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Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Surgery Overview

Wisdom teeth are the upper and lower third molars. These teeth are at the very back of your mouth. They are the last teeth to surface in the mouth. They are called wisdom teeth because they usually come in when a person is between 17 and 21 years old.

Some people have their wisdom teeth for their entire life. Other people may not have room for these teeth. They may have their wisdom teeth removed to avoid pressure, pain, infection, or damage to other teeth. Your dentist may recommend these teeth be taken out before they break through the gums.

An oral surgeon or dentist can remove wisdom teeth. The procedure can be done in the dentist's or surgeon's office. Your dentist will talk to you about the risks to keeping your wisdom teeth or having them taken out.

You may have some pain, bleeding, or swelling after the procedure. The dentist may give you medicine for pain. The pain should steadily decrease in the days after your wisdom teeth have been removed. It is important to follow the instructions from your dentist. This will help you have a fast recovery with few or no problems.

Your dentist will open up the gum tissue over the tooth and take out any bone that is covering the tooth. The dentist will separate the tissue that connects the tooth to the bone. Then the dentist will remove the tooth. The tooth may be cut into smaller pieces to make it easier to remove.

After the tooth is removed, you may need stitches. Some stitches dissolve over time. Some stitches have to be removed after a few days. Your dentist will tell you if your stitches need to be removed.

Information about Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Adaptation Date: 01/24/2022

Adapted By: Alberta Health Services

Adaptation Reviewed By: Alberta Health Services

Adapted with permission from copyrighted materials from Ignite Healthwise, LLC (Healthwise). This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty and is not responsible or liable for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

Information about Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Adaptation Date: 01/24/2022

Adapted By: Alberta Health Services

Adaptation Reviewed By: Alberta Health Services