If you’ve been told you have wisdom teeth, you may be wondering whether they need to come out or whether you can simply leave them alone. The answer depends on your individual situation.
At Metral Dental, we evaluate each patient carefully before recommending wisdom tooth removal. Some wisdom teeth remain healthy for life, while others can cause pain, infections, crowding, or damage to neighbouring teeth.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are your third and final set of molars. Most people have four, although some people have fewer or none at all.
They typically appear between the ages of 17 and 25, although they can emerge earlier or much later.
Why Do Wisdom Teeth Cause Problems?
Our ancestors generally had larger jaws that could accommodate these extra teeth. Today, many people simply don’t have enough room.
When there isn’t enough space, wisdom teeth may:
- Become trapped beneath the gums (impacted)
- Partially erupt, making them difficult to clean
- Grow at an angle toward neighbouring teeth
- Cause crowding or discomfort
- Increase the risk of infection or gum disease
Not everyone experiences these issues, but they are common enough that regular monitoring is important.
Signs Your Wisdom Teeth Should Be Evaluated
You should book an appointment if you notice:
- Pain or pressure at the back of your mouth
- Swollen, tender, or bleeding gums
- Difficulty opening your mouth fully
- Bad breath or an unpleasant taste that won’t go away
- Repeated infections around a partially erupted wisdom tooth
- Swelling in your jaw or face
Sometimes wisdom teeth cause no symptoms at all, which is why routine dental exams and X-rays are so valuable.
Do All Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?
No.
If your wisdom teeth are healthy, fully erupted, properly positioned, and easy to keep clean, they may not need to be removed.
However, removal is often recommended when wisdom teeth:
- Are impacted
- Repeatedly become infected
- Damage neighbouring teeth
- Contribute to cyst formation or bone loss
- Are unlikely to erupt normally
Every patient is different, so treatment recommendations should be based on a clinical examination and dental X-rays.
What Happens During Wisdom Tooth Removal?
Many wisdom teeth can be removed comfortably in our office using local freezing. We do not offer sedation in our office.
During the procedure:
- The area is completely numbed.
- The tooth is carefully loosened and removed.
- Stitches may be placed if needed.
- You’ll receive detailed instructions to help your mouth heal comfortably.
The procedure itself is often quicker than patients expect.
Recovery After Wisdom Tooth Removal
Most people experience some swelling and soreness for a few days.
To help your recovery:
- Rest for the remainder of the day.
- Apply ice packs during the first 24 hours.
- Eat soft foods such as yogurt, soup, smoothies, mashed potatoes, and scrambled eggs.
- Avoid smoking, vaping, and drinking through a straw for several days.
- Follow all post-operative instructions carefully.
Most patients are feeling significantly better within a few days, although complete healing takes longer.
When Is the Best Time to Remove Wisdom Teeth?
If removal is recommended, younger adults often recover more quickly because the roots are not fully developed and the surrounding bone is generally less dense.
That said, wisdom teeth can be removed successfully at many ages. The best timing depends on your oral health, symptoms, and X-ray findings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does everyone need their wisdom teeth removed?
No. Wisdom teeth only need to be removed if they are causing problems or are likely to cause problems in the future. Healthy wisdom teeth that have fully erupted, are properly positioned, and are easy to clean can often be left in place and monitored during routine dental exams.
How do I know if my wisdom teeth are impacted?
An impacted wisdom tooth is one that doesn’t have enough room to fully erupt. Dental X-rays allow us to see the position of your wisdom teeth and determine whether they’re impacted, even if they’re not causing symptoms yet.
Is wisdom tooth removal painful?
The procedure itself should not be painful because the area is completely numbed with local anesthetic. You may experience some soreness and swelling afterward, but this is usually manageable with medication, rest, and following your post-operative instructions.
How long does recovery take?
Most patients are back to their normal routine within three to five days, although some swelling and tenderness can last up to a week. Complete healing of the extraction site takes several weeks.
What can I eat after wisdom tooth removal?
For the first few days, stick to soft foods such as yogurt, smoothies, applesauce, soup (once it’s cooled slightly), mashed potatoes, oatmeal, scrambled eggs, and pasta. Avoid crunchy, spicy, or hard foods until your mouth has had time to heal.
What is dry socket?
Dry socket is a painful condition that can occur if the protective blood clot at the extraction site is dislodged before the area has healed. Following your aftercare instructions (including avoiding smoking, vaping, and drinking through a straw) helps reduce the risk.
Can I drive myself home after the procedure?
Extractions are completed using local anesthetic (freezing) and patients can drive themselves home afterwards.
How much does wisdom tooth removal cost?
The cost depends on factors such as the number of teeth being removed, their position, and the complexity of the procedure. We’ll provide you with a personalized treatment plan and estimate before treatment begins, and we’re happy to answer any questions about insurance coverage.
Why Choose Metral Dental for Wisdom Tooth Evaluations & Removal?
When wisdom teeth need attention, experience and careful planning matter. At Metral Dental, we take the time to assess your X-rays, explain your options, and recommend treatment only when it’s truly necessary.
When you choose our team, you can expect:
● Personalized recommendations based on your individual needs—not every wisdom tooth needs to be removed.
● Careful treatment planning to make the procedure as smooth and predictable as possible.
● A comfortable, supportive environment where we’ll answer your questions and help you feel at ease.
● Clear aftercare instructions so you know exactly what to expect during recovery.
● Convenient care close to home from a trusted family dental practice serving Nanaimo and the surrounding communities.
Not Sure What Your Wisdom Teeth Need?
Book an examination at Metral Dental in Nanaimo. We'll assess your wisdom teeth, review your X-rays, and help you decide whether monitoring or removal is the best option for your long-term oral health.
