Wisdom teeth removal is one of the most common dental procedures in Canada, with most people having their third molars extracted between the ages of 17 and 25. But not everyone needs them removed, and the experience varies significantly depending on your specific situation. Here’s what Canadians should know about wisdom teeth — from when they need to come out to what the recovery looks like.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars that typically emerge in the late teens or early twenties. Most people have four wisdom teeth — one in each corner of the mouth — though some people have fewer or none at all. They’re called “wisdom teeth” because they arrive at an age traditionally associated with gaining maturity. In an era before modern dental care, these extra molars replaced teeth lost to decay, but today they’re often more trouble than they’re worth.
Why Do They Need to Come Out?
Wisdom teeth frequently cause problems because modern jaws often don’t have enough space to accommodate them. Impacted wisdom teeth — those that can’t fully emerge through the gums — can cause pain, infection, damage to adjacent teeth, and cyst formation. Even wisdom teeth that emerge fully can be difficult to clean properly due to their position, making them prone to decay and gum disease. However, not all wisdom teeth need removal — if yours have emerged fully, are positioned correctly, and can be cleaned properly, your dentist may recommend monitoring them rather than extracting them.
The Extraction Process
Simple extractions — where the tooth has fully emerged — are often performed by a general dentist using local anaesthesia. The tooth is loosened and removed with dental instruments, and the whole process typically takes 20 to 30 minutes. Surgical extractions for impacted teeth are more involved, requiring an incision in the gum and sometimes removal of bone tissue. These are often performed by an oral surgeon and may use IV sedation or general anaesthesia. Your dentist will recommend the appropriate approach based on your X-rays and clinical examination.
Cost of Wisdom Teeth Removal in Canada
Costs vary based on the complexity of the extraction and the type of anaesthesia used. Simple extractions typically cost $150 to $350 per tooth. Surgical extractions of impacted teeth range from $250 to $600 per tooth. If IV sedation or general anaesthesia is required, add another $300 to $800 for the sedation itself. Having all four wisdom teeth removed at once is common and may be more cost-effective than separate procedures. Most dental insurance plans cover a significant portion of wisdom tooth extractions.
Recovery: What to Expect
Recovery from wisdom tooth extraction typically takes three to seven days for simple extractions and up to two weeks for surgical cases. Expect swelling, bruising, and discomfort for the first few days — ice packs and prescribed or over-the-counter pain medication help manage symptoms. Stick to soft foods like yogurt, soup, and smoothies for the first few days. Avoid using straws, smoking, and spitting, as the suction can dislodge the blood clot and cause a painful condition called dry socket.
Dry Socket: The Most Common Complication
Dry socket occurs when the blood clot at the extraction site becomes dislodged or dissolves before healing is complete, exposing the underlying bone and nerves. It causes intense, radiating pain that typically starts two to four days after extraction. While uncomfortable, dry socket is treatable — your dentist will clean the area and apply a medicated dressing to promote healing and reduce pain. Following your post-operative instructions carefully significantly reduces the risk of dry socket.
When to See Your Dentist
Contact your dentist or oral surgeon if you experience severe pain that isn’t controlled by medication, excessive bleeding that doesn’t stop with pressure, fever, difficulty swallowing or breathing, or numbness that persists beyond a day after surgery. These may indicate complications that need professional attention. Most wisdom tooth extractions heal without any issues, but knowing when to seek help ensures problems are caught early.
Find a Provider for Wisdom Teeth Removal
If you or your teen needs a wisdom tooth assessment, browse dental providers and oral surgeons in your area on Smile Directory. Finding an experienced provider you trust makes the process smoother and gives you confidence that you’re in good hands.