Wisdom Teeth Extractions

Often, no. It is a good question, and many people ask it. You may see wisdom teeth removal with sedation on TikTok or in short videos. What many people do not know is that sedation can have side effects and risks. These risks can be dangerous. They could cause serious injury or death.

That is why we don't always suggest sedation at Carlton Dental in downtown Toronto. We only suggest it when you are so anxious about dental care that it would get in the way of treatment. For many people, freezing the area is often enough for us to remove wisdom teeth.

We know the days after an extraction can feel uncertain, so here is what helps. Following these care steps helps your mouth heal well and lowers the chance of problems. Here are some general guidelines.

• Bite on GauzeKeep the gauze pad that your dentist placed firmly in place by biting down on it. Change it when it is soaked, as your dentist tells you. This helps control bleeding. It also lets a blood clot form where the tooth was. You can stop using gauze once the bleeding is under control. Avoid Disturbing the Extraction Site: For the next 24 hours, try not to touch the spot with your fingers or tongue. This stops irritation and keeps the blood clot from coming loose. Take Pain Medication as Prescribed: If you have discomfort or pain after the extraction, take the medication your dentist prescribed or recommended. Please follow the dosage instructions carefully.
• Apply Ice PacksTo lower swelling, hold an ice pack or a cold compress on the area for about 10 minutes at a time. You can do this on and off during the first 24 hours after the extraction.
• Avoid Rinsing or SpittingPlease do not rinse your mouth hard or spit forcefully for at least 24 hours. This can break up the blood clot. It may lead to longer bleeding or a problem called dry socket. Be Gentle During Oral Care: Brush and floss your teeth as usual, but be careful around the spot where the tooth was. Try not to brush right on it for the first day. This prevents irritation.
• Eat Soft FoodsStick to soft foods for the first few days after the extraction. Yogurt, soup, mashed potatoes, smoothies and scrambled eggs are good choices. Slowly bring back solid foods as you feel ready.
• Avoid Smoking and AlcoholPlease do not smoke or drink alcohol for at least 72 hours. These can slow healing and raise the risk of problems.
• Take Antibiotics if PrescribedIf your dentist prescribed antibiotics, take the full course as instructed. This helps prevent infection where the tooth was.
• Attend Follow-up AppointmentsPlease keep your follow-up appointments with your dentist. They will check how you are healing. They will take out any stitches if needed. They will also give you more care instructions. Remember, these are general guidelines. Your dentist may give you specific instructions for your situation. Contact your dentist right away if you have heavy bleeding, severe pain, swelling that does not go away, or any other worrying signs. They can guide you and check your mouth, and you are always welcome to ask.

It is a fair question. Wisdom teeth usually need to come out because the jaw has no room for these extra teeth. Without space, the wisdom teeth can grow in at odd angles. They may get stuck under the gums or jawbone. This is called impaction. Some wisdom teeth only partly come in.

They can leave deep pockets between the tooth and the gums. Food gets caught in these pockets. Then the gums stay inflamed, which means swollen and sore. Cavities can also form on the wisdom teeth. These cavities can spread to the teeth next to them.

Most people see their wisdom teeth start to come in when they are 17 to 25 years old. Some people are born without some or all of their wisdom teeth. If you wonder where yours are, a panoramic x-ray can show them in your jaw. It is a wide picture of your whole mouth.

It is smart to ask this before you book. In Toronto, most dental insurance plans pay part of the cost of wisdom tooth removal. This is when the removal is medically needed, such as with impaction or infection. Coverage is usually between 50-80%. The details depend on your policy.

They include your yearly maximum and your deductible. They also include whether the dentist is in the insurance network. Many plans call wisdom teeth removal a major dental service. So you may still pay some of the cost yourself. Some plans cover only two extractions per year.

If all four wisdom teeth need to come out, it helps to plan ahead. The Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) does not cover dental extractions. This includes wisdom teeth removal. The one exception is when it is done in a hospital because of complications.

We suggest you check with your insurance provider first. Then you will know your own coverage.