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Port Dover Family Dentistry
Wisdom Teeth Extraction in Normandale
Not every wisdom tooth needs to come out. Normandale patients can learn how our Port Dover team assesses wisdom teeth and what removal and recovery involve.
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Caring for Normandale residents and seasonal visitors at our Port Dover office
See every dental service for NormandaleThird molars
Whether wisdom teeth should come out depends on how they are growing.
Wisdom teeth are the last molars to develop, usually emerging in the late teens or twenties. Some erupt fully and cause no trouble. Others become impacted, partially erupt or grow at an angle, which can lead to pain, infection, decay in neighbouring teeth or cysts. Removal is recommended when the risks of keeping them outweigh the risks of extraction.
If you or your teen in Normandale have wisdom tooth concerns, our Port Dover dentist can assess their position and explain whether removal is advisable. Complex cases may be referred to an oral surgeon for treatment.
Assessment
The dentist looks at position, health and symptoms.
Symptoms to watch for
Pain or swelling at the back of the mouth, gum tenderness around a partially erupted tooth, a bad taste, difficulty opening the jaw and food trapping are common signs of wisdom tooth problems. Some issues cause no symptoms but are visible on x-rays, such as decay or bone changes.
Imaging and evaluation
A panoramic x-ray shows the position of wisdom teeth, their roots and their relationship to nerves and sinuses. The dentist considers whether the teeth have room to erupt, whether they can be cleaned and whether they are affecting neighbouring teeth. You will hear the reasoning behind any recommendation.
Planning
Careful planning supports a smoother procedure.
Health review and consent
Share your medical history, medications and allergies. Some conditions and medications affect bleeding and healing. The dentist will explain the procedure, the risks, such as nerve irritation or dry socket, and what recovery involves. You can ask questions before agreeing to treatment.
Sedation and referral
Depending on complexity and anxiety, local anaesthetic alone or with sedation may be discussed. Deeply impacted teeth or those near nerves may be referred to an oral surgeon. If sedation is used, arrange a ride home and someone to stay with you afterward.
The procedure
Extraction is done carefully to protect surrounding tissue.
Removal
The area is numbed, and sedation may be provided if planned. Erupted wisdom teeth may be removed much like other teeth. Impacted teeth may require a small incision in the gum and sometimes division of the tooth into sections. You should feel pressure but not sharp pain.
Immediately afterward
Gauze is placed over the site to help a clot form. Stitches may be used. The dentist explains aftercare, including pain relief, eating, rinsing and activity restrictions. You will receive instructions on what symptoms should prompt you to call the office.
Recovery
Following instructions helps healing go smoothly.
The first few days
Swelling and discomfort typically peak within a couple of days and gradually improve. Use cold compresses, keep your head elevated and eat soft foods. Avoid smoking, straws, spitting and vigorous rinsing for the period advised to protect the clot. Rest and limit strenuous activity.
When to call
Contact the office if pain increases after a few days, you develop fever, swelling worsens or you notice a bad taste or odour. These may indicate dry socket or infection. Numbness in the lip or tongue that persists should also be reported promptly.
Planning your appointment
Wisdom tooth assessments from Normandale
Call our Port Dover office to book an assessment and mention any pain, swelling or difficulty opening your mouth. Bring recent x-rays if you have them from another provider.
If removal is planned, arrange time off for recovery and a ride home if sedation will be used.
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. Some erupt properly and cause no problems. Removal is recommended when teeth are impacted, causing problems or likely to cause future issues.
What is the best age for wisdom tooth removal?
Removal is often easier in the late teens or early twenties when roots are less developed. The dentist will advise based on your situation.
How long is recovery?
Many people feel better within a few days to a week. Full healing of the sockets takes longer. Recovery varies with the complexity of extraction.
Will I be asleep during the procedure?
Local anaesthetic is used, and sedation may be offered. Deeper sedation is typically provided by an oral surgeon. The dentist will discuss options.
What is dry socket?
Dry socket occurs when the clot is lost early, exposing bone and causing increasing pain. Follow aftercare instructions and contact the office if it occurs.
Other extraction resources
Additional Services →Dental Extractions →
When a tooth cannot be saved, removal may be the safest step. Normandale patients can learn how extractions are planned, performed and healed at our Port Dover office.
Emergency Tooth Extractions →
When an infected or broken tooth cannot be saved, urgent removal may be needed. Normandale patients can learn how emergency extractions are assessed in Port Dover.