All About Wisdom Teeth: What to Expect From Extraction To Recovery

Introduction:

You’ve probably heard from at least one of your friends about their deadly wisdom tooth experience with their dentist. You may have also dreaded the idea yourself because these late bloomers can attack you out of nowhere. Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are notorious for causing discomfort, swelling, and unexpected dental visits. But here’s the good news: wisdom tooth extraction is a routine, safe, and well-managed dental procedure.

If you’re curious about what wisdom teeth are, why they need to be removed, and what recovery looks like, this guide will walk you through the entire process, from diagnosis to healing, so you know exactly what to expect. At Dentist on Kingsway, we’ve helped countless patients in Vancouver navigate wisdom tooth removal smoothly, from diagnosis to recovery. Whether you’re experiencing pain or just want peace of mind, our expert team is here to guide you every step of the way.

What are Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth are the third and last set of molars that erupt at the very back of your mouth. But when do wisdom teeth come in? Most people develop them in their late teens or early twenties. They are referred to as wisdom teeth because, as most of us say, “Wisdom comes with older age,” and hence they come when a person becomes wise with growing age. 

In ancient times, wisdom teeth held a lot of significance as they served an evolutionary purpose. These were needed to chew on raw roots and meats; however, modern diets and jaw sizes make them less useful and needed. Hence, wisdom teeth can create more problems and discomfort in modern times rather than offering benefits. 

Why Wisdom Teeth Cause Problems?

There are several reasons why they are problematic for modern jaws.

• Lack of space: Most jaws don’t have enough room for four extra molars. If wisdom teeth develop, they lead to tightening. 
• Impaction: Teeth may grow sideways, get stuck in the gum, or push against neighboring teeth, becoming trapped in the gums or jawbone.
• Infection risk: Crowded wisdom teeth trap food and bacteria, leading to decay or gum disease. If a wisdom tooth doesn’t get fully developed, a flap of tissue forms, which might get inflamed.
• Cysts: A wisdom tooth can develop a cyst within the jawbone, which can damage surrounding teeth and nerves if left untreated. 
• Bad or foul breath: Bacteria and food particles trapped under the wisdom teeth can cause bad breath and a weird taste.
  

For these reasons, dentists often recommend wisdom tooth removal before complications worsen.

Signs You May Need Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Not everyone experiences noticeable symptoms, but common warning signs include:

• Persistent wisdom tooth pain or jaw pain.
• Swelling or redness around the gums occurs. It is also known as pericoronitis.
• Wisdom teeth bleeding occurs while brushing due to improper cleaning of the area.
• Bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth. Headaches or ear pain from impacted wisdom teeth.
• Pain and stiffness in the jaw make it difficult to open your mouth.
• Tooth decay can occur in wisdom teeth themselves or neighboring ones, as they are difficult to clean.
  

If you’re searching “wisdom teeth removal near me” because of these symptoms, it’s time for an exam. Your dentist will take X-rays to confirm whether an extraction is needed.

The Wisdom Tooth Extraction Procedure

The extraction procedure may seem scary at first, but at Dentist on Kingsway, we ensure the entire process is smooth and comfortable.
Simple vs. Surgical Extraction

• Simple extraction: If the wisdom tooth has fully erupted above the gums, your dentist can usually remove it quickly, like a regular tooth extraction.
  
• Surgical extraction: If you have impacted wisdom teeth (partially erupted or stuck under the gum/bone), an oral surgeon may need to make a small incision in your gum, and in some cases, remove a tiny portion of bone around the tooth. Sometimes, the tooth is divided into smaller sections to make removal easier and gentler.
  

Step-by-Step: What to Expect from Wisdom Teeth Removal

1. Consultation & X-rays: Before the extraction, the dentist will take X-rays of your wisdom teeth to determine their position and the position of the roots and nerves. This will help them decide whether a simple extraction or a surgical extraction is recommended.
2. Anesthesia: You’ll receive local anesthesia to numb the area. For more complex cases or if you’re anxious, sedation or general anesthesia may be recommended so you feel calm and pain-free.
   
3. Tooth removal:
   
   • In a simple case, the dentist gently loosens the tooth with an elevator instrument and then removes it with forceps.
     
   • In a surgical case, the gum is opened slightly, the tooth (and sometimes a small part of the bone) is removed, and the site is carefully cleaned.
     
4. Wisdom teeth stitches: If needed, the dentist will place dissolvable stitches to help the gum heal properly. These usually disappear within a week or two.
   
5. Bleeding control: Gauze pads are placed at the site to stop bleeding, and you’ll be asked to bite down gently for pressure.
   
6. Aftercare instructions: Before you leave, your dentist will explain important wisdom teeth aftercare tips, such as resting, foods to eat after wisdom teeth removal, and how to manage wisdom teeth removal pain during recovery.
   

The procedure usually takes 30–60 minutes, depending on the number of teeth and whether they are impacted. Thanks to modern anesthesia, most patients feel only pressure, not pain, during the process.

Wisdom Teeth Recovery Timeline

Patients often ask: “How long does wisdom teeth recovery take?” Recovery depends on whether your case was simple or surgical, but here’s a general timeline:

Timeframe	What to Expect	Tips for Recovery
First 24 Hours	Mild bleeding, swelling begins	Bite on gauze, rest, stick to liquids/soft foods
Days 2–3	Swelling & soreness peak	Use ice packs, take prescribed meds, and eat soft food after extraction
Day 4–7	Swelling decreases, and stitches may dissolve	Rinse with saltwater, gently brushing, and avoid hard foods
After 1 Week	Stitches (if any) removed, normal activities resume	Continue soft diet, follow up with the dentist
2 Weeks	Most healing complete	Gradually return to a normal diet, monitor for pain or infection

Foods to Eat After Wisdom Tooth Removal

• Mashed potatoes and bananas
• Smoothies and ice cream
• Yoghurt
• Pudding
• Scrambled eggs
• Oatmeal 
• Soups and Broths

In the first few days post-extraction, stick to a soft food diet, then slowly incorporate solid foods as you heal. Until your dentist confirms it’s safe to do so, avoid crunchy, spicy, or acidic foods.

Do’s and Don’ts for Wisdom Teeth Aftercare

✅ Do’s

• Cold compresses help reduce swelling.
• After extraction, consume soft and less spicy foods.
• After wisdom teeth removal, keep your head elevated while sleeping.
• After the extraction, you can start brushing your teeth gently, avoiding the wound.
• After 24 hours, rinse with warm saltwater.

❌ Don’ts

• Don’t use straws (risk of dry socket).
• Don’t smoke or vape, as this slows healing.
• Avoid crunchy, spicy, or hard foods.
• Skip heavy workouts until you’re easy and recovered.

Wisdom Teeth Cost and Affordability

Many patients worry about how much wisdom teeth extraction will cost. The price varies depending on:

• How many teeth are removed?  
• The complexity of the extraction.  
• The type of anesthesia used.  

At Dentist on Kingsway, we emphasize affordable extraction services. While we understand financial concerns, we also ensure quality care for our patients. 

Conclusion

Removal of wisdom teeth may sound scary, but with the modern-day approach to dentistry, it is a routine procedure for preventing pain and even infection with the crowding of teeth. Knowing what to expect in the process, wisdom teeth aftercare, and what soft foods are to be consumed post-removal makes the whole process of recovery smoother.

Have you been looking for a trusted, reliable, and affordable wisdom tooth extraction clinic in Vancouver? Book your consultation today at Dentist on Kingsway, and allow our caring team to walk you through a stress-free experience of wisdom teeth removal and recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is a wisdom tooth painful?

Yes! A wisdom tooth can be painful as it erupts at different angles, becomes impacted, and causes pressure in the jaw. 

2. How many days does wisdom teeth pain last?

Wisdom tooth pain can last anywhere from a few days to several months, depending on the cause and extraction procedure. 

3. Is wisdom tooth removal necessary?

Wisdom tooth removal is only done if it causes problems or is likely to cause problems in the future. 

4. How long is wisdom teeth surgery?

Wisdom teeth removal can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 1 hour, but it mostly depends on the complexity of the patient’s case and the number of teeth being removed.