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Impacted or troublesome wisdom teeth may need to come out. Renton patients can learn how removal is assessed, what to expect and how to recover comfortably.
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Caring for Renton patients at our Port Dover office
See every dental service for RentonThird molars and their problems
Wisdom teeth are the third molars, usually arriving in the late teens or early twenties. Many people do not have enough room for them, so they may come in at an angle, only partly erupt or stay trapped in the jaw. This can lead to pain, infection, damage to neighbouring teeth or cysts. Others come in well and cause no trouble at all.
At our Port Dover office, Renton patients can have their wisdom teeth assessed with an exam and X-rays. The dentist will explain whether removal is recommended, whether it can be done in the office or referral to an oral surgeon would be better and what recovery typically involves.

Assessment
Pain or swelling at the back of the mouth, gum tenderness, a bad taste, difficulty opening and food getting trapped behind the last molar can signal problems. Partially erupted wisdom teeth are prone to infection of the surrounding gum, called pericoronitis. Decay or gum disease affecting neighbouring molars may also be a reason to remove a wisdom tooth.
X-rays, often including a panoramic view, show the position of wisdom teeth, their roots and proximity to nerves and sinuses. The dentist will explain what the images show and whether the teeth are likely to cause problems. Not every wisdom tooth needs removal; some can be monitored if they are healthy and functional over time.
Planning
Simple extractions of fully erupted wisdom teeth may be done in the dental office. Deeply impacted teeth, roots close to nerves or patients who prefer deeper sedation may be referred to an oral surgeon. The dentist will explain the reasons for the recommendation and what each setting offers so you can make an informed decision.
Share your full medical history and medications. You may receive instructions about eating and drinking beforehand, especially if sedation is planned. Arrange for someone to drive you home if sedation is used. Stock up on soft foods and ice packs. Plan to rest for a day or two. Heavy work can usually wait a little longer.
The procedure
Local anaesthetic numbs the area, and sedation may be used if appropriate. For impacted teeth, a small incision in the gum and removal of a little bone may be needed. The tooth may be sectioned to remove it in pieces. Stitches may be placed. You may feel pressure but should not feel sharp pain at any point.
Gauze is placed over the sockets to control bleeding. You will receive instructions on pain relief, swelling, eating and cleaning. Avoid spitting, using straws, smoking and vigorous rinsing for the advised period to protect the blood clot. Rest with your head slightly elevated for the remainder of the day. Have someone nearby if you can.
Recovery
Swelling and discomfort usually peak within the first few days and then improve. Use ice packs on the cheeks early on and take pain relief as directed. Eat soft, cool foods and gradually return to normal eating. Gentle salt-water rinses may be recommended after the first day. Avoid strenuous activity for a few days afterward.
Contact the office if bleeding does not slow, pain increases after a few days, swelling worsens, fever develops or you notice numbness that persists. These may indicate dry socket, infection or other complications. Follow-up visits allow the dentist to check healing. Renton patients should plan for these appointments when booking the extraction itself. It helps.
Planning your appointment
Phone our Port Dover office at 519-583-2929 to arrange an assessment. Mention any pain, swelling or difficulty opening so urgency can be considered and the right appointment booked for you.
Bring a medication list, and if sedation is a possibility, arrange for a driver and plan a few quiet days at home afterward.
Before you book
Have a question about your situation? Our team can help you plan a visit.
No. Wisdom teeth that come in properly, are healthy and can be cleaned may not need removal. The dentist will assess each tooth and recommend removal only when the benefits outweigh the risks for you.
Local anaesthetic numbs the area during the procedure. Afterward, swelling and soreness are common for a few days and can usually be managed with recommended pain relief and ice packs. Call if pain grows after a few days.
Many people feel much better within a week, though complete healing of the sockets takes longer. Recovery depends on how complex the extraction was and individual healing. Following aftercare instructions closely helps recovery go smoothly.
Possibly, if the teeth are deeply impacted, close to nerves or if deeper sedation is preferred. The dentist will explain whether referral is recommended for your situation and what that process involves. You can ask about timing too.
A dry socket occurs when the blood clot is lost, exposing bone and causing increasing pain a few days after extraction. Avoiding straws, smoking and vigorous rinsing helps prevent it. Call the office if you suspect one.
When a tooth cannot be saved, removal may be the best next step. Renton patients can learn how extractions are planned and how to heal well afterward.
When a tooth is badly broken or infected and cannot be saved, urgent removal may be advised. Renton patients can learn what to expect and how to heal afterward.
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