Wisdom Teeth: When to remove themand what to expect
If youʼve noticed tenderness in the back of your mouth, swelling, or discomfort when chewing, your wisdom teeth might be trying to make an appearance.
Itʼs a normal part of growing up, but for many people, these final molars donʼt have enough room to fit comfortably.
The good news? With todayʼs advanced, gentle techniques, wisdom teeth removal is faster, safer, and more comfortable than ever.
What are wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars that usually appear between ages 17 and 25.
In some cases, they grow in without issue. But, for most people, there simply isnʼt enough space in the jaw to accommodate them.
When that happens, they can become impacted (stuck beneath the gums) or grow at an angle, pressing on neighbouring teeth.
This can lead to pain, swelling, infection, or even shifting of your other teeth.
Common signs your wisdom teeth might be causing trouble:
- Jaw pain or stiffness at the back of your mouth
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums around your molars
- Difficulty opening your mouth fully
- Bad taste or persistent bad breath
- Crowding or shifting of nearby teeth
If you notice any of these symptoms, itʼs time for a dental evaluation to prevent further discomfort or damage.
I felt really comfortable no pain at all and the staff are really nice, put my full trust into them to do what I need done. Brionna C.
When should wisdom teeth be removed?
Not everyone needs their wisdom teeth taken out, but removal is often recommended if they are:
- Causing pain, swelling, or infection
- Growing sideways or pushing other teeth out of alignment
- Only partially erupted, making them hard to clean
- Causing repeated gum inflammation or cyst formation
Even if your wisdom teeth arenʼt causing immediate pain, they can still pose future problems. Removing them early (often in your late teens or early 20s) helps avoid more complex procedures later on.
At Fabulous Dentistry, we use digital imaging and gentle diagnostic techniques to determine whether removal is needed. Weʼll always explain your options clearly before moving forward.
The wisdom teeth removal process
We understand that oral surgery can sound intimidating, but rest assured, youʼll be cared for every step of the way.
Hereʼs what to expect:
- Comprehensive Evaluation: We take precise X-rays to see your tooth position and roots.
- Comfort-First Approach: Local anaesthetic and optional sedation dentistry keep you calm and pain-free.
- Gentle Extraction: The dentist carefully removes the tooth while preserving surrounding bone and tissue.
- Healing Guidance: Youʼll receive clear, simple aftercare instructions to ensure a smooth recovery.
Most patients are surprised by how quick and comfortable the procedure feels, and how little downtime they need afterwards.
I was terrified to go to the dentist after many years of neglect. I was told by another dentist that I needed oral surgery. When I first walked in the door of Fabulous Dentistry, I felt all the stress lift from me. She put me at ease the whole time I was there. I highly recommend her!!! Barbara D.
Wisdom teeth removal vs. leaving them in
| Feature | Remove Wisdom Teeth | Leave Wisdom Teeth In |
|---|---|---|
| Pain & Swelling | Short-term, minimal | Risk of chronic discomfort or infection |
| Future Alignment | Prevents shifting | May cause crowding |
| Cleaning & Decay Risk | Easier to maintain oral hygiene | Harder to clean back teeth |
| Procedure Complexity | Simple when done early | More complex later in life |
Healing and recovery
After your wisdom teeth are removed, recovery is usually quick and smooth.
Hereʼs how to support healing:
- Rest and avoid strenuous activity for 24
- Use cold compresses to reduce swelling.
- Stick to soft foods like yogurt, soups, and smoothies.
- Keep your mouth clean, but avoid vigorous rinsing for the first day.
- Take prescribed medication as directed.
Most patients feel back to normal within a few days. If youʼve chosen sedation dentistry, youʼll rest comfortably through the entire procedure and wake up with everything done.
I was able to get my cavities filled and my wisdom teeth removed pain free. I would highly recommend this dentist to everyone; especially if you have any dental fears, they will take care of you well making sure the process goes smoothly and always treat you with the utmost kindness and understanding. Kelsey
Why patients choose Fabulous Dentistry for wisdom teeth removal
At Fabulous Dentistry, your comfort comes first.
From sedation options to caring follow-ups, everything we do is designed to make your experience safe, gentle, and stress-free.
Why patients love our approach:
- Pain-free sedation options
- Compassionate, experienced oral surgery team
- Fast healing and minimal swelling
- Friendly, bilingual staff who explain every step
- Calm, spa-like environment
Youʼre not just getting a tooth removed, youʼre receiving care thatʼs built around you.
Take the first step
If youʼre feeling pain or pressure in your jaw, donʼt wait for it to get worse. Wisdom teeth removal at Fabulous Dentistry is quick, comfortable, and handled with gentle precision.