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Port Dover Family Dentistry
Wisdom teeth do not always need to come out. Fishers Glen patients can learn how the decision is made, what removal involves and how to recover.
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Caring for Fishers Glen patients at our Port Dover office
See every service for Fishers GlenThird molars, considered carefully
Wisdom teeth, or third molars, usually come in during the late teens or twenties. Some erupt fully and cause no problems. Others are impacted, meaning they are trapped in the jaw or only partly break through the gum. Impacted or partly erupted wisdom teeth can trap food and bacteria, leading to infection, decay, gum problems or damage to neighbouring teeth. Whether to remove them depends on their position and any problems they are causing or likely to cause.
Patients in Fishers Glen can have their wisdom teeth assessed at our Port Dover office. The dentist will examine your mouth, review X-rays and explain whether removal is recommended. Some extractions can be done at the office, while more complex cases may be referred to an oral surgeon.

Do they need to come out?
Pain, swelling, red or tender gums around the back teeth, a bad taste, difficulty opening your mouth and repeated infections can indicate a problem with a wisdom tooth. X-rays may show decay, damage to the neighbouring molar or cysts. In these situations, removal is often recommended to prevent further problems. Timing will be discussed with you.
If wisdom teeth are fully erupted, healthy, easy to clean and not causing problems, the dentist may suggest monitoring them at regular checkups. Some impacted teeth that are deep in the bone and causing no issues may also be monitored. The dentist will explain the reasoning behind the recommendation. You can always revisit it later.
Planning removal
X-rays show the position of the wisdom teeth, their roots and nearby structures such as nerves and sinuses. Teeth that are deeply impacted or close to nerves may be referred to an oral surgeon for removal. The dentist will explain whether the extraction can be done at the office or whether a referral is advised.
Tell the dentist about all medications, health conditions and allergies. Some medications, such as blood thinners, may need to be managed in consultation with your physician. Never stop prescribed medication without advice. If sedation is planned, follow fasting instructions and arrange for someone to drive you home. Plan a quiet day at home afterwards if possible.
The procedure
Local anaesthetic numbs the area. Sedation may be offered depending on the case and your comfort. For impacted teeth, a small incision in the gum may be made, and the tooth may be sectioned into pieces for easier removal. You may feel pressure but should not feel sharp pain. Tell the dentist if you do.
After removal, gauze is placed to control bleeding and help a clot form. Stitches may be used. The dentist will give you detailed aftercare instructions, including how to manage swelling and pain, what to eat and how to keep the area clean. Ask for them in writing, and keep the office number handy in case questions come up later that evening.
Recovery
Swelling and discomfort are common for a few days. Apply cold compresses to the outside of your face, take pain relief as directed and rest with your head raised. Eat soft foods and drink plenty of fluids, but avoid straws. Gently rinse with warm salt water after the first day, as directed by the dentist.
Dry socket, where the blood clot is lost, can cause increasing pain a few days after removal. Avoid smoking, spitting and straws to reduce the risk. Contact the office if bleeding does not slow, pain worsens after a few days, you develop a fever or swelling increases. Numbness that persists should also be reported promptly.
Planning your appointment
Call our Port Dover office if you have pain or swelling at the back of your mouth, or would like your wisdom teeth assessed. The dentist will examine them and explain whether removal is needed.
Bring any recent X-rays and a list of medications, and plan to rest for the remainder of the day if an extraction is scheduled.
Before you book
Have a question about your situation? Our team can help you plan a visit.
No. Healthy, fully erupted wisdom teeth that are easy to clean may be kept. Removal is often recommended when they are impacted, causing pain, infection or damage to neighbouring teeth. The dentist will assess your situation.
Most people feel better within a few days to a week, though complete healing of the bone takes longer. Recovery depends on the complexity of the extraction. Follow aftercare instructions closely and rest for the first day.
Many wisdom teeth are removed with local anaesthetic. Sedation may be offered for anxious patients or complex cases. Deeper sedation or general anaesthesia is usually provided by an oral surgeon in a specialized setting. The dentist will explain the options.
A dry socket happens when the blood clot is lost from the extraction site, exposing bone and causing pain. It usually develops a few days after removal. Avoiding straws, spitting and smoking helps prevent it.
The role of wisdom teeth in crowding of front teeth is debated. Crowding can happen for many reasons. The dentist will consider several factors when recommending removal and will not suggest it for crowding alone without good reason.
When a tooth cannot be saved, removal may be advised. Fishers Glen patients can learn about assessment, the procedure, healing and replacement in Port Dover.
When a tooth is broken or infected beyond repair, urgent removal may be advised. Fishers Glen patients can learn what to expect before and after in Port Dover.
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