About Wisdom Teeth Removal
Wisdom tooth extraction is a dental procedure that removes one or more of the third molars, the last teeth at the back of your mouth. These teeth often cause crowding, pain or infection, and removing them can improve oral health and prevent future problems.
At Rundlehorn Smiles Dental in NE Calgary, our dentists are experienced in gentle, effective wisdom teeth removal. We use local anaesthetic so you stay comfortable, and sedation options are available if the thought of the procedure makes you anxious.
Your consultation is free. We take X-rays, explain what we see, tell you whether your wisdom teeth need to come out and give you a written plan and a clear fee estimate before any work begins.
Benefits of Wisdom Teeth Removal
- Prevents crowding: Removes problematic teeth that can push others out of alignment.
- Reduces infection risk: Eliminates partially erupted teeth that are difficult to clean and prone to infection.
- Relieves pain: Eases discomfort caused by impacted or misaligned wisdom teeth.
- Improves oral hygiene: Creates easier access for brushing and flossing, promoting better gum health.
Do I Need to Remove My Wisdom Teeth?
Not everyone does. Wisdom teeth usually come in between the ages of 17 and 25. If they are healthy, fully through the gum, positioned well and easy to clean, we may simply keep an eye on them at your regular exams.
Removal is usually recommended when the teeth are causing problems or are likely to. Your dentist decides based on your exam and X-rays, and we always explain the reasoning so you can decide with confidence.
When Wisdom Teeth Cause Problems
- Pain, swelling or tenderness at the back of your jaw
- Wisdom teeth that are impacted, meaning trapped under the gum or bone, or only partly through
- Red, swollen gums around a partly erupted tooth, or a bad taste in your mouth
- Crowding or shifting of your other teeth
- Cavities on or next to a wisdom tooth that is hard to clean
- Trouble opening your mouth wide or chewing
Some problem wisdom teeth cause no pain at all, so regular X-rays matter. If you have severe pain, fever or swelling that is spreading, contact our dental emergency care team right away.
What Is Included in Your Wisdom Teeth Removal
- A free consultation, an exam and X-rays
- A clear explanation of your options and a written treatment plan
- A transparent fee estimate before any work begins
- Local anaesthetic to numb the area
- Sedation options if you are anxious
- Careful removal of the tooth or teeth
- Written aftercare instructions and a phone number to call if you have questions
- A follow-up visit when it is needed
What to Expect at Your Visit
- Free consultation. We examine your mouth, take X-rays and explain whether your wisdom teeth need to come out.
- Plan and estimate. You receive a written plan and an itemised fee estimate, and we answer your questions.
- Numbing. We numb the area so you feel pressure but not pain.
- Removal. We remove the tooth as gently and efficiently as we can. If you are nervous, ask us about Sedation Dentistry before your visit.
- Aftercare. We go over how to look after the area, what to eat and what to watch for, and you head home to rest.
Arrange for someone to drive you home if you have had sedation.
Recovery Timeline and Aftercare
The first 24 hours: Bite gently on the gauze we give you to control bleeding, rest with your head raised and use an ice pack on your cheek in short intervals to limit swelling. Do not spit, rinse hard or use a straw, because that can loosen the blood clot that protects the healing area.
Days 2 and 3: Swelling and soreness are usually at their peak, then start to ease. Take pain relief as we advise and begin gentle rinses with warm salt water after meals.
Days 4 to 7: Most people feel much better and can return to normal activities. Keep brushing gently and avoid the extraction site.
Call us at 403-300-2233 if you have severe pain that gets worse after the third day, a bad taste or smell that will not go away, fever or bleeding that does not stop.
What to Eat After Wisdom Teeth Removal
For the first day or two, choose cool or lukewarm soft foods such as yogurt, applesauce, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, smoothies eaten with a spoon and soup that is not too hot. Add firmer foods back gradually as chewing becomes comfortable.
Avoid hot, spicy, crunchy or chewy foods, and skip small seeds and grains that can get into the extraction site. Do not use a straw for at least the first few days, and avoid alcohol and smoking while you heal.
Why Choose Rundlehorn Smiles Dental for Wisdom Teeth Removal
- Free consultation with X-rays, a written plan and a transparent fee estimate
- Our dentists are experienced in gentle, effective wisdom tooth removal
- Surgical experience in-house: Dr. Kevin R. Kalin completed an oral and maxillofacial surgery residency at Harvard and Mass General Hospital
- Local anaesthetic and sedation options for anxious patients
- Open seven days a week: Monday to Saturday 8 AM to 8 PM and Sunday 10 AM to 5 PM
- Participating CDCP provider with direct billing to most major insurers
Related Treatments
- Sedation Dentistry: Stay relaxed and comfortable during your procedure.
- Oral Exams and X-Rays: Monitor your wisdom teeth and catch problems early.
- Root Canal Therapy: Save a tooth that has an infection deep inside.
- Periodontal (Gum) Care: Treat gum inflammation and infection around the back teeth.
Cost of Wisdom Teeth Removal in NE Calgary
The cost of wisdom teeth removal depends on how many teeth are removed and how they are positioned, so it varies from patient to patient. Your consultation is free. After it, we give you a written, itemised estimate before any treatment begins, so you always know what to expect.
We direct bill most major insurers, and we are a participating provider for the Canadian Dental Care Plan, which covers extractions for eligible patients. Some services may need preauthorization, which our team handles for you. Flexible payment options are available. Call us at 403-300-2233 for a personalized quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I eat after wisdom teeth removal?
For the first day or two, stick to cool or lukewarm soft foods such as yogurt, smoothies eaten with a spoon, applesauce, mashed potatoes and soup that is not too hot. Avoid hot, spicy, crunchy or chewy foods, and do not use a straw. Add firmer foods back gradually as it becomes comfortable.
How long is recovery after wisdom teeth removal?
Most people feel back to normal within a few days to a week. Swelling and discomfort are usually worst in the first two to three days and then ease. Recovery can take longer if the teeth were impacted, and we tell you what to expect for your case.
Is wisdom teeth removal painful?
We use local anaesthetic so the area is numb during the procedure, and sedation options are available for anxious patients. You may feel pressure but not pain. Some soreness and swelling afterwards is normal and can usually be managed with the pain relief we recommend.
Does CDCP cover wisdom teeth removal?
The Canadian Dental Care Plan covers extractions for eligible patients, and that includes many wisdom tooth extractions. Some services need preauthorization, which our team handles for you, and we confirm your coverage before treatment. Call 403-300-2233 and we will check.
How much does wisdom teeth removal cost in Calgary?
The cost depends on how many teeth are removed and how they are positioned, so it varies from patient to patient. Your consultation is free, and afterwards you receive a written, itemised estimate before treatment. Flexible payment plans are available.
Book Your Free Wisdom Teeth Consultation
We're accepting new patients every day and hold time for urgent cases. Monday to Saturday 8 AM to 8 PM, Sunday 10 AM to 5 PM.
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