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Port Dover Family Dentistry
Not every wisdom tooth needs removal, but impacted or painful ones may. Forestville patients can learn how the decision is made and how recovery works.
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Caring for Forestville patients at our Port Dover office
Every dental service for ForestvilleThe last molars to arrive
Wisdom teeth, the third molars at the very back of the mouth, usually appear in the late teens or early twenties. Some come in straight and cause no trouble. Others are blocked by bone or neighbouring teeth, come in at an angle or only partly break through the gum. Those situations can lead to pain, infection, decay or damage to nearby teeth over time.
Forestville patients, including teens and young adults, can have their wisdom teeth assessed at our Port Dover office. The dentist reviews X-rays, explains whether removal is advisable now, later or not at all and discusses when referral to an oral surgeon may be appropriate for your teeth.

Assessing them
A panoramic X-ray shows the position of wisdom teeth, the angle they are growing at, how developed their roots are and how close they sit to nerves and sinuses. The dentist explains whether the teeth have room to erupt fully, whether they are impacted and whether they pose a risk to the molars in front of them.
Pain or pressure at the back of the jaw, swollen or tender gums around a partly erupted tooth, a bad taste, difficulty opening the mouth or food getting trapped are common reasons people ask about wisdom teeth. Recurring gum infections around a partially erupted tooth, called pericoronitis, are a frequent reason removal is recommended by dentists.
Remove or monitor
Removal is often recommended for wisdom teeth that cause repeated infections, damage neighbouring teeth, develop decay that cannot be repaired or are associated with cysts. Some dentists suggest removing problem teeth earlier in adulthood, when roots are less developed and healing tends to be quicker. The dentist explains the reasoning for your specific situation and age.
Wisdom teeth that are fully erupted, healthy, in a good position and easy to clean may not need removal. Impacted teeth that cause no symptoms may sometimes be monitored with periodic X-rays. The dentist discusses the risks and benefits of each approach so you can make an informed decision with all the relevant information in hand.
The procedure
Share your full medical history and medication list. If sedation is planned, follow instructions about eating and drinking beforehand and arrange for someone to drive you home. Stock soft foods, ice packs and any recommended pain relief before the appointment. Plan to rest for at least the remainder of the day after treatment, ideally with someone nearby.
Local anaesthetic numbs the area, and sedation may be offered depending on the complexity and your preferences. Teeth that are fully erupted may be removed simply. Impacted teeth may require a small incision and sometimes dividing the tooth. Complex cases are often referred to an oral surgeon, which the dentist will explain if relevant to you.
Recovery
Bite on gauze as directed, use ice packs on the cheek for swelling and take pain relief as recommended. Avoid rinsing, spitting, using straws and smoking for the period the dentist advises, as these can dislodge the clot. Eat soft, cool foods and gradually return to normal eating as comfort allows over the following days.
Some swelling, bruising and stiffness are normal and often peak a couple of days after surgery. Contact the office if bleeding does not slow, pain worsens after several days, fever develops or you notice a bad taste and smell. Numbness that persists beyond the expected time should also be reported promptly so the office can arrange a follow-up assessment.
Planning your appointment
Call our Port Dover office to book an exam for wisdom tooth pain or a routine check of their position. Mention any swelling, infection or difficulty opening your mouth fully.
If you have recent panoramic X-rays from another office, ask for them to be sent ahead. Arrange a driver if sedation may be part of the plan.
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 not need removal. Impacted or problematic ones often do. The dentist will review your X-rays and symptoms and explain the recommendation for your teeth.
Many dentists begin monitoring wisdom teeth in the mid to late teens. Earlier assessment allows planning before problems develop. If you are older and have never had them checked, an exam and X-ray can still provide useful information.
Local anaesthetic numbs the area during the procedure. Afterward, soreness and swelling are common for a few days and usually manageable with recommended pain relief and ice. Recovery varies depending on how complex the extraction was.
A dry socket occurs when the blood clot is lost too early, exposing bone and causing significant pain a few days after extraction. Avoiding straws, spitting and smoking helps prevent it. Call the office if pain suddenly worsens.
Some wisdom teeth, especially deeply impacted ones or those close to nerves, are best removed by an oral surgeon. The dentist will explain if referral is recommended and what that process involves for you and your family.
When a tooth cannot be saved, careful removal and planned healing matter. Forestville patients can learn about extraction, aftercare and replacement options.
When a tooth is badly broken or infected, urgent removal may be advised. Forestville patients can learn how that decision is made and how healing works.
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