Wisdom Teeth Removal Vancouver, Kitsilano, Point Grey

All outpatient surgical procedures are performed under appropriate anesthesia to maximize patient comfort. Our doctors are trained, licensed, and highly experienced in the extraction of wisdom teeth.

Our team of oral surgeons provides a safe and caring environment. We utilize advanced monitoring technologies to promote rapid healing and minimal post-operative discomfort. State-of-the-art sterilization and infection control techniques are used at all times. At Vancouver Dental Specialty Clinic, our equipment and facilities are regularly inspected on behalf of the Board of Dental Examiners to ensure you receive the best care possible.

Call Vancouver Dental Specialty Clinic at 604-336-0958 with questions or to schedule your wisdom teeth consultation. Below, we have taken the liberty of answering common questions about wisdom teeth removal.

Most patients prefer to be sedated during the procedure to maximize comfort. Because you’ll be coming out of anesthesia and taking medications to help mitigate postoperative pain and swelling, you will need a responsible adult to accompany you to the office and be there before you come out of your procedure. It is also essential that they stay with you through the remainder of the day.

On average, the wisdom tooth removal procedure takes anywhere between 30 and 60 minutes, but plan to be at the clinic for at least 90 minutes.

While Vancouver Dental Specialty Clinic’s expert touch and application of advanced technology will minimize the potential for post-operative pain and swelling traditionally associated with wisdom teeth extraction, you will experience some swelling and mild discomfort through the remainder of your day. We also place gauze over the surgical site to control bleeding. Once bleeding slows, these can be removed.

If your surgery requires stitches, they will typically dissolve in 3 to 5 days. It’s common to feel as if your gums are pulling away from your teeth for days after the procedure, and swelling can be intermittent throughout.

After removal, we will teach you how to maintain your healing gums to prevent dry socket. To manage pain, you may be prescribed medication. It's also a good idea to have a non-narcotic anti-inflammatory pain reliever such as ibuprofen (Advil®) on hand, as well as a heat pad and ice pack. Remember, local anesthesia may last up to 24 hours, so don’t be alarmed if numbness persists over a short period. If you are experiencing severe pain and have concerns during your healing, please contact our office.

Caution: If you are given antibiotics and you take birth control pills, please be aware that the birth control pills might become ineffective, and take appropriate precautions.

We recommend starting your post-operative diet with clear liquids such as gelatin and soup broth, gradually increasing in substance (i.e. nutrition shakes) through the week, and slowly introducing soft foods and solids as your body and comfort permit.

You will also be asked about a convenient time (for you) to return for a consultation appointment. We aim to schedule this appointment prior to your procedure. 

Having your wisdom teeth evaluated will allow us to predict potential future problems, so they can be addressed before they escalate. It is highly recommended that you receive your first wisdom teeth evaluation in your mid-teen years by specialists such as oral and maxillofacial surgeons.

Many households neglect to request this early evaluation for their teenager (or themselves, for that matter) out of fear of a diagnosis that may call for extraction. But when caught early, wisdom teeth removal can go much smoothly than when one waits until the pain sends them to the clinic out of immediate necessity.

If you do not have enough space in your mouth for third molars to fully erupt, a number of issues can arise. Impacted wisdom teeth are the primary reason for removal, a procedure that must be addressed before their root structure is fully developed. Impacted wisdom teeth can occur in pre-teen or early teenage years, but are also evident all the way through to the mid-twenties. Without early evaluation and extraction (when needed), problems are compounded after the age of 30.

Some of the possible dental ailments related to not removing your wisdom teeth include:

Infection

A localized gum infection, known as pericoronitis, can occur when impacted wisdom teeth are neglected. Without adequate space for full eruption, the gum tissue surrounding wisdom teeth can become irritated and infected, causing recurring pain, swelling, and making normal dental functions, such as chewing, a laborious and at times excruciating process. This ailment alone calls for everyone to receive an evolution as soon as possible.

Formation of Cysts 

Impacted wisdom teeth can also lead to the formation of cysts, which are fluid-filled lumps inside the jawbone that often develop without early prognosis and follow-up treatment. Cysts are not only uncomfortable and painful, but they also expand over time and can destroy the adjacent jawbone or even damage teeth. In some cases, tumors can form when one delays wisdom teeth extraction. Again, you can see the necessity of receiving an early wisdom teeth evaluation.

Crowding of Teeth

Impacted wisdom teeth can also ruin your smile. When wisdom teeth don't have the space they demand to erupt, they will attempt to force their way to the surface, and can essentially push the nearby teeth forward. This is not only aesthetically concerning, but it can also lead to further damage to your gums, jawbone, and adjacent teeth. Keep reading.

Damage to Adjacent Teeth

Not only will neighboring teeth face the brunt of the pressure applied by impacted wisdom teeth, but they will not be afforded the space they need for proper dental hygiene. This can equate to gum disease, tooth decay, and bone loss in the jaw.