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Port Dover Family Dentistry
Wisdom Teeth Extraction in Hillcrest
Wisdom teeth do not always need to come out, but some cause pain or infection. Hillcrest patients can have them assessed at our Port Dover dental office.
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Browse every service for HillcrestThird molars, considered carefully
Whether wisdom teeth should come out depends on how they are growing.
Wisdom teeth, or third molars, usually appear in the late teens or early twenties. Some come in fully and function like other molars. Others become impacted, trapped partly or completely under the gum or bone, or grow at an angle. These can cause pain, infection, damage to neighbouring teeth or cysts, while some remain symptom-free for years and simply need monitoring.
Hillcrest patients with wisdom tooth concerns can have them assessed at our Port Dover office. The dentist will review X-rays, explain how the teeth are positioned and discuss whether removal, monitoring or referral to an oral surgeon is the most sensible approach for you right now.
Assessment
Not all wisdom teeth need to be removed.
Symptoms that suggest a problem
Pain or swelling at the back of the mouth, tender or bleeding gums around a partly erupted tooth, a bad taste, difficulty opening the mouth or food trapping behind the last molar can all indicate a problem. Repeated infections of the gum flap over a wisdom tooth, called pericoronitis, are a common reason for removal. Describe any symptoms you have noticed.
Imaging and position
X-rays, often a panoramic image, show the position of wisdom teeth, their roots and their relationship to nearby nerves, sinuses and other teeth. The dentist uses this information to judge whether the teeth are likely to cause problems and how complex removal might be. Some cases may need 3D imaging, possibly through referral to an oral surgeon.
Deciding
The decision balances current issues and future risk.
Reasons to remove
Removal may be recommended if wisdom teeth cause pain, recurrent infection, decay that cannot be treated, damage to neighbouring teeth, gum disease or cysts. In some cases, removing them earlier, when roots are less developed, may be simpler. The dentist will explain why removal is advised and the potential benefits and risks for your particular situation.
Reasons to monitor
Wisdom teeth that are fully erupted, healthy, functional and easy to clean may not need removal. Impacted teeth causing no problems may also be monitored with periodic X-rays. Every surgery carries some risk, so removing healthy teeth without good reason is not always recommended. Ask about the pros and cons of monitoring versus removal in your case.
The procedure
Treatment is planned according to complexity.
Preparation and anaesthesia
Share your medical history and medications, especially blood thinners. Simple extractions may be done with local anaesthetic, while more complex removals may involve sedation and referral to an oral surgeon. If sedation is planned, follow fasting instructions and arrange for someone to drive you home. Ask what to expect on the day so you can prepare.
During removal
For erupted wisdom teeth, removal may be similar to other extractions. Impacted teeth may require a small incision, removal of some bone or sectioning the tooth into pieces. Stitches may be placed. You may feel pressure but should not feel sharp pain. Tell the dentist if you are uncomfortable at any point during the procedure.
Recovery
Following aftercare instructions supports healing.
The first few days
Bite on gauze as instructed, apply cold compresses to reduce swelling and use pain relief as directed. Eat soft foods and avoid straws, spitting, smoking and vigorous rinsing for the advised period to protect the blood clot. Swelling and stiffness often peak around the second or third day and then improve. Rest and keep your head elevated.
Signs to watch for
Contact the office if bleeding is heavy or does not slow, pain worsens after a few days, swelling increases, fever develops or you notice a bad taste or odour, which may indicate dry socket or infection. Numbness that persists beyond the expected time should also be reported. Seek emergency care for any breathing or swallowing difficulty.
Planning your appointment
Wisdom tooth assessment for Hillcrest patients.
Call our Port Dover office to book an assessment if you have pain or swelling at the back of the mouth, or simply want to know how your wisdom teeth are developing. The team can arrange X-rays and an examination.
If you have X-rays from another office, ask for them to be sent before your appointment to help with planning.
Port Dover Family Dentistry
697 Norfolk County Hwy 6, Unit 2, Port Dover, ON N0A 1N2519-583-2929Directions to our office (opens in a new tab)Office hours & contact detailsBefore you book
Wisdom teeth questions
Have a question about your situation? Our team can help you plan a visit.
Do all wisdom teeth need to come out?
No. Healthy, fully erupted wisdom teeth that can be cleaned well may not need removal. Impacted teeth causing no problems may be monitored. The dentist will assess your teeth and explain whether removal is recommended and why.
What is the best age to remove wisdom teeth?
There is no single best age, but removal in the late teens or early twenties may be simpler if it is needed, as roots are less developed. The dentist considers your symptoms, tooth position and health when making a recommendation.
How long does recovery take?
Many people feel better within a few days to a week, although healing continues for several weeks. Swelling and stiffness often peak around day two or three. Following aftercare instructions helps recovery go smoothly and reduces complications.
Will I be asleep for wisdom tooth removal?
It depends on the complexity and your preferences. Simple extractions can be done with local anaesthetic. Complex removals may involve sedation, often through an oral surgeon. The dentist will discuss the options suitable for your situation.
What is dry socket?
Dry socket occurs when the blood clot in the extraction site is lost or fails to form, exposing bone. It can cause significant pain a few days after removal. Contact the office if pain worsens instead of improving after the procedure.
Related extraction information
Additional Services →Dental Extractions →
When a tooth cannot be saved, removal may be the safest choice. Hillcrest patients can learn how extractions are planned, done and healed in Port Dover.
Emergency Tooth Extractions →
When a tooth is badly broken or infected, urgent removal may be needed. Hillcrest patients can learn how our Port Dover team decides and what recovery involves.