Patient video
Welcoming and Wonderful Practice
A patient shares the welcoming atmosphere and positive experience they found at our Port Dover office.
★★★★★
Port Dover Family Dentistry
Wisdom Teeth Extraction in Townsend
Not every wisdom tooth needs to come out, but some do. Learn how wisdom teeth are assessed, what removal involves and how Townsend patients can recover well.
New patients welcomeCDCP accepted
Let’s get you smiling
Book an appointment
Tell us how we can help. Our team will follow up to confirm a time.
Caring for Townsend patients at our Port Dover office
Every dental service for TownsendThird molars, carefully assessed
Removal depends on how your wisdom teeth are developing.
Wisdom teeth are the third molars at the back of the mouth, usually arriving in the late teens or early twenties. Some come in without problems. Others become impacted, erupt at an angle or only partly break through, which can lead to pain, infection, decay or crowding. Deciding whether to remove them depends on careful assessment.
Patients from Townsend can have wisdom teeth evaluated at our Port Dover office. The dentist will review X-rays, explain whether the teeth are causing or likely to cause problems and discuss whether removal is recommended, along with what the procedure and recovery involve or whether a referral is more suitable.
Assess the need
Not all wisdom teeth need to be removed.
Signs of wisdom tooth problems
Pain or swelling at the very back of the mouth, red or tender gum around a partly erupted tooth, a bad taste, difficulty opening wide and infections that keep returning are common signs of trouble. Decay in a wisdom tooth, or in the molar in front of it that is hard to clean, damage to neighbouring roots and cysts around the tooth are also reasons removal may be suggested.
When monitoring may be enough
If wisdom teeth have come in fully, sit in a good position, meet the opposing teeth and can be cleaned properly, they may never need to be removed. Some impacted teeth also cause no problems and can simply be watched with an X-ray from time to time. The dentist will explain the reasoning behind their recommendation either way.
Plan the procedure
Planning helps keep the procedure safe and predictable.
Imaging and medical history
X-rays show the angle and depth of each wisdom tooth, the shape of the roots and how close they sit to the nerve in the lower jaw or the sinus above the upper teeth. The dentist will also review your medical history, medications and any conditions that affect bleeding or healing. Share a complete list, including supplements and anything taken occasionally.
Choosing where treatment happens
Some wisdom teeth can be removed in the office, while deeply impacted teeth or more complex cases may be referred to an oral surgeon. Sedation options may be discussed. If you will be sedated, arrange for someone to drive you home and stay with you afterwards, and follow every preparation instruction about eating and medications carefully.
The extraction
You should feel pressure, not sharp pain.
Numbing and removal
The area is numbed with local anaesthetic, and the dentist checks that you are comfortable before starting. A wisdom tooth that has fully erupted can often be loosened and lifted out in one piece. You may feel firm pressure and hear sounds that seem loud, but sharp pain is not expected, so report it right away and more anaesthetic can be given.
Surgical steps when needed
An impacted tooth may need a small opening in the gum, and sometimes a little bone is removed or the tooth is divided into sections so it can come out more gently. Stitches are often placed to help the gum heal. The dentist will explain beforehand what your particular extraction is likely to involve and give you written aftercare instructions.
Recovery
Careful aftercare supports smooth healing.
The first few days
Bite firmly on gauze to control bleeding, use cold compresses on the cheek for swelling and plan to rest for the remainder of the day. Eat soft, cool foods and avoid straws, smoking, spitting and vigorous rinsing for the first few days, because these can dislodge the clot that protects the socket. Take pain relief as recommended and sleep with your head raised.
Healing and follow-up
Swelling and stiffness usually peak within a couple of days and then gradually improve. From the day after surgery, gentle warm salt water rinses can help keep the area clean. Contact the office if bleeding continues, pain gets worse after the third or fourth day, a fever develops or numbness in the lip or tongue does not fade as expected.
Planning your appointment
Having wisdom teeth evaluated.
Call our Port Dover office and mention any pain, swelling or concerns about your wisdom teeth. The team can arrange an exam with X-rays to assess whether removal is recommended or the teeth can be monitored.
Bring a full list of medications and any previous X-rays, and arrange a driver from Townsend if sedation is discussed for the procedure.
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
Questions about wisdom teeth
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 are easy to clean may never need removal. The dentist will assess their position and health and recommend removal only if they are causing problems or are likely to cause them in the future.
What is an impacted wisdom tooth?
An impacted wisdom tooth is blocked from coming in fully, often because there is not enough room or because it is growing at an angle. Impacted teeth can cause pain, infection or damage to neighbouring teeth, though some never cause any trouble.
How long does recovery take after wisdom tooth removal?
Many people feel much better within a few days to a week, though the sockets take longer to heal completely. Recovery varies with how complex the extraction was. Following the aftercare instructions closely helps the healing go smoothly.
What is dry socket?
Dry socket happens when the blood clot is lost from the extraction site, exposing bone and causing intense pain a few days after surgery. Avoiding straws, smoking and vigorous rinsing reduces the risk. Call the office if pain suddenly worsens.
Will I be referred to an oral surgeon?
Some wisdom teeth, especially deeply impacted ones or those lying close to the nerve, are better removed by an oral surgeon. The dentist will explain if a referral is recommended, the reasons for it and what to expect from that appointment.
Related extraction care
Additional Services →Dental Extractions →
Facing a tooth extraction? Townsend patients can learn why removal is advised, how it works in Port Dover and what healing and replacement involve.
Emergency Tooth Extractions →
When a tooth is badly broken or infected, urgent removal may be advised. Learn how that decision is made, what to expect and how to care for the site.