Wisdom Tooth Extraction Services in Calgary: What to Expect

Did you know that the average human mouth has space for 28 teeth? However, when we account for wisdom teeth, that’s 32 teeth in total - 4 more than what our mouths can accommodate. The truth is, we don’t need our wisdom teeth. So why do we have them?

Centuries ago, our ancestors ate raw meat and they needed wisdom teeth to be able to properly grind the meat down for consumption. Over time, our diets became softer with cooked food and, through the process of evolution, our jaws consequently became smaller though our wisdom teeth continue to grow.

The result of extra teeth in a smaller jaw set? Crowding, nerve damage, impacted teeth, infections, bone damage, and more. At Pro Grace Dentistry, we want to prevent these issues before they cause painful problems and we do so with wisdom teeth removal - a safe and routine surgical procedure that requires very little recovery time.

What to expect with wisdom teeth extraction

One of the biggest concerns we get about wisdom teeth removal is the fear of pain. Understandably, many patients are anxious about any type of oral surgery and any pain that may come with it.

The good news is, dentistry has advanced greatly to help make procedures less invasive, less painful, and quicker. In fact, you shouldn’t feel any pain at all during the appointment. And we like to remind our patients that this surgery is to prevent potentially painful issues later down the road.

Some discomfort and pressure are normal, but we take the necessary steps to numb your mouth with anesthetics and ease your anxiety with sedation if you should need it. The healing process can be uncomfortable, but any pain can be easily remedied with proper aftercare and prescribed painkillers.

Here’s what to expect when you schedule wisdom teeth extraction:

• You will come in for an initial consultation with your dentist who will assess the health of your teeth and gums, take X-rays, and explain why they recommend removing your wisdom teeth.
• Your dentist will explain in detail what to expect before, during, and after the surgery including anesthesia and sedation, the process, how long the procedure will take, how to prepare for the day of the surgery, and answer any questions you may have.
• You will then schedule a surgery day that works for you. We recommend taking time off of work or school to allow yourself rest and for your gums to heal properly. You will also need a family member or friend to drive you to and from the dentist’s office.
• On the day of the surgery, your dentist will explain what you can expect to feel and what to do if you feel any sort of discomfort or pain if you’re awake for the extraction. Remember, your dentist is here to help you feel comfortable in the chair and to ensure a smooth surgery.
• A numbing gel with be placed on your gums before local anesthesia is injected into each of the extraction sites. If you chose to undergo sedation anesthesia, this process will happen during this time.
• The extraction begins: a small incision is made in the gum and any bone that blocks the tooth is removed. Once the tooth is exposed, your dentist typically divides the tooth into sections and removes the pieces.
• The wound is stitched closed. Sometimes, if the incision is small, stitches aren’t necessary.
• Your dentist will place a piece of gauze over the wound which helps control bleeding and promotes a blood clot to form.
• Once the surgery is complete, you will remain in the dentist’s office and be monitored for at least 15 minutes.
• You’ll be given aftercare instructions, a prescription for pain medications, and a list of foods to eat and activities to avoid. Your dentist will inform you of any signs of infection or other issues to watch out for, though they are rare.

Do you need to remove your wisdom teeth?

A common misconception amongst patients is that they don’t need to remove their wisdom teeth because they’re not causing any issues. However, remember that we want to extract wisdom teeth before they cause issues. Wisdom teeth extraction is commonly done during the late teen years to the early 20s because the recovery time is quicker. Older people may have a harder time with wisdom teeth extraction because tooth roots are more solidified into the jawbone, increasing the risk of nerve damage. If you’re not sure whether you need wisdom teeth extraction, request an appointment with us at Pro Grace Dentistry and our professional team can help you make an informed decision.