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Port Dover Family Dentistry
Impacted or troublesome wisdom teeth? Walsh patients can learn how removal is assessed in Port Dover, what recovery involves and when referral makes sense.
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Caring for patients from Walsh and the surrounding countryside at our Port Dover office
See every dental service for WalshThird molars, considered carefully
Wisdom teeth are the last molars to come in, usually in the late teens or early twenties. Some grow in normally and cause no trouble at all. Others are impacted, partially erupted or growing at an angle, which can lead to pain, infection, cysts or damage to neighbouring teeth. Deciding whether to remove them depends on their position and your symptoms.
Walsh patients can have their wisdom teeth assessed at our Port Dover office. The dentist will review X-rays, discuss any symptoms and explain whether removal is recommended now, can be monitored or would be best handled by an oral surgeon, depending on how complex it is.

Is removal needed
Pain at the back of the mouth, swollen or bleeding gums around a partially erupted tooth, a bad taste, difficulty opening wide, repeated infections and decay in either the wisdom tooth or the molar next to it are common reasons for removal. Cysts or other changes seen on X-rays may also be a concern, even if the tooth itself does not hurt.
Wisdom teeth that are fully erupted, healthy, easy to clean and not affecting other teeth may simply be monitored at regular checkups. The dentist will explain the benefits and risks of removing them versus keeping them, including how age can affect recovery, and the decision is made together with you rather than by routine or habit.
Planning
A panoramic X-ray or 3D imaging shows the position of the teeth, their roots and nearby structures such as nerves and the sinuses. Deeply impacted teeth, or those very close to the nerve in the lower jaw, may be referred to an oral surgeon. The dentist will explain the reasoning behind any referral and help arrange it for you.
Share your full medical history and medications. Follow any instructions about eating and drinking carefully if sedation is planned. Arrange for someone to drive you home to Walsh, and plan a few days of rest with soft foods, ice packs and any prescribed medications ready, so you do not need to go out again for supplies.
The procedure
The area is numbed with local anaesthetic, and sedation may be offered for comfort if it is suitable. Fully erupted teeth may be removed quite simply, while impacted teeth may need a small incision in the gum, removal of a little bone or dividing the tooth into sections so each piece can be taken out gently with less force.
Stitches may be placed to help the gum heal neatly over the site. Gauze is provided to control bleeding and help a protective blood clot form in the socket. Before you leave, you will receive detailed aftercare instructions and clear information about managing pain and swelling over the following days, including who to call if you have concerns after hours.
Recovery
Swelling, bruising and soreness are common and often peak around the second or third day. Use ice packs, keep your head raised, eat soft cool foods and avoid straws, smoking and vigorous rinsing that could dislodge the clot. Take medications as directed. Gentle salt water rinses may begin after the first day to keep the area clean.
Call the office if bleeding does not stop with firm pressure, pain gets worse after a few days, you develop a fever, swelling increases or you notice numbness that does not fade. These may indicate dry socket, infection or another issue that needs review, and most are straightforward to treat when they are caught early.
Planning your appointment
Call our Port Dover office to book a wisdom teeth assessment. Mention any pain, swelling or difficulty opening your mouth, so the appointment can be prioritized appropriately by the team.
Bring any previous X-rays, a medication list and plans for someone to drive you home if sedation is used for the procedure.
Before you book
Have a question about your situation? Our team can help you plan a visit.
No. Healthy, well-positioned wisdom teeth that can be cleaned properly may be kept and monitored. Removal is recommended when they cause pain, infection, decay or damage to neighbouring teeth, or show other problems on X-rays.
Local anaesthetic numbs the area during the procedure, and sedation may be available. Some soreness and swelling afterwards is normal and can usually be managed with recommended medication and rest at home for a few days.
Most people feel better within a few days to a week, though full healing takes longer. Following the aftercare instructions carefully reduces the risk of complications such as dry socket or infection during that time.
Deeply impacted teeth, or those close to nerves, may be referred to an oral surgeon for safer removal. The dentist will explain if a referral is recommended in your situation and help you arrange it with the surgeon’s office.
Dry socket occurs when the blood clot is lost from the extraction site, exposing bone and causing increasing pain a few days later. Avoiding straws, smoking and spitting helps prevent it. Call the office if you think it has happened.
When a tooth cannot be saved, removal may be advised. Walsh patients can learn how extractions are planned in Port Dover and what recovery involves.
Severe pain or infection may mean a tooth needs urgent removal. Walsh patients can see how the decision is made in Port Dover and how to heal well.
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