Wisdom Teeth – Not So Wise, And Often Painful!


Wisdom teeth can be more than a nuisance – they can be a major source of pain and discomfort, and even damage your other teeth! At Heritage Dental, we provide comprehensive wisdom teeth consultations and removals.

Why do wisdom teeth need to be removed?

Wisdom teeth are extra teeth located in the back of your gums. They are typically the last teeth to mature and generally begin to form in late teenagerhood to early adulthood. The removal of wisdom teeth is not always necessary, depending on how they grow in. For most people, however, wisdom teeth can be a nuisance, painful, or even a source of potential dental damage.

Removal of the wisdom teeth is recommended if:

  • The patient is experiencing pain
  • Cysts have begun to form around or near the wisdom teeth – a sign of infection
  • The wisdom teeth grow in sideways, threatening the structural integrity of the other teeth.

Do all four wisdom teeth have to be removed?

How many of the wisdom teeth need to be removed will vary from patient to patient.

For some, only one or two of the wisdom teeth may be currently problematic allowing for a partial removal. In some cases, the patient may choose to have all four removed regardless, in order to avoid potential future problems.

During your Heritage Dental consultation, we can help you decide which option will be best for your oral health.

How do wisdom teeth removals work?

Wisdom teeth removals are a surgical procedure.

First wisdom teeth removal is typically performed under local anesthesia, which numbs the area around the teeth. Our dentists will then make an incision in the gums above where the wisdom teeth are located, remove the bone above the root, and remove both the tooth and root. Full recovery typically takes around two weeks, during which time you will be given medication to manage the pain.

Heritage Dental services families in Carleton Place and the surrounding communities of Smiths Falls, Perth, and Almonte. For more information on wisdom teeth removal, contact us today to request an appointment!