Wisdom Tooth Extraction Edmonton
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars that develop at the very back of your mouth, closest to your throat. They usually appear between the ages of 17 and 25.
These teeth are also called third molars. Most people develop four of them—one in each corner of the jaw—but not everyone does. In many cases, there is simply not enough room in the jaw for them to grow properly. When this happens, the teeth can become impacted, meaning they remain partially or completely trapped beneath the gum line or jawbone.
Impacted wisdom teeth may lead to pain, localized swelling, infection, and constant pressure on nearby teeth. Left untreated, they can damage surrounding teeth, disrupt your bite, or cause ongoing gum problems.
When Is the Best Time to Remove Wisdom Teeth?
Your dentist may recommend removing wisdom teeth if there is not enough room for them to grow naturally without crowding your smile.
Diagnostic X-rays allow your dentist to see exactly how your wisdom teeth are developing beneath the surface. If they are growing at an irregular angle, pushing against adjacent molars, or if space is needed to prepare for orthodontic treatments, early removal helps prevent pain, widespread infection, and irreversible damage to surrounding teeth.
Age also plays an important role in timing. Wisdom teeth are often significantly easier to extract before the roots fully develop and fuse to the bone, though the optimal timing depends entirely on your unique situation.
Some people may not notice their developing wisdom teeth at all until they begin to experience active symptoms, such as sudden swelling, acute discomfort, or deep pressure in the back of the mouth.
Do All Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?
Not all wisdom teeth require extraction. It depends entirely on the health, alignment, and position of each individual tooth.
Wisdom teeth generally do not need to be removed if they meet the following criteria:
Healthy
The tooth is completely free of decay, chronic infection, or localized gum disease.
Fully Erupted
The molar has grown in completely and emerged naturally above the gum line.
Properly Positioned
The tooth lines up perfectly, bites correctly with the opposing tooth, and does not crowd nearby teeth.
Easy to Clean
You are able to easily brush and floss around the tooth properly during your normal home oral hygiene routine.
Symptoms of Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Impacted wisdom teeth can cause a range of progressive symptoms that affect both your daily comfort and overall oral health.
Pain and Discomfort
- • Severe pain in the jaw or side of the face
- • Tenderness and swelling in the gums near the tooth
- • Difficulty opening the jaw or a restricted range of motion
- • Frequent, recurrent headaches or deep earaches
- • Increased sensitivity to hot or cold foods
Oral Health Problems
- • A persistent bad taste in the mouth or bad breath
- • Numbness or tingling sensations in the jaw and adjacent areas
- • Bleeding or tender gum tissues in the back of the mouth
- • Noticeable crowding or shifting of your front teeth
- • Formation of fluid-filled cysts or growths in the jaw
- • General difficulty while biting or chewing food
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