Wisdom teeth are the back-most teeth in the upper and lower mouth. They are also called the third molars. They are the last teeth to develop, usually between the ages of 17 and 25.

About 35% of people are born without wisdom teeth. Humans no longer need wisdom teeth for survival.

Many people do not have enough room in their mouths to accommodate their third set of molars. Consequently, these teeth are unable to fully emerge from the bone and/or gums – hence the term “impacted” wisdom teeth.

Nine out of 10 people have at least one impacted wisdom tooth. Poorly positioned or impacted wisdom teeth can lead to a variety of problems:

  • Infection
  • Damage to adjacent teeth
  • Dental decay
  • Periodontal “gum” disease
  • Receding gums
  • Loose teeth
  • Bone loss
  • Tooth loss
  • Cysts and tumours

Sometimes, the tissue surrounding an impacted tooth can form a cyst. These cysts can grow and damage adjacent bony and dental structures.

Early removal of wisdom teeth is recommended to minimize the likelihood of these problems developing.

Wisdom teeth are located in the back of the mouth. This makes them difficult to keep clean. The bacteria that cause gum disease may grow there and lead to problems before you experience any symptoms.

Research suggests that the bacteria may also travel through your bloodstream. This can cause problems such as diabetes, heart disease, and kidney disease. Gum disease in expectant mothers can be associated with pre-term and low-birthweight babies.

It is also easier to remove a young adult’s wisdom teeth. This is because the roots are not yet mature. The surgery will be less complicated and the healing process will be faster.

The American Association of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS) strongly recommends that third molars be evaluated by an OMFS by the time a patient is a young adult.

Consultation

We will perform a clinical exam and also look at your x-rays. This will allow us to provide a diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment options.

Out-Patient Surgery

Most wisdom teeth extractions are day-surgery procedures.

In many cases, we may be able to schedule your wisdom tooth removal immediately following your consultation.

Anaesthesia

We will determine the best anaesthesia option for you. Wisdom tooth removal is usually done under local anesthetic and IV sedation or general anaesthesia. Our Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons are fully trained and licensed in anesthesiology.

Recovery

We will provide you with a prescription for pain medication, antibiotics if determined necessary by your surgeon, and detailed post-surgical instructions.

On average, our surgeons remove over 5,000 sets of wisdom teeth annually. It is one of the most common procedures we perform. As a result, we are able to offer this service with a high level of efficiency and with minimal complications.