Wisdom Teeth Removal In Ottawa

Time to Get Those Wisdom Teeth Out?

Wisdom teeth, also called third molars, are the last teeth to come in, typically between the ages of 17 and 25. For many people, there simply is not enough room in the jaw to accommodate them. When that happens, wisdom teeth can become impacted, grow at an angle, crowd the surrounding teeth, or cause infection and pain. At Inova Dental, we perform both simple and surgical wisdom tooth extractions at both of our Ottawa locations, with sedation options available for patients who want extra comfort.

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What Are Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth are the four permanent adult teeth located at the very back corners of the mouth, one in each quadrant. Most adults develop some or all four, though it is not uncommon for some to never fully develop or erupt.

Because wisdom teeth are located at the back of the mouth, they are more difficult to access and clean properly, making them more prone to decay and infection even when they do erupt normally. When they do not have enough space to come in properly, the problems they cause can range from mild discomfort to serious infection and damage to neighbouring teeth.

Signs Your Wisdom Teeth May Need to Come Out

Not all wisdom teeth cause immediate problems, but common signs that removal may be needed include:

• Pain or pressure at the back of the mouth or jaw
• Swelling, redness, or tenderness in the gums around the back teeth
• Difficulty opening the mouth fully
• A partially erupted tooth with gum tissue growing over it, which traps food and bacteria
• Crowding or shifting of the surrounding teeth
• Recurring infection around the back teeth
• A cyst or abscess forming near the wisdom tooth
• Cavities developing in a wisdom tooth that cannot be cleaned or restored effectively

Some wisdom teeth cause no symptoms at all but are identified on X-rays as a future problem. In these cases, removal while young is almost always easier and faster to recover from than waiting until complications develop.

Simple vs. Surgical Extraction

Simple Extraction

A simple extraction is performed when the wisdom tooth has fully erupted through the gum and is visible in the mouth. Using standard instruments and local anesthetic, the dentist loosens and removes the tooth. The procedure typically takes 20 to 30 minutes per tooth and recovery is relatively straightforward.

Surgical Extraction

A surgical extraction is required when the wisdom tooth is partially or fully impacted, meaning it is trapped beneath the gum tissue, embedded in bone, or growing at an angle toward a neighbouring tooth. The procedure involves a small incision in the gum, removal of any bone blocking access to the tooth, and in some cases sectioning the tooth into smaller pieces to remove it safely.

Surgical extractions take longer, require more aftercare, and typically involve a stronger form of sedation in addition to local anesthetic. The complexity of the impaction determines how involved the procedure will be. All four wisdom teeth can often be removed at the same appointment if needed, which most patients prefer to avoid multiple recovery periods.

The Wisdom Teeth Removal Process at Inova Dental

What to Expect After Wisdom Teeth Removal

Recovery from wisdom teeth removal is straightforward for most patients, particularly for simple extractions. For surgical extractions recovery takes a little longer. Here is what to expect:

• Some swelling, bruising, and soreness around the jaw is normal for the first few days. Apply an ice pack for 15 to 20 minutes at a time to manage swelling.
• Take prescribed or over-the-counter pain relief such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen as directed
• Bite gently on the gauze provided to help control bleeding. Some light bleeding or oozing is normal in the first 24 hours
• Avoid eating for two to four hours after the procedure. Stick to soft foods for the first few days. Good options include soup, yogurt, mashed potatoes, and applesauce
• Avoid hot drinks, alcohol, and smoking for at least 48 hours as these can disrupt healing
• Do not use a straw for the first 24 to 48 hours as the suction can dislodge the blood clot
• Rinse gently with warm saltwater after the first 24 hours to keep the area clean
• Brush carefully around the extraction site but avoid direct contact for the first few days
• Most patients feel significantly better within three to five days. Full recovery typically takes up to three weeks
• Contact us immediately if you experience severe or worsening pain after the third day, as this may indicate dry socket, which occurs when the blood clot is dislodged and requires prompt treatment

What Is Dry Socket?

Dry socket is the most common complication following wisdom tooth extraction. It occurs when the blood clot that forms in the socket is dislodged or dissolves before the wound has healed, exposing the bone and nerves beneath. It causes significant pain that typically worsens two to three days after the extraction and may radiate toward the ear or jaw.

Dry socket is more common after surgical extractions and in patients who smoke. It is treated by cleaning the socket and placing a medicated dressing that relieves pain and protects the area while it heals. If you suspect dry socket, contact us promptly rather than waiting.

How Much Does Wisdom Teeth Removal Cost in Ottawa?

Wisdom teeth removal costs in Ottawa vary depending on the complexity of the extraction:

• Simple extraction: $200 to $500 per tooth
• Surgical extraction: $300 to $750 per tooth
• Consultation and panoramic X-rays: $80 to $200
• Nitrous oxide sedation: $75 to $150
• IV sedation: $200 to $500

Removing all four wisdom teeth at once is generally more cost-effective than staged appointments and means only one recovery period.

Wisdom tooth extraction is covered in full or in part by most dental insurance plans as a surgical or restorative procedure. Both simple and surgical extractions, including wisdom teeth, are also covered under the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) for eligible patients. We offer direct billing to most major insurance providers and are happy to review your coverage before treatment begins.

Why Choose Inova Dental for Wisdom Teeth Removal in Ottawa?

• Simple and Surgical Extractions: We perform both types in-office with no referral required in most cases.
• Sedation Options Available: Nitrous oxide and other sedation options are available for patients who want additional comfort during the procedure.
• Transparent Pricing: We provide a full cost estimate at your consultation so there are no surprises.
• CDCP Accepted: Eligible patients can use their Canadian Dental Care Plan benefits at both of our Ottawa locations.
• Multilingual Team: Our staff speaks English, French, and Arabic, so nothing gets lost in translation.
• Two Convenient Ottawa Locations: Visit us on Innes Road or Bank Street, Monday through Saturday.

Wisdom Teeth Removal FAQs

Does wisdom tooth removal hurt?

The procedure is performed under local anesthetic so you should feel little to no pain during the extraction. Some pressure and movement is normal but should not be painful. Soreness and swelling in the days following the procedure is expected and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relief and ice. Most patients are surprised by how manageable the recovery is.

How long does wisdom teeth removal take?

A simple extraction typically takes 20 to 30 minutes per tooth. Surgical extractions take longer depending on the complexity of the impaction. Removing all four wisdom teeth in one appointment is common and usually takes one to two hours in total.

Do I need all four wisdom teeth removed at once?

Not necessarily. We assess each tooth individually and recommend removal based on clinical need. Many patients choose to remove all four at once to avoid multiple procedures and recovery periods, which is perfectly fine. If only one or two are causing problems, we can address those first and monitor the others.

How long is the recovery?

Most patients feel significantly better within three to five days. Full recovery typically takes up to three weeks. Simple extractions recover faster than surgical ones. Following your aftercare instructions carefully is the most important factor in a smooth recovery.

What is dry socket and how do I avoid it?

Dry socket occurs when the blood clot in the extraction site is dislodged before the wound heals, exposing the underlying bone and nerves and causing significant pain. To avoid it, do not use a straw, smoke, or rinse vigorously for the first 24 to 48 hours after your procedure. If you develop worsening pain two to three days after your extraction, contact us promptly.

Is wisdom tooth removal covered by insurance?

Yes. Most dental insurance plans cover wisdom tooth removal in full or in part as a surgical or restorative procedure. Both simple and surgical extractions are also covered under the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) for eligible patients. Our team offers direct billing and will review your coverage before your appointment.

Can I eat before wisdom tooth removal?

If you are having the procedure under local anesthetic only, you can eat normally beforehand. If IV sedation is planned, you will be asked to fast for several hours before your appointment. We will provide specific instructions at your consultation based on the type of sedation being used.

When should wisdom teeth be removed?

Wisdom teeth are generally easier to remove in younger patients before the roots are fully developed and the bone is less dense. If your dentist has identified a potential problem on X-rays, earlier removal is almost always preferable to waiting until symptoms develop. That said, wisdom teeth that are fully erupted, properly positioned, and easy to clean may not need to be removed at all.

Ready to Get Those Wisdom Teeth Out?

Whether you are in pain right now or have been told to monitor your wisdom teeth, our team at Inova Dental is here to help. We are welcoming new patients at both of our Ottawa locations.

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