Wisdom Teeth Extraction in Maple Ridge, BC
At Maple Ridge Smiles Dental, we know getting your wisdom teeth out can sound scary but we’re here to make the experience as simple, smooth and pain free as possible. Many people in their late teens or early twenties start to feel discomfort at the back of their mouths, usually from their third molars, also called wisdom teeth. These teeth can cause dental problems when there’s not enough room to grow properly. If you’re noticing discomfort, swelling or crowding in the back of your mouth it might be time to consider wisdom teeth extraction in Maple Ridge. We’re here to care for you every step of the way.
What is Wisdom Teeth Extraction?
Wisdom teeth extraction is a dental procedure that removes one or more of your third molars, the last teeth to grow in, usually between the ages of 17 and 25. Not everyone needs their wisdom teeth removed, but if they’re impacted, growing sideways, or crowding nearby teeth, it’s recommended to remove them early. Leaving problematic wisdom teeth in place can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, infection and even damage to surrounding bone and soft tissues. The process is safe and effective, often done under local anesthesia or laughing gas. We’ll walk you through your treatment plan and make sure you’re comfortable the entire time.
Wisdom teeth, if not removed, can become problematic, resulting in pain, infection & other dental problems. But getting them removed doesn’t have to be an ordeal.
Some people get wisdom teeth that aren’t out of alignment, aren’t partly covered, & are easy to floss. However, wisdom teeth can continue to cause problems as you age, so they will still be monitored going into the future. Because it is often easier for a young adult to have their wisdom teeth removed, some dentists advocate for preventive removal. Consult your dentist to find out the right solution for your specific situation.
Wisdom teeth are the last molars that an average person grows, usually emerging in the late teens to early twenties. They are considered vestigial—important in a previous era, but no longer necessary—& the most common theory is that they helped early humans break down and chew tougher foods in ancient times. Sometimes, wisdom teeth do nothing strange & work perfectly well when they grow in, despite being technically unnecessary. For many people, however, they can cause serious problems.
Wisdom teeth can be impacted, or grow out of alignment with your other teeth. This means they might crowd nearby teeth, become trapped within the jawbone or grow out at a different angle. In extreme cases this can affect your other teeth. When this happens, they cause pain or damage other teeth, the jawbone or nerves.
Benefits of Wisdom Teeth Extraction
Removing your wisdom teeth isn’t just about solving today’s pain, it’s about preventing future problems too. At Maple Ridge Smiles Dental we help patients of all ages understand the long term health benefits of wisdom tooth extraction. When caught early we can do the extraction procedure with fewer complications and faster recovery. This proactive approach protects your oral health, keeps your other teeth aligned and minimizes the risks of periodontal disease or tooth decay. Many of our new patients are surprised by how simple and pain free the process can be.
Here are 5 major benefits of wisdom teeth extraction:
Prevents Overcrowding
When there’s not enough room, wisdom teeth can push against nearby teeth, causing misalignment. Wisdom tooth removal keeps your smile straight and reduces the need for additional dental work. This is especially helpful if you’ve already worn braces or aligners.Reduces Risk of Infections and Gum Disease
Impacted teeth trap food and bacteria, leading to recurring infections and gum disease. Wisdom teeth extraction protects your oral hygiene by eliminating hard to clean areas. Over time this means fewer cavities and healthier gums.Eases Severe Pain and Swelling
Severe pain, excessive swelling and jaw stiffness are common signs your wisdom teeth need to go. Getting them removed helps ease pain quickly and brings instant relief. Plus we’ll provide prescription pain medicine to help you recover comfortably.Protects Overall Oral Health
Wisdom tooth extraction keeps healthy soft tissues, prevents infection spread and lowers your risk for periodontal disease. It’s an essential part of your long term oral health strategy. Our team will care for you every step of the way.
Problems Caused By Wisdom Teeth
Even if they do not affect other teeth, wisdom teeth can be problematic in other significant ways. For example, sometimes they are partially covered by the gums. When this happens, food & bacteria often accumulate on & around the wisdom teeth, because the gum coverage—combined with their inconvenient position in the mouth—makes them difficult to brush & floss. This makes them more susceptible to tooth decay.
In some rare cases, wisdom teeth that don’t emerge can cause cysts to form in the gums above them. These can damage nearby teeth & bone. Even more rarely, the cyst might form a tumor, which can further damage your mouth & might require serious steps for removal.
The Wisdom Teeth Extraction Procedure at Maple Ridge Smiles Dental
We make the wisdom teeth extraction procedure safe, smooth and worry free. At Maple Ridge Smiles Dental we start by assessing your teeth with x rays to see how many wisdom teeth you have and if they’re impacted. Our experienced oral surgeon will create a treatment plan tailored to your needs. We may remove one, two or all four wisdom teeth in the same visit. We offer options like local anesthesia, general anesthesia and laughing gas to make the experience pain free.
Step-by-step wisdom teeth extraction process:
- Consultation and Evaluation
We start with a thorough exam and x-rays to see the position of your wisdom teeth. We’ll determine if they’re impacted or pushing against nearby teeth. We’ll discuss treatment options and your preferences for anesthesia. - Creating Your Treatment Plan
Our team will explain the extraction procedure in detail, what to expect before, during and after. You’ll receive step by step instructions for pre-surgery prep and post surgery recovery. We’ll answer all your questions and make sure you feel comfortable. - Administering Anesthesia
Before the procedure we use local anesthesia, general anesthesia or laughing gas depending on your comfort and needs. The area around the extraction site is fully numbed so you won’t feel pain during the process. Safety and comfort are our top priority. - Removing the Wisdom Teeth
Our oral surgeon will open the gum tissue if needed and remove the tooth. If the tooth is impacted it may be removed in pieces to protect the surrounding bone and tissues. Most extractions are quick and smooth. - Post-Extraction Care
We’ll place gauze over the extraction area to help form a blood clot, then review aftercare with you. You’ll go home with prescription pain medicine, instructions to gently rinse and what soft foods to eat. We’ll also advise on what not to eat spicy foods or hard items.
After wisdom teeth removal, it is important to listen to your dentist or oral surgeon’s advice on what to do. You do not want to cause any complications in the recovery process! While your practitioner will cover everything you need to know, there are some general tips that anyone who has just gotten their wisdom teeth removed should follow during the recovery process:
- Do not drink alcohol or smoke.
- Rinse your mouth very gently.
- Do not use a straw to drink.
- Do not blow your nose.
- Do not eat hard, crunchy or sticky foods—stick to soft foods like yogurt, broth & applesauce.
Some of these rules might be difficult to remember or seemingly insignificant, but it’s important to take them to heart—not doing so can make your recovery take longer! Following these general rules as well as anything else recommended by your dentist will ensure an easy recovery from your wisdom teeth removal.
Why Choose Maple Ridge Smiles Dental for Wisdom Teeth Extraction in Maple Ridge?
Choosing the right dental clinic matters when it comes to a safe and smooth wisdom teeth extraction in Maple Ridge. At Maple Ridge Smiles Dental we offer a warm and welcoming environment and a skilled team that puts your comfort first. We use advanced tools and techniques to minimize discomfort and recovery time. Whether you’re having one tooth removed or all four wisdom teeth we’ll guide you through every step. From initial x rays to post op healing we’re here with compassionate care you can trust.
Here’s why most patients choose us:
Skilled Oral Surgeons
Our team includes experienced oral surgeons who have handled all types of wisdom teeth cases. From mandibular wisdom teeth to deeply impacted wisdom teeth, you’re in good hands. We take extra care to avoid nerve damage or complications.Comfort Focused
We put your comfort first using modern pain management options like local anesthesia, general anesthesia, and laughing gas. Many of our patients are surprised at how easy and pain free the experience is. You’ll get plenty of support and clear recovery tips.New Patients Welcome
We welcome new patients with open arms and a friendly smile. If you’ve been putting off tooth extraction, we’re here to make your first visit stress free. You’ll get all the information you need in one place.Complete Aftercare
Healing matters as much as the surgical procedure itself. That’s why we provide thorough follow up and check-ins to make sure you’re healing well. You’ll also get tips to reduce swelling, prevent infections and transition back to solid foods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about getting your wisdom teeth removed? You’re not alone! Here’s what many patients ask us before starting the extraction process.
How many wisdom teeth do most people have?
Most people have four wisdom teeth, but some may have fewer or none at all. X rays will help us see how many are present and if they’re impacted. Our dentist will explain everything clearly during your consultation.
What is the recovery time after wisdom tooth removal?
Most patients recover in 3 to 7 days, depending on how many wisdom teeth were removed. You’ll need to follow your detailed instructions, eat soft foods and use an ice pack to reduce swelling. Full healing of the surgical site may take a couple of weeks.
Can I go to work or school after the extraction?
We usually recommend resting for at least 1 to 2 days after the extraction procedure. You might feel some discomfort or excessive swelling during the first few days. Taking time off ensures you recover faster and avoid long term complications.
What can I eat after getting my wisdom teeth removed?
Eat soft foods like yogurt, soup or mashed potatoes for the first few days. Avoid spicy foods, solid foods and anything that could disturb the surgical site. We’ll let you know when you can go back to eating normally.
What are the signs of a problem after surgery?
If you experience severe pain, unusual bleeding or the surgical site not healing, call us right away. These could be signs of a blood clot issue or infection. Early treatment can prevent infection and protect your oral health.
Schedule a Consultation Today!
If you’re experiencing discomfort from wisdom teeth or want to avoid future problems, don’t wait longer. Our friendly team at Maple Ridge Smiles Dental is ready to walk you through every step of the wisdom teeth extraction process. We welcome new patients, offer flexible appointments, and provide trusted care right here in Maple Ridge. Call us at 604-467-2333 today to schedule your consultation. Let’s take care of those wisdom teeth before they cause more trouble!