdom teeth removal?
Recovery is usually measured in days, not months. Days one and two are the toughest. Ice packs, soft foods, and rest help. Pain is manageable with medication. By day three to five, swelling peaks and then improves. Most people are back to normal by day seven to ten.
Will I be awake during wisdom tooth extraction?
You'll be numb. We use local anesthetic so you won't feel pain, just pressure and vibration. If the tooth is impacted or deeply rooted, we might break it into pieces to remove it safely. You won't feel any of it.
Does insurance cover wisdom tooth removal?
Usually yes, if it's medically necessary. We can submit your paperwork electronically so there are no surprises. Coverage depends on your specific plan, but most people have at least some coverage for oral surgery.
Is it better to have wisdom teeth out sooner or later?
Younger patients tend to recover faster than older ones. So if you're thinking about it, sooner is often easier. But the right time depends on your specific situation. We can talk through the pros and cons.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Book your appointment with Dr. Kaur at The Village Dentist in Bloor West Village.
(416) 760-0404 | [email protected] | 750 Annette St, Toronto
