905-832-4886 Book appointment
tooth-extraction-examination

About wisdom teeth

Not every wisdom tooth has to come out

Wisdom teeth are the last molars to arrive, usually in the late teens or early twenties. Some come in straight and cause no trouble. Others get stuck under the gum, push against the tooth in front, or keep getting infected.

An X-ray tells us which kind you have. If a wisdom tooth is healthy, fully through the gum and easy to clean, we’ll often leave it alone and check it at your regular visits. If it’s causing pain, decay or repeated infections, taking it out is usually the better choice.

The Ontario Dental Association points out that removal is often recommended in young adulthood, because the risks of the procedure and the recovery tend to increase with age. If you’re a parent wondering about your teenager’s wisdom teeth, a check-up and an X-ray is the place to start.

When to call

Signs a wisdom tooth needs attention

Book a visit if you notice any of these. Swelling or a bad toothache shouldn’t wait.

serv4-teeth-whitening-consultation

Pain at the back of the jaw

Aching or pressure behind your last molar, often worse when you bite.

serv5-specialist-whitening-care

Sore, swollen gum

The gum around a half-erupted tooth traps food and can get infected again and again.

CosmeticBonding_OurServices3

A tooth you can’t clean

If a brush can’t reach it, it tends to decay, and so can the tooth beside it.

services-emergency-dental-treatment

Swelling or a bad taste

These can mean an infection. Call us for an urgent visit.

How it works

What happens, step by step

From the first X-ray to the follow-up.

tooth-extraction-consultation
01

Exam and X-ray

A digital X-ray shows the position of the tooth and its roots.

general-dentistry-treatment-plan-v2
02

A plan you understand

Dr. Sophie explains whether the tooth can come out here or whether you’re better off seeing an oral surgeon, and why.

tooth-extraction-procedure
03

The extraction

The area is numbed first. You’ll feel pressure but shouldn’t feel pain.

general dentistry oral health exam
04

Healing

You go home with clear aftercare instructions. Call us if the pain gets worse after the first few days.

Recovery and cost

Recovery and cost

Bright modern dental treatment room

Most of the swelling and soreness is in the first few days, and it can take up to two weeks to fully recover. While it heals, stick to soft food, don’t smoke and don’t drink through a straw. Those are the things most likely to disturb the blood clot and cause a dry socket, which is the most common problem after a wisdom tooth comes out. Our fees follow the Ontario Dental Association fee guide. The cost depends on how many teeth are removed and how they’re positioned, and we go over it with you after the X-ray. Many insurance plans cover part of an extraction, and the Canadian Dental Care Plan covers extractions for eligible patients. See costs, insurance and CDCP for payment options.

  • Cost after your X-ray It depends on the tooth and its position.
  • CDCP accepted Extractions are covered for eligible patients.
  • Claims sent electronically Your insurer pays you back directly.
  • Soft food for a few days No smoking or straws while it heals.
  • Evening and Saturday visits Wednesdays until 8 pm and Saturdays from 8 am to 3 pm.
  • Free parking On site at 9300 Keele St.

Reviewed by Dr. Sophie (Sophia) Polymeneas, DDS

Dr. Sophie graduated from the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry in 1991 and has cared for patients in Maple for over 30 years. She has been published three times in the Invisalign GP Summit. Registered with the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario, registration #12326.

Why patients choose us

Why patients come to us for wisdom teeth

smile-makeover

We’ll tell you if it can stay

Not every wisdom tooth needs removing.

CosmeticBonding_OurServices4

Hospital residency training

After dental school, Dr. Sophie completed a General Practice Residency at a trauma hospital in Hennepin County.

services-emergency-dental-treatment

Digital X-rays

You see the tooth and its roots on screen before you decide.

why-choose-us-img
CosmeticBonding_OurServices2

Cost before treatment

You know what it costs before the day.

serv1-professional-teeth-whitening-service

A referral when that’s safer

Some teeth are better handled by an oral surgeon. We’ll tell you if yours is one.

dental-veneer

Saturday appointments

Students and parents don’t have to miss class or work.

faq

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

No. A wisdom tooth that is healthy, fully through the gum and easy to clean can often stay. We check it with an X-ray and keep watching it at your regular check-ups.

Removal is often recommended in young adulthood. The Ontario Dental Association notes that the risks of the procedure and the recovery tend to increase with age. An X-ray around the time the teeth start coming in shows how they're positioned.

It can take up to two weeks to fully recover, and most of the swelling and soreness is in the first few days. Soft food, rest and following your aftercare instructions make the biggest difference.

Dry socket happens when the blood clot in the socket is lost too early, which leaves the area painful for longer. It's more common in people who smoke. If your pain gets worse a few days after the extraction, call us at 905-832-4886.

The area is numbed, so you'll feel pressure but shouldn't feel pain during the extraction. Soreness afterward is normal, and we'll tell you what to take for it.

The Canadian Dental Care Plan covers extractions for eligible patients, and many private plans cover part of the cost. Bring your CDCP card or plan details and we'll tell you what applies before we start.

Contact Now

Book Your Appointment Today for a Healthier, Brighter Smile

Visit Maple Dental Centre at 9300 Keele St in Maple. Dr. Sophie and her team see adults and kids, with Wednesday evening and Saturday appointments.

9300 Keele St, Unit #1, Maple, ON L6A 1P4

Clinic Hours

▼
  • Mon 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Tue 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Wed 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
  • Thus 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Fri Closed
  • Sat 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
  • Sun Closed