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Port Dover Family Dentistry
Wisdom Teeth Extraction in Nixon
Not every wisdom tooth needs removal, but some cause pain, infection or crowding. Nixon patients can learn how the decision is made and what recovery involves.
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Serving patients from Nixon and the surrounding countryside at our Port Dover office
See every dental service for NixonThird molars, considered carefully
The decision to remove wisdom teeth depends on how they are developing.
Wisdom teeth, or third molars, usually appear in the late teens or early twenties. Some come in fully and cause no problems. Others are impacted, meaning they are trapped in the jaw or gums, or come in at an angle. These can lead to pain, infection, damage to neighbouring teeth or cysts. Not every wisdom tooth needs to be removed.
If you or your teen live in Nixon and have questions about wisdom teeth, book an assessment at our Port Dover office. The dentist will examine the teeth, take X-rays and explain whether removal is recommended, what the procedure involves and whether referral to an oral surgeon might be appropriate.
Assessing wisdom teeth
Removal is based on symptoms, position and risk.
Signs of problems
Pain at the back of the mouth, swollen or bleeding gums around a partly erupted tooth, a bad taste, difficulty opening the mouth or repeated infections can all signal trouble. X-rays may show impacted teeth pressing against neighbouring molars, decay in hard-to-reach areas or cysts. These findings may lead the dentist to recommend removal before problems worsen.
When monitoring is enough
If wisdom teeth are fully erupted, healthy, easy to clean and properly aligned, they may not need removal. Some impacted teeth cause no symptoms and may be monitored with periodic X-rays. The dentist will explain the risks and benefits of removing versus keeping your wisdom teeth, so you can make an informed choice that suits your situation.
Preparing
Planning helps the day go smoothly.
Health review and planning
Share your full medical history, medications and allergies. Some health conditions and medications affect healing or bleeding. The dentist will explain whether the extraction can be done in the office or whether referral to an oral surgeon is recommended, often for deeply impacted teeth or complex cases. Ask about anaesthesia and sedation options and what each involves.
Arranging the day
If sedation is used, arrange for someone to drive you home and stay with you. Stock up on soft foods like yogurt, soup and smoothies, and have ice packs ready. Plan to rest for the remainder of the day. Ask for written aftercare instructions to refer to at home once you are back in Nixon and recovering comfortably.
The procedure
The dentist explains each step.
Numbing and removal
The area is numbed with local anaesthetic, and sedation may be used for comfort if appropriate. For impacted teeth, a small opening in the gum may be needed, and the tooth may be removed in sections. You may feel pressure but should not feel sharp pain. Let the dentist know if you feel discomfort so they can adjust.
Immediately afterward
Gauze is placed over the extraction site, and you will be asked to bite firmly to control bleeding and help a clot form. Stitches may be used. The team will review aftercare instructions, pain relief and signs to watch for. Ask any questions before leaving, including when to return for follow-up or stitch removal if needed.
Recovery
Careful aftercare supports healing.
The first few days
Swelling and discomfort are common for the first few days. Use ice packs on the outside of the face as directed and take pain relief as recommended. Eat soft foods and avoid chewing near the extraction sites. Do not rinse vigorously, spit, smoke or use straws for the time advised, since these can dislodge the clot and slow healing.
When to call the office
Contact the office if bleeding does not slow with pressure, pain increases after a few days, swelling worsens or a bad taste develops. These may signal dry socket or infection. Fever, difficulty swallowing or breathing, or spreading swelling require urgent medical attention. Keep follow-up appointments so the dentist can confirm healing is progressing well and as expected.
Planning your appointment
Ask about wisdom teeth from Nixon.
Book an assessment at our Port Dover office if you have pain at the back of your mouth or questions about wisdom teeth. The dentist will review X-rays and explain your options before any decision is made.
Bring a full medication list, and if sedation may be used, plan for a driver and someone to stay with you afterward.
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 be removed?
No. Healthy, fully erupted and properly aligned wisdom teeth that can be cleaned well may not need removal. The dentist will assess position, health and risk factors and explain whether removal or monitoring is recommended.
What is an impacted wisdom tooth?
An impacted wisdom tooth is trapped beneath the gum or bone, or comes in at an angle. Impacted teeth can cause pain, infection or damage to neighbouring teeth. Some cause no symptoms and may be monitored with X-rays.
How long does recovery take?
Many people feel better within a few days, though healing continues for a couple of weeks. Swelling and discomfort usually peak early and then improve. Following aftercare instructions helps recovery go smoothly. Plan a few quieter days if you can.
Will I be referred to an oral surgeon?
Sometimes. Deeply impacted teeth, complex root shapes or certain medical conditions may make referral appropriate. The dentist will explain if a referral is recommended and why, so you know what to expect and what records to bring.
What is dry socket?
Dry socket occurs when the blood clot is lost too early, exposing bone and causing increasing pain a few days after extraction. Avoiding smoking, straws and vigorous rinsing lowers the risk. Call the office if you suspect it.
Related extraction care
Additional Services →Dental Extractions →
When a tooth cannot be saved, removal may be advised. Nixon patients can learn why extractions happen, how to prepare and what healing usually looks like.
Emergency Tooth Extractions →
When a tooth is badly broken or infected, urgent removal may be the safest choice. Nixon patients can learn how the decision is made and what recovery involves.