Wisdom Teeth Removal

Wisdom teeth (your third molars) are the last teeth to come in, usually between the ages of 17 and 25. Because they arrive last, there is often not enough room in the jaw for them to grow in straight. When that happens, they can press on neighbouring teeth, become trapped under the gum, or create infection-prone pockets. We perform wisdom teeth removal at our Burnaby practice with oral sedation available for patients who prefer to be relaxed during the procedure.

When wisdom teeth need to be removed

• ✓Pain or pressure at the back of the jaw
• ✓Swollen, red, or bleeding gums around the back molars
• ✓Repeated infection (pericoronitis) around a partially erupted tooth
• ✓Crowding or shifting of the front teeth
• ✓Decay or a cyst on or near a wisdom tooth
• ✓Damage to the neighbouring molar

If you have any of these signs, book a wisdom-teeth consult. We will take a panoramic X-ray, confirm the position of each tooth, and tell you whether removal is the right next step.

The procedure: what to expect

1. Consult and X-ray. We confirm the position of each wisdom tooth, check the nerve location, and discuss whether sedation is right for you. If you prefer to be relaxed during the procedure, we will prescribe oral sedation to take before your appointment.
2. Numbing and (optional) sedation. On the day of the procedure, we numb the area thoroughly with local anaesthetic. If you took oral sedation, you will already be in a calm, drowsy state and will need someone to drive you home.
3. The extraction. For a fully-erupted tooth, this can be a simple lift-out. For an impacted tooth, we make a small opening in the gum, sometimes section the tooth into pieces, and remove it. Most extractions take 20 to 60 minutes total.
4. Closing the site. We place dissolvable stitches if needed, give you gauze to bite on, and review your aftercare instructions before you go home.
5. Recovery and follow-up. You will get clear written instructions, a follow-up call from us, and the option of a quick check-in visit at one week to confirm the area is healing well.

Recovery timeline

Pain management and sedation

Most patients manage discomfort with over-the-counter pain relievers (ibuprofen and acetaminophen, alternated). If you have a more involved extraction, we may prescribe a short course of stronger pain medication. For patients who feel anxious about the procedure, we offer oral sedation: a medication you take by mouth before your appointment that helps you stay calm and relaxed. You will be awake and able to respond, but the procedure will feel much shorter and far less stressful. Oral sedation requires a ride home from the appointment.

Note: we do not offer IV sedation or general anaesthesia. If your case requires those, we will refer you to an oral surgeon and continue to coordinate your care.

Cost, insurance, and CDCP

Wisdom teeth removal is covered by most extended health plans and by the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) if you are eligible. We bill your insurance directly so you only pay your residual at the appointment. See our insurance and financing page for the full list of insurers we work with, or call us at 604-282-3800 for a no-pressure quote on your specific situation.

Why choose Madison Dental Studio

Wisdom teeth FAQ

Does wisdom teeth removal hurt?

The procedure itself does not hurt because the area is fully numb. You may feel pressure, but not pain. Most discomfort comes after the freezing wears off and is well-controlled with ibuprofen and acetaminophen. Patients describe the experience as much easier than they expected.

How long does the procedure take?

For a fully-erupted wisdom tooth, the actual extraction usually takes 5 to 15 minutes per tooth. For an impacted tooth, plan on 20 to 40 minutes per tooth. A typical appointment to remove all four wisdom teeth takes 60 to 90 minutes including freezing and recovery time in the chair.

Do I need all four wisdom teeth taken out at once?

Not necessarily. If only one or two are causing problems and the others are healthy, we may recommend removing only the ones that need to come out. We will discuss the trade-offs of a single appointment versus multiple visits during your consultation.

When can I go back to work or school?

Most people take 2 to 3 days off for a simple extraction and 4 to 7 days for impacted teeth. If your job involves heavy lifting or talking constantly, lean toward the longer end. We will give you a sick note if needed.

What is dry socket and how do I avoid it?

Dry socket happens when the blood clot at the extraction site comes loose before the area has healed, exposing the bone underneath. It causes throbbing pain 3 to 5 days after the procedure. Avoid it by NOT using a straw, NOT smoking, and NOT rinsing forcefully for the first 24 hours. If you do develop dry socket, call us right away and we will treat it the same day.

Is wisdom teeth removal covered by the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)?

Yes. CDCP covers medically necessary wisdom teeth extractions at a coverage level of 40, 60, or 100 percent depending on your adjusted family net income. We are an enrolled CDCP provider. See our CDCP page for full details.

What if my wisdom teeth are not causing problems right now?

If they are well-positioned, fully erupted, and you can clean around them, we do not recommend removing them just in case. We monitor them at your regular checkups and act only if they start causing issues.