Wisdom Teeth Removal in Vaughan

Problems with wisdom teeth?

Getting an achy feeling just at the back of your jaw? Take a peek and you might find a few wisdom teeth coming into view. As the last of your teeth to find their place, the wisdom teeth get their name from the fact that an individual will be a little more mature before they’re welcomed into eruption.

Unfortunately, wisdom teeth won’t always push through under the best of circumstances. With limited room to fully take place, they may be unable to surface and apply powerful pressure on surrounding structures. The result is detrimental to your dental health, sparking the beginning of pain, infection, misalignment, malocclusion, and a host of other potential threats to your oral wellness.

If you have a few wisdom teeth that are causing you trouble, it’s time to act. Consult Mapleridge Dentistry today to get premier care and wisdom teeth removal to maximize your dental health.

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Frequently Asked Questions

When Do Wisdom Teeth Erupt?

The wisdom teeth are named so because they arrive much later than the other 28 permanent teeth we have. Typically, you might see them starting to erupt at around the age of 17 to 25. In certain cases, these teeth may even show many years later. Rarely, some individuals won’t have them at all.

While it’s not precisely clear why some people have them and others don’t, scientists attribute the discrepancy to a genetic mutation. As the years have spanned, the human race has evolved to not need the masticating functions of the hindmost teeth. So some people have adapted not to grow them anymore.

Does a Wisdom Tooth Always Have to Be Removed?

Not all the time. Although statistics have found that 85% of people who grow wisdom teeth require extraction at some point in their life, there is a small 15% of the demographic that can get by just fine. This can be attributed to the fact that that all of us demonstrate minute differences in anatomy.

As we progress as a species, we evolve to adapt to our condition. Because the food we eat no longer requires that we chew and grind with such aggressive force, our anatomy is starting to change. Compared to our ancestors, our jaws are far smaller, with just enough space to comfortably fit just 28 teeth - all the permanent teeth that erupt before the arrival of the wisdom teeth.

But those who are able to grow wisdom teeth without a worry are often able to do so because of their larger jaws. The wider surface area allows room for more than just 28 teeth, so the third molars have sufficient space to fully emerge without any issues.

So if your wisdom teeth are starting to erupt and it seems that your jaw doesn’t have enough surface area to accommodate them, you might find yourself at risk of the following dental health problems:

  • Impaction - An impacted wisdom tooth is essentially a tooth that’s pressed incorrectly against neighboring structures. Without room to push through the gumline, the wisdom tooth finds its own way, even if that means pushing against other teeth. Impacted wisdom teeth are prone to infection and may result to the misalignment of your teeth over time.
  • Incomplete eruption - If there’s isn’t any room to push outwards or even sideways, the third molar will sit in its place with its crown incompletely erupted from the gums. These situations also have a higher tendency for infection, as well as recurrent and chronic pain.
  • Infection - As one of the biggest threats to dental health, impacted wisdom teeth create a hotbed for infection. The small crevices and minute spaces between the tooth, the gums, and the teeth beside it are especially hard to clean. That, paired with the tooth’s position at the back of the mouth, make it especially challenging to remove debris. So when you bite down and bruise the inflamed gums causing a break through the tissue, infection might not be too far behind.
  • Pericoronitis - Pericoronitis is a condition that describes the inflammation of gum tissue surrounding a third molar. This can be the cause of immense pain, and may lead to the formation of cysts and tumorous growths. Removing the wisdom tooth involved can reduce the inflammation and restore the gums to proper health.
  • Pain - The most common reason that pushes people to see a dentist following the eruption of a third molar is pain. As the crown pushes through the gums with little room to spare, you’re likely to feel pain, which can worsen by poorly healed gum tissue.
  • Tooth decay - As an impacted third molar changes the physics of your teeth, it pushes them around and causes them to misalign. Some teeth will overlap, making some of their surfaces inaccessible to brushing and flossing. As debris, food residue, plaque, and tartar accumulate, they eat away at the enamel and speed up the process of decay. So the issue doesn’t only impact the wisdom tooth itself and the structures surrounding it, but the rest of the teeth as well.
  • Cosmetic issues - The force of an unstoppable wisdom tooth will push the rest of your teeth into misalignment, and that will result to cosmetic issues. Waiting too long might mean having to undergo orthodontic treatment later on which could compound the cost you pay.

This is not an all inclusive list, and there are a range of other potential problems that can result from an impacted tooth. It also pays to know that the risks only increase with time. The longer a wisdom tooth is left to thrive, the more significant its negative impact becomes.

Signs and Symptoms of an Impacted Third Molar

Impaction is the most common reason why dentists advise to have a third molar removed. The seemingly simple issue of improper eruption might not seem like such a big deal. But it can be the root of a myriad of other dental health problems that can develop later on.

While it might be possible for you to tell whether you have an impacted tooth based on what you see and feel, there is no better way to confirm the problem than with a visit to your dentist. Our dental professionals at Vaughan, Ontario can give you insight as to the situation of your teeth, letting you know whether extraction is a necessary route.

If you’re still curious as to whether you actually have an impacted tooth, some symptoms may include:

  • Pain and tenderness, especially when eating or when feeling the affected area with the tongue
  • An unpleasant taste and odor in the back of the mouth
  • Difficulty chewing food
  • Difficulty opening and closing the mouth
  • Swollen gum tissue

It’s always best to address an impacted tooth as soon as it makes itself known. That said, if you suspect that you might be suffering from the condition, make it a point to pay your dentist a visit. The professionals at our Vaughan, Ontario dental clinic can walk you through the process and provide you all the information you need to understand the next steps you need to take to prevent the condition from worsening.

What Can Happen If a Wisdom Tooth is Not Removed?

Some people might opt to avoid having their wisdom tooth removed, but escaping the process might put you at further risk down the line. The immediate dangers of an unaddressed impacted third molar can include pain, inflammation, difficulties in eating and speaking, and infection. But as time wears on, its effects may worsen.

Our teeth are naturally programmed to erupt, so if it can’t find a way to surface through the gums vertically, it will find any other way to emerge. Often, the only course for a third molar is sideways, with its crown pushing on the side of the second molar beside it. Initially, you’re only likely to feel pain. However the constant pressure can take a toll on your teeth’s alignment.

The longer that you leave the third molar in its place, applying pressure on neighboring teeth, the stronger its impact on alignment. In some of the worst cases, impaction can lead to malocclusion, changing the way that your upper and lower teeth occlude. This won’t only lead to cosmetic issues, but may also heighten the risk of tooth decay as more and more surfaces of your teeth become inaccessible to traditional cleaning methods.

If you want to learn more about the risks of leaving an impacted third molar alone, visit one of our dentists in Vaughan, Ontario. Our experienced dental care experts can shed more light on the risks of third molar impaction so you can make a suitable decision for your oral wellness.

If you’re more concerned about the cost or worried about the pain that the procedure may cause, it might help to know that our dental professionals are highly skilled in the extraction of wisdom teeth, guaranteeing minimal discomfort during the procedure, and premium aftercare to soothe your worries well after the process. We also offer fair, competitive prices and a range of payment options to fit your financial capabilities so you can enjoy dental care you can afford.

Is Wisdom Tooth Extraction a Painful Procedure?

The short answer is no, it isn’t. As a minor surgical procedure, there is no way that an experienced, licensed dentist would attempt to perform the process without first numbing out the area. So you should expect to be anaesthetized during the procedure, minimizing any sensations that you might feel.

Novocaine is the typical anaesthesia of choice for wisdom tooth extraction, and it will usually be applied solely on the affected area keeping you and the rest of your body awake and conscious throughout the process. If you have a tendency to feel more anxious, your dentist may provide you a sedative to help calm your nerves.

Of course, you might also expect that a more experienced dentist to be able to provide a more pain-free experience, and you’re right. The dentists at our Vaughan, Ontario clinic have decades of third molar extraction experience under their belts, making it possible for them to provide painless removals that are quick, easy, and hassle-free.

What Can I Expect After Extraction?

Your dentist will provide you some medications to manage pain and resolve potential bacterial infections, if necessary. They should also prescribe a special diet so you can eat without having to deal with the pain and discomfort caused by the surgical site. Instructions will be given as to when you should revisit your dentist to have the area checked for proper healing.

Typically, you should expect to take two to three weeks to be fully healed. Pain will be most pronounced within the first two days after the procedure. Within a week, your dentist should call you back to remove the stitches. Of course, that would be the ideal course of healing, but the road to recovery might sometimes be bumpy.

If at any time during the recovery period, you notice any of the following signs and symptoms, make sure to visit your dentist:

  • Severe or worsening pain
  • Sensitivity
  • Discharge or pus
  • Numbness of the surrounding structures around the surgical site
  • A foul odor and taste emanating from the surgical site
  • Fever

These might be indicative of poor recovery, requiring further professional care. At Vaughan, Ontario, we make sure that all of our patients are provided the best service from start to finish, minimizing the risk of such post-surgical recovery issues. Our skilled dentists are careful to execute the procedure with utmost precision, letting you go home and heal without worry of complications.

How Much Does It Cost to Remove a Wisdom Tooth?

That really depends. Prices for the procedure will fluctuate from provider to provider. But you can expect most of them to fall within an average of $130 CAD per tooth. This can change depending on a multitude of factors, including the quality of the clinic, the experience of the dentist, and the specifics of the patient’s case.

At Mapleridge Dentistry in Vaughan, we understand that dental extractions can be a significant financial undertaking. But because we believe everyone deserves to achieve optimal dental health, we try our best to make our services affordable for all our patients.

We offer fair, competitive prices for extractions, letting you spend less on the removal to better fit your budget. Aside from that, we also offer a number of different payment options to suit your preferences. So you can find a method of payment that you’re most comfortable with.

Consult our dentist today and let us help you achieve optimal dental health. Get a price estimate for your procedure and learn more about the payment channels and schemes that we can offer to ease the burden on your wallet.

Do You Need a Wisdom Tooth Extraction?

You’re probably here because you suspect that you do have an erupting wisdom tooth that’s causing you pain and discomfort. If that’s the case, there’s no better way to determine whether or not you need an extraction than by visiting a dentist. Remember - no amount of home remedies can address a wisdom tooth the same way that an experienced, licensed professional can. So your best bet for true relief and recovery would be to seek expert care.

Our Vaughan dentists are equipped and ready to take on your case, with decades of experience to guide them. Our state-of-the-art equipment and facilities are designed to keep you comfortable and relaxed throughout the entire extraction experience, minimizing your anxiety and making you feel more confident all throughout.

Let us become a part of your journey towards optimal dental health and consult our dentists today. With our expert professionals, impressive facilities, and fair prices, there isn’t a better place to get your delicate tooth extraction performed.

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See what our patients are saying:

NL

Amazing background music for a cleaning. Super soothing and relaxing experience in something I usually find unpleasant. The staff is also friendly, kind and caring. Especially Stephanie, who is an absolute gem and lovely to talk to. Highly recommend.

TL

I was very satisfied with my experience at Mapleridge Dental. The staff were friendly, thorough in the care they provided, and attentive to all my needs. First-class service!

AM

Recently changed dentistries to be closer to home and found Mapleridge. This has honestly been the best decision I have made for my dental care. The doctors and staff are absolutely amazing: very welcoming, friendly and helpful! They have also made every visit very comforting, which was possibly the biggest concern of mine when looking for a new dental office. Any questions, concerns or fears you may have, Mapleridge will help you every step of the way!

GE

Great experience! Everyone at the clinic was very kind, welcoming, and competent. This was my first visit and I felt very comfortable with all aspects of my appointment; from the booking process, cleaning, and dental exam. I believe communication and honest professional advice are important when choosing a dentist, I feel I got this here... thank you to the entire team.

CB

Mapleridge Dentistry - what a nice surprise! Everyone so friendly, attentive. Modern facility. Dr. Ko took me on an emergency basis and explained my options, after listening patiently to all my concerns.Thank you for making my first experience a welcoming one and I look forward to my next appointment.

NN

Mapleridge has the best team out there- their staff is kind and helpful, and treats you like family. You are actually happy to go to your dentist instead of being scared. Stephanie is such a wonderful dental hygienist and such a lovely person. And Dr. Ko is just incredible- my whole family sees them and we couldn't be happier!

EK

Fantastic experience! I have been to several dentists in the past and I always felt like it was an in and out experience, or they would not explain anything. At Mapleridge they are extremely professional, knowledgeable and explain everything in a lot of detail. I like that I’m able to be aware of what is going on with my teeth. I love the hygienist, dentist and the reception is super friendly. I highly recommend!

FS

My experience at Mapleridge was nothing short of spectacular. They are professional, kind and informative and they explain everything they’re going to do and their reasons for their procedures. I definitely made the right choice in choosing them!

VH

Great staff. The team at the front was courteous, friendly and extremely helpful. I had Dr. Ko as my dentist. Its the 2nd time I've seen him and he was great - he explained everything, walked me through some options, and explained next steps. I'll definitely continue going to Mapleridge dentistry and I'd recommend them to others in Vaughan.

GB

Very clean, friendly clinic. I was very impressed by the dental hygienist Shirine, who took time to explain everything and provide practical suggestions. Dr. Yara was also very professional and gentle. Thorough exam and happy patient! Will be back!