Understanding Wisdom Teeth: Why Do They Cause Trouble?

Wisdom teeth are simply the last set of molars to grow in your mouth. They usually show up when you’re between 17 and 25, though sometimes they can start as early as age 14. While some people’s wisdom teeth come in fine, these extra teeth often cause problems for your mouth and the healthy teeth nearby.

Dr. Sekhon removes wisdom teeth only when they’re causing pain, damage to other teeth, or serious health issues. We like to check on them early during your routine dental check-ups using digital X-rays. This early look helps us spot trouble before it turns into a painful emergency. Taking them out at the right time is the best way to protect your healthy smile.

Gallery Dental offers kind and caring wisdom teeth removal right here in Edmonton, AB T6R 2X2. We’ll sit down with you for a detailed talk about the extraction, what recovery will be like, and all your sedation options. Dr. Sekhon has lots of experience with these procedures, but if your case is very complicated, we have trusted oral surgeons in Edmonton we can send you to.

When Wisdom Teeth Need Removal

However, if they’re causing problems, damaging other teeth, or have a high chance of causing trouble later, Dr. Sekhon will recommend removal. Here are some of the issues that can happen if you don’t get problem wisdom teeth removed.


Impacted Wisdom Teeth Complications

Impacted wisdom teeth are stuck teeth. They’re either trapped under the gum or only partially grown in. This usually happens because your jaw doesn’t have enough space for these extra teeth! 

Stuck wisdom teeth can cause swelling, infection, pain, and may even damage the molar next to them. Since food and bacteria get easily trapped around these partially grown teeth, it often leads to repeat infections and decay


Wisdom Tooth Pain & Infection

The ache you feel often comes from the wisdom tooth pushing against the tooth next door or trying to break through the gums. If the pain keeps coming back, you need a professional check-up and likely an extraction.

Infections happen when bacteria build up, causing the gums around the tooth to swell (pericoronitis). If untreated, infections can spread and cause serious health issues!


Protecting Your Other Teeth

When wisdom teeth come in sideways, they push hard against your second molars. This pressure can crack or damage these healthy teeth, which might then need expensive repairs or even removal themselves. By getting a preventive wisdom tooth removal, we save your adjacent teeth from harm and prevent a whole string of future dental problems.


Preventing Dental Crowding (Crooked Teeth)

As wisdom teeth grow, the pressure they create can shift and crowd all your other teeth. This pressure can sometimes undo the hard work of previous orthodontic treatment (like braces or clear aligners). If you’ve invested in a straight smile, preventive wisdom tooth removal is a smart way to protect that investment and keep your alignment perfect.


Cysts and Jawbone Complications

Sometimes, a trapped wisdom tooth can cause a cyst—a fluid-filled sac—to grow in the jawbone. These cysts can grow over time and damage the surrounding bone, nerves, and roots of nearby teeth. Early wisdom tooth removal stops these cysts from forming. We use regular digital x-rays during your check-ups to spot developing cysts before they cause major damage.

A Gentle Wisdom Tooth Removal Experience

Gallery Dental makes your comfort the top priority during every wisdom tooth extraction. Dr. Sekhon will walk you through every step in your consultation, so you know exactly what to expect.

What to Expect:

Before Your Procedure

We take digital x-rays to plan the exact extraction path. We’ll talk about your sedation options and recovery tips.

Sedation Options Available:

  • Oral Conscious Sedation: A pill that helps calm your nerves and keeps you relaxed . *
  • Nitrous Oxide: Also known as laughing gas, for extra comfort if you’re mildly nervous .

During Extraction

We use local anesthesia so you won’t feel pain. Sedation options help you relax the entire time. A simple extraction takes about 15–30 minutes per tooth, while a surgical one may take 45–60 minutes.

Recovery

Most people are back to their normal routines in 3–7 days. We’ll give you detailed instructions and are always available for questions!

When Do Wisdom Teeth Come In?

Every person is different! Some people start to feel their wisdom teeth moving as early as age 14, while others don’t notice them until their mid-twenties.

Signs Your Wisdom Teeth Are Coming In:

  • Tender or swollen gums at the back of your mouth
  • Jaw pain or stiffness
  • Difficulty opening your mouth fully
  • Swelling around the jaw
  • Bad breath or unpleasant taste despite good oral hygiene
  • Visible tooth emerging through gum tissue

Some individuals never develop wisdom teeth due to evolutionary changes in human jaw structure. Regular dental examinations with digital x-rays reveal whether you have wisdom teeth and monitor their development.

Common Questions About Wisdom Teeth Removal

How long is wisdom teeth removal recovery?

Most patients bounce back in 3–7 days. Swelling and discomfort are highest around days 2 or 3, then get better fast. Full bone healing takes months, but you’ll be back to your usual activities much sooner. Just follow our aftercare tips.

Should I get all four wisdom teeth removed at once?

Most patients choose to remove all necessary wisdom teeth at the same time to have just one recovery period. Dr. Sekhon will look at your unique situation and suggest the best approach. Sometimes, based on complexity or your comfort, we may remove them in stages.

What can I eat after wisdom teeth removal?

Keep things soft for the first 3 to 5 days: think yogurt, smoothies, mashed potatoes, and soup. It’s important to avoid hot liquids, crunchy foods, and using straws right after the extraction. You can slowly start eating normal foods once you feel comfortable.

How much does wisdom teeth removal cost in Edmonton?

The cost changes depending on how complex the extraction is (simple versus surgical). The good news is that most dental insurance covers wisdom tooth removal. We will give you a clear cost estimate and offer flexible financing options.

Comprehensive General Dentistry in Edmonton

Gallery Dental offers complete general dentistry services that go beyond wisdom teeth extraction. Our Edmonton dental office also provides modern dental fillings, thorough oral cancer screenings, simple tooth extractions, and cosmetic services like teeth whitening and porcelain veneers. For the rare case that needs a specialist, we’ll quickly arrange a referral to someone we trust.

Dental Fillings

Oral Cancer Screenings

Tooth Extractions

Teeth Whitening