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Port Dover Family Dentistry
Wisdom Teeth Extraction in Selkirk
Impacted or troublesome wisdom teeth may need removal. Selkirk patients can learn how wisdom teeth are assessed, removed or referred at our Port Dover office.
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Serving patients from Selkirk at our Port Dover office
See every service for Selkirk patientsThird molars, considered carefully
Not every wisdom tooth needs to come out.
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 gum, or come in at an angle. These can lead to pain, infection, decay, gum problems or damage to neighbouring teeth.
A recovery day or two is often needed after removal, so Selkirk patients usually want to plan around work, school and transportation. The dentist at our Port Dover office will examine your wisdom teeth, review X-rays and explain whether removal is advised, which teeth are involved and whether a referral is suggested.
Assessing wisdom teeth
X-rays and symptoms guide the decision.
Signs of problems
Pain or swelling at the back of the mouth, a bad taste, difficulty opening the jaw, repeated gum infections around a partially erupted tooth and decay in the wisdom tooth or the molar beside it are signs that removal may be recommended. X-rays can show impaction, the angle of the tooth and how close the roots are to nerves or sinuses.
When monitoring may be enough
Wisdom teeth that are fully erupted, healthy, functional and easy to clean may not need removal. Some impacted teeth that cause no problems may be monitored with periodic X-rays. The dentist will explain the reasons for their recommendation, including the potential risks of leaving the teeth versus removing them.
Planning removal
Planning depends on how complex the teeth are.
Office extraction or referral
Some wisdom teeth can be removed at a general dental office, while others, especially deeply impacted teeth or those close to nerves, may be referred to an oral surgeon. The dentist will explain where your extraction is best performed and why. Sedation options may also influence the setting chosen for the procedure.
Health and practical preparation
Share your full medical history and medications. Ask whether you need someone to drive you home, especially if sedation is planned. Prepare soft foods, ice packs and any recommended pain relief before the appointment. Plan to rest for at least the rest of the day, and arrange time off work or school as needed.
The procedure
The process is explained before it begins.
Numbing and removal
Local anaesthetic numbs the area, and sedation may be used for comfort if appropriate. For a wisdom tooth that has fully erupted, the procedure may be similar to removing any other tooth. You will feel pressure but should not feel sharp pain. Tell the dentist if you feel discomfort so more anaesthetic can be considered.
Surgical extraction
Impacted wisdom teeth often require a small incision in the gum and sometimes removal of bone or sectioning the tooth into pieces. Stitches may be placed. The dentist or surgeon will explain what was done and provide written aftercare instructions. Gauze is placed to help a clot form before you leave.
Recovery
Good aftercare supports healing.
The first few days
Swelling and discomfort are common and often peak within the first couple of days. Use ice packs, take pain relief as directed and rest. Eat soft foods and avoid chewing near the extraction sites. Avoid smoking, straws, vigorous rinsing and spitting as advised, to protect the blood clots and support healing.
Watching for complications
Contact the office if bleeding does not slow with pressure, pain worsens after a few days, swelling increases, fever develops or you notice numbness that does not resolve. Increasing pain several days later may indicate a dry socket. Seek emergency care for breathing or swallowing difficulty. Attend follow-up visits as recommended.
Planning your appointment
Planning wisdom teeth care from Selkirk.
Contact our Port Dover office to arrange an assessment of your wisdom teeth. If removal is recommended, ask whether it will be done at the office or by referral, and plan transportation accordingly.
Bring recent X-rays if available, your medication list and details of any past problems with your wisdom teeth.
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 wisdom teeth that can be cleaned well may be kept. Removal is often recommended for impacted teeth or those causing pain, infection or damage. The dentist will assess your teeth and explain their recommendation clearly.
Will I be awake during wisdom tooth removal?
Many extractions are done with local anaesthetic, and you remain awake. Sedation may be offered for comfort, depending on your health and the complexity. Some cases are referred to an oral surgeon who can provide deeper sedation if needed.
How long does recovery take?
Many people feel better within a few days to a week, though healing continues for longer. Recovery varies with the complexity of the extraction. Follow aftercare instructions and contact the office if symptoms worsen instead of improving.
What is a dry socket?
A dry socket happens when the blood clot is lost from the extraction site, exposing bone and causing increasing pain a few days after surgery. Avoid smoking, straws and vigorous rinsing early on. Contact the office if pain intensifies.
Why might I be referred to an oral surgeon?
Deeply impacted teeth, roots near nerves or sinuses, certain medical conditions or a need for deeper sedation may make referral appropriate. The dentist will explain the reasons and help coordinate the referral and the sharing of your records.
Related extraction care
Additional Services →Dental Extractions →
When a tooth cannot be saved, a careful extraction and good aftercare matter. Selkirk patients can discuss removal and replacement at our Port Dover office.
Emergency Tooth Extractions →
When a painful, broken or infected tooth cannot be saved, urgent removal may be advised. Selkirk patients can call our Port Dover office to discuss options.