About Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are the last teeth to develop, and they often cause problems when there is not enough room for them to emerge properly. At Martindale Smiles, Dr. Priya Bansal and our experienced dental team perform safe, comfortable wisdom tooth extractions with sedation options for a pain-free experience.
We monitor patients of all ages and recommend wisdom teeth removal when it is the right course of action for your oral health.
Signs Your Wisdom Teeth May Be Causing Problems
Many people first notice wisdom tooth pain long before they think about removal. Watch for:
- Pain or tenderness at the back of your jaw
- Swollen, red or bleeding gums around a back tooth
- Trouble opening your mouth fully or pain when you chew
- Sudden severe pain, swelling or a bad taste, which may be a dental emergency
- Crowding or shifting of your other teeth
- Headaches or jaw stiffness
When Should Wisdom Teeth Be Removed?
Wisdom tooth extraction may be recommended when the teeth are:
- Impacted, meaning trapped in the jawbone or gums
- Emerging at an angle and pushing against other teeth
- Causing crowding or shifting of neighbouring teeth
- Partially erupted and prone to infection or decay
- Causing cysts or damage to the surrounding bone
Early evaluation and proactive removal can prevent complications.
The Extraction Process
The complexity of the extraction depends on the position of the tooth. For wisdom teeth that have erupted, a simple extraction is performed. For impacted teeth, a surgical extraction involves a small incision in the gum tissue and may require removing a small amount of bone.
We use local anesthesia and offer sedation options, including nitrous oxide and oral sedation, to keep you comfortable throughout the procedure.
What to Expect at Your Visit
- 1Consultation with X-rays. We assess the position of your wisdom teeth and explain what we find.
- 2Discussion of sedation options. We help you choose the option that suits you.
- 3The extraction. The procedure is done under anesthesia for your comfort.
- 4Post-operative instructions. We tell you how to look after yourself as you heal.
- 5Follow-up appointment. We check your healing and answer your questions.
Recovery and Aftercare
Most patients feel much better within a few days, and full healing of the gums takes longer. Following your aftercare instructions helps you heal comfortably and avoid problems.
- Rest for the first day or two
- Apply a cold compress to your cheek to reduce swelling
- Eat soft foods such as yogurt, soup and mashed potatoes at first
- Avoid straws, smoking and vigorous rinsing while the area heals
- Keep the area clean with gentle rinses as directed
- Call us if pain, swelling or bleeding gets worse
Why Choose Martindale Smiles for Wisdom Tooth Extraction
- Experience in surgical extractions
- Sedation options, including nitrous oxide and oral sedation
- A gentle, patient-focused approach
- Same-day emergency extractions available
- Comprehensive post-operative care
- Open seven days a week
- Direct insurance billing available
Related Treatments
- Dental emergencies in Northeast Calgary: fast care when a tooth problem cannot wait.
- Root canal therapy in Northeast Calgary: save an infected tooth instead of removing it.
- Sedation dentistry in Northeast Calgary: learn about nitrous oxide and oral sedation.
Cost of Wisdom Tooth Extraction
The cost of wisdom tooth removal depends on how many teeth are removed, how difficult each extraction is and the type of sedation you choose. A simple extraction costs less than a surgical extraction of an impacted tooth. We explain your fees before treatment begins.
We follow the ADA Fee Guide and offer direct billing to insurance. Many plans cover part of the cost of extractions, and coverage varies. Patients with the Canadian Dental Care Plan can find details on our CDCP page, and eligible First Nations and Inuit patients can learn more on our NIHB page. To receive a personalized quote, please contact our team.