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Wisdom teeth do not always need removal, but problem ones often do. Vittoria patients can learn how the decision is made and what recovery involves after surgery.
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Browse all dental services for VittoriaThe last molars to arrive
Wisdom teeth are the third molars, usually arriving in the late teens or early twenties. Some come in fully and cause no trouble. Others are impacted, partially erupted or positioned awkwardly, which can lead to pain, infection, decay of neighbouring teeth or cysts. Whether removal is advisable depends on the position of the teeth, symptoms and the risks involved.
If you or your teen live in Vittoria and have questions about wisdom teeth, the dentist at our Port Dover office can examine them and review X-rays. You will hear whether removal is recommended, monitoring is reasonable or referral to an oral surgeon would be better, along with what to expect from the procedure and recovery.

Should they come out?
Repeated gum infections around a partially erupted tooth, decay that cannot be treated, damage to the neighbouring molar, cysts or crowding problems are common reasons for removal. Pain and swelling at the back of the mouth often prompt an assessment. The dentist will use X-rays to show the position of the teeth and explain the reasoning behind their recommendation.
Wisdom teeth that are fully erupted, healthy and easy to clean may not need removal. Some impacted teeth cause no problems and can be monitored with periodic X-rays. The dentist will discuss the risks and benefits of removal versus watching, considering your age and health, so you can make an informed choice. Ask what signs to watch for.
Preparing
Share your full medical history, medications and allergies. Blood thinners and certain other medications may affect bleeding or healing. The dentist will explain the procedure, including whether local anaesthetic, sedation or referral to an oral surgeon is recommended. Ask about eating and drinking before the appointment if sedation is planned. Mention any history of slow healing.
Arrange time off work or school for a few days if possible. Stock up on soft foods, ice packs and any recommended supplies. If sedation is used, arrange for someone to drive you home and stay with you. Plan the trip back to Vittoria so you can rest comfortably afterward. Extra pillows help you sleep.
The procedure
Fully erupted wisdom teeth can often be removed similarly to other teeth, using local anaesthetic. The dentist loosens and removes the tooth, then places gauze to help a clot form. You should feel pressure rather than sharp pain. Let the dentist know if you feel discomfort during the procedure. Bite gently on the gauze afterward.
Impacted teeth may require a small incision in the gum and sometimes removal of bone or sectioning of the tooth. Stitches may be placed. More complex cases may be referred to an oral surgeon. The dentist will explain what to expect and how long recovery is likely to take. Some stitches dissolve on their own.
Recovery
Swelling, bruising and discomfort are common for a few days. Use ice packs on the outside of the face as directed. Eat soft, cool foods and avoid straws, smoking and vigorous rinsing to protect the clot. Ask a pharmacist or physician about appropriate pain relief, and rest as much as possible. Warm salt-water rinses may be advised later.
Contact the office if bleeding does not slow with pressure, pain worsens after a few days, you notice a bad taste or develop fever or increasing swelling. Seek emergency care for difficulty breathing or swallowing. Attend any follow-up appointment so healing can be checked. Some jaw stiffness can linger for a few days, and gentle opening and closing usually helps it ease. Call if it worsens instead.
Planning your appointment
Call our Port Dover office to book an assessment of wisdom teeth. Mention pain, swelling or recurring infection, and ask whether X-rays will be taken at the first visit. Mention any swelling now.
Bring your medication list and any previous X-rays. Plan for soft foods and rest after surgery, and arrange a driver if sedation is used.
Before you book
Have a question about your situation? Our team can help you plan a visit.
No. Healthy, fully erupted wisdom teeth that are easy to clean may not need removal. The dentist will assess position, health and symptoms before recommending removal or monitoring. Monitoring usually includes periodic X-rays to check that nothing is changing.
An impacted tooth is blocked from fully erupting by bone, gum or another tooth. Some impacted teeth cause no problems, while others lead to infection, decay or damage to neighbouring teeth. X-rays show which type you have.
Many people feel better within a few days to a week, though complete healing takes longer. Recovery depends on the complexity of the extraction and following aftercare instructions. Younger patients often heal a little faster.
Dry socket occurs when the blood clot is lost, exposing bone. It can cause increasing pain a few days after extraction. Avoid straws, smoking and vigorous rinsing, and contact the office if pain worsens. It is treatable.
Many extractions are done with local anaesthetic while you are awake. Sedation may be offered or recommended for more complex cases. The dentist will discuss options suited to your situation. Arrange a driver if sedation is chosen.
When a tooth cannot be saved, extraction may be the best choice. Vittoria patients can learn the decision process, the procedure and healing in Port Dover.
Removing a tooth is permanent, even when pain makes it urgent. Vittoria patients can see which questions to ask and how our Port Dover dentist explains options.
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