Wisdom Tooth Removal in Calgary

Pain in the back of the mouth is the most common sign that you need wisdom tooth removal. This can occur due to food trapping between the teeth causing decay. Or it can be due to pressure against your other teeth as your wisdom tooth attempts to erupt.

If left untreated, a problematic wisdom tooth can be so painful that it can be hard to go about your daily routine. For safe, comfortable, and expert wisdom tooth removal in Calgary, call us today at Chinook Dental Group.

What are Wisdom Teeth?

The wisdom teeth, or the third molars, are the last tooth to come out of the mouth usually during your late teens or early twenties. They come through at the back of the gum and the corner of each jaw. Adults should have 4 wisdom teeth, one on each corner of the mouth.

Some are lucky and will have their wisdom teeth emerge in proper alignment with the rest of their teeth. They will experience almost no symptoms.

However, for many of us, there is usually not enough room in the jaw for the wisdom tooth. Because of this, the wisdom tooth will come out at an angle or below the other teeth. This is called an impacted wisdom tooth where some or all parts of the tooth remain embedded in bone.

An impacted wisdom tooth may be accompanied by pain, gum and facial swelling, and difficulty with mouth functions. This will require urgent dental care to remove the tooth to relieve you of any discomfort and prevent other complications.

Why is Wisdom Tooth Removal Necessary?

Patients with a properly aligned wisdom tooth can get away without having it removed. However, an impacted wisdom tooth can trap food and bacteria easily. This can cause dental problems such as decay, gum disease, and even infection.

To avoid future concerns, many patients consider getting their impacted wisdom tooth removed even if there is no existing pain. But if there are already signs and symptoms present, it is best to schedule a consultation with the experts for wisdom tooth removal.

Signs You Need Wisdom Tooth Removal

Some telltale signs of a wisdom tooth that needs removal are:

Pain or discomfort – This may be due to pressure against your other teeth as the wisdom tooth tries to come out. It can also occur due to decay caused by food build-up on the tooth.
Tender or swollen gums – If bacteria and food get trapped under the gum flap covering an impacted wisdom tooth, the gum may swell and cause severe pain.
Persistent headaches – Pressure on the surrounding teeth and jawbone may cause pain that radiates up to your head.
Facial swelling – Widespread infection due to an impacted wisdom tooth can cause the face to visibly swell.
Jaw pain or stiffness – Tension on the jaw muscles may also occur. This may make it difficult for you to eat and speak.
Fever – Systemic complications such as fever and swelling are also possible if an infected wisdom tooth is left untreated.

The Wisdom Tooth Removal Process

Here’s what you can expect if you are getting a wisdom tooth removal in Calgary:

First, we will collect all data needed for your treatment. This includes your personal record, dental chart, medical and dental history, X-rays, and other scans. Scans are important diagnostic tools that your dentist uses to determine the placement and shape of your wisdom tooth.
Then, local anaesthesia is administered in the area of the wisdom tooth. If needed, happy gas, prescription sedatives, IV sedation or general anaesthetics may also be given. These improve your comfort before and during the treatment.
When numb, your dentist can safely remove your tooth or teeth. Some gum or bone may be cut and the tooth may be divided into parts to help get it out easier.
Stitches are placed to close the wound. This helps with faster and better healing. Usually, the stitches should dissolve after a few days. Then, you will be asked to bite on a gauze pad for a few minutes to keep pressure on the wound and control bleeding.

The entire procedure differs for everyone. Ultimately, it depends on the position of your wisdom tooth. Exposed wisdom teeth are generally easier to take out than impacted wisdom teeth as this will require more gum and bone to be removed to easily access the tooth. Because of this, you can expect a longer procedure for the latter.

Recovery and Aftercare

Wisdom tooth removal recovery time takes one to two weeks on average. But, most people should be able to resume their daily lives in about two to three days. Here are some recovery tips that can help with optimal recovery…

Immediately after…

The first few hours after wisdom tooth removal is crucial. At this time, you can still expect some bleeding and discomfort. These are normal, especially after surgery. To minimize these symptoms, keep biting on a gauze pad, take your prescribed medication, and rest. Avoid any strenuous activities and allow your body to heal naturally.

After 24 hours…

Facial swelling is also expected for 2 – 3 days following wisdom tooth removal. To relieve this, use a cold compress and apply this directly on the swollen cheek for 10 – 15 minutes every day for 2 hours. Partake in a soft diet until you are more comfortable with eating.

After 2 – 3 days…

Any bleeding and swelling should slowly begin to subside. Continue with good oral hygiene to prevent wisdom tooth removal complications. You can swish an antibacterial mouthwash to rinse food and other debris that may be trapped in the wound.

After a week…

There should be very minimal to no swelling at this point. You will be able to eat more solid foods, but still avoid tough and crunchy foods until the gums are properly healed. Your dentist may ask you to return to the clinic to check on your healing.

If you are looking for a highly experienced dental team to help you through your wisdom tooth removal, our clinic can help.

At Chinook Dental Group, our goal is to provide you with a positive dental experience. We will explain the treatment process before getting started so you can feel more at ease during your wisdom tooth removal.

Call us today to schedule your initial consultation and let us help relieve you of any pain caused by your wisdom tooth.