When Can Wisdom Teeth Become a Problem?
Wisdom teeth, also called third molars, are the teeth located at the very back of the upper and lower jaw. They commonly begin to emerge during the late teens or early adulthood, although timing varies and some people never develop them at all.
Wisdom teeth do not always need to be removed. When they have enough room to grow properly, remain healthy, and can be cleaned effectively, they may simply be monitored during regular dental visits. Removal may be recommended when they are causing problems or are likely to affect nearby teeth and tissues.
Reasons Wisdom Teeth May Need Attention
- They are impacted or unable to fully emerge through the gums.
- They are growing at an angle and pressing against a neighbouring tooth.
- Food and bacteria repeatedly collect around a partially erupted tooth.
- Decay or gum problems develop in an area that is difficult to clean.
- Pain, swelling, tenderness, or recurring infection develops around the tooth.
- A cyst or other problem develops around an impacted wisdom tooth.
If your wisdom teeth are beginning to cause discomfort or you are unsure whether they need to come out, Dr. Asha Bhanot and our team can assess their position and development and explain whether monitoring or removal is the more appropriate option.
What to Expect During Wisdom Tooth Removal
Wisdom tooth removal can range from a straightforward extraction to a more involved surgical procedure, depending on the position of the tooth and how it has developed. We will assess your wisdom teeth first so you understand what your treatment is likely to involve before the procedure is scheduled.
xamining Your Wisdom Teeth
We will examine your mouth and take appropriate X-rays to see the position of your wisdom teeth, their roots, and the surrounding bone and teeth. This helps us determine whether removal is recommended and whether the extraction can be performed in our office or requires referral to an oral surgeon.
Removing the Tooth
Before treatment begins, the area will be numbed to keep you comfortable. Depending on the complexity of the extraction and your individual needs, sedation options may also be discussed. The tooth is then carefully removed using the technique appropriate for its position. If the tooth is impacted, an opening in the gum and removal of a small amount of surrounding bone may sometimes be necessary.
Recovery and Aftercare
After the extraction, we will give you instructions for caring for the area, managing discomfort and swelling, eating during the first few days, and keeping the extraction site clean. If you receive certain types of sedation, you will need to arrange for a responsible adult to take you home.
Some soreness and swelling are expected after wisdom tooth removal and should gradually improve. We will also explain which symptoms are part of normal healing and when you should contact us if something does not feel right.
How Much Does Wisdom Tooth Removal Cost in Georgetown?
Wisdom tooth removal in Georgetown may cost approximately $200 to $750 per tooth, depending on how straightforward or complex the extraction is. This is a general estimate rather than a fee quote. Your actual cost can also be affected by X-rays or imaging, sedation, the number of teeth being removed, and whether specialist care is required.
Simple Wisdom Tooth Extraction
If a wisdom tooth has fully erupted and can be easily accessed, removal is generally more straightforward and tends to fall towards the lower end of the cost range. Local anaesthetic is typically used to keep the area numb during the procedure.
Surgical Wisdom Tooth Extraction
An impacted or partially erupted wisdom tooth may require a surgical approach. The position of the tooth, how much gum or bone covers it, the shape of its roots, and its relationship to nearby teeth and other structures can all affect the complexity and cost of treatment.
Will Dental Benefits Cover Wisdom Tooth Removal?
Many dental benefit plans provide some coverage for medically necessary tooth extractions, including wisdom teeth, but the amount depends on your individual plan. Coverage for examinations, imaging, sedation, or specialist treatment may also differ.
The only way to provide an accurate estimate is to first examine your wisdom teeth and review the appropriate X-rays. Once we understand what your extraction involves, our team can explain the recommended treatment and provide a personalized cost estimate before you decide how to proceed.
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
During your consultation, we will examine your wisdom teeth and the surrounding gums and ask about any pain, swelling, or other symptoms you have noticed. X-rays may be taken to see how the teeth are positioned, how their roots have developed, and whether nearby teeth or other structures could be affected. From there, we can determine whether your wisdom teeth should be monitored, removed, or referred for specialist care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Wisdom teeth commonly emerge during the late teens and early twenties, so this is also when many people first have them assessed for removal. However, there is no single correct age. Some people need their wisdom teeth removed earlier or later, while others keep healthy wisdom teeth throughout their lives.
There is no strict upper age limit for wisdom tooth removal. Adults can have wisdom teeth removed when they are causing problems or when removal is recommended for another dental reason. Your overall health, the position of the tooth, root development, and the complexity of the extraction are more important considerations than age alone.
Yes, it is possible to remove multiple wisdom teeth during the same appointment, including all four when appropriate. For some patients, this means going through the procedure and recovery period only once. For others, removing fewer teeth or treating them at different times may make more sense. Your dentist will recommend an approach based on your individual case.
You will typically need an assessment before the extraction so your dentist can examine the teeth and review the necessary X-rays. The number of treatment appointments depends on how many teeth need to be removed and their complexity. Follow-up care may also be recommended to make sure the extraction sites are healing properly.
The area is numbed with local anaesthetic before the tooth is removed, so you should not feel sharp pain during the extraction, although you may notice pressure or movement. Sedation may also be available depending on your needs and the procedure. Some soreness, swelling, and tenderness are normal afterwards and can usually be managed with the aftercare instructions provided.
Recovery varies depending on the number of teeth removed and whether the extraction was simple or surgical. Swelling and discomfort are often most noticeable during the first few days and then gradually improve. Many people return to normal daily activities within several days, while the extraction sites themselves continue healing for longer. We will give you instructions based on your procedure and let you know when it is appropriate to resume exercise, harder foods, and other activities.
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