Wisdom teeth removal in Richmond
Wisdom teeth removal, done comfortably.
Impacted, crowded, or painful wisdom teeth don't get better on their own. At Dentudio Dentists in Richmond, we assess, plan, and remove them with your comfort as the priority — and we explain every step before we start.
Open 7 days a week · Free parking · Service in English, Chinese, and Korean
We'll discuss the procedure and recovery with you first.
What are wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of molars at the back of the mouth. They typically appear between the ages of 17 and 25.
They were once useful for our ancestors' tougher diet. Today, many people simply lack sufficient space in their jaws for them to grow in properly. That often leads to impaction, misalignment, and crowding — which is why dental professionals frequently recommend proactive removal to prevent pain, swelling, infection, and potential damage to neighbouring teeth.
When removal is recommended
Why are wisdom teeth removed?
Extraction of third molars is typically recommended when they cause problems or potential complications. The timing varies from person to person, but there are common scenarios where it's considered.
Impacted wisdom teeth
When wisdom teeth do not have enough space to fully emerge, they become trapped beneath the gum line or jawbone — this is called impaction. Impacted wisdom teeth can lead to pain, swelling, infection, and can potentially damage nearby teeth. In these cases, dentists or oral surgeons may suggest removing them.
Before orthodontic treatment
Removing wisdom teeth before braces or Invisalign makes the orthodontic process smoother and more predictable. Your dentist can better plan the placement and movement of your teeth without the concern of wisdom teeth interfering with the treatment.
Decay or gum disease
Wisdom teeth are located at the very back of the mouth, which makes them difficult to clean properly. As a result they are more susceptible to decay and gum disease. If these issues aren't manageable with regular dental care, extraction may be necessary.
Cysts or tumors
In rare cases, cysts or tumors may develop around impacted wisdom teeth, potentially leading to more serious health concerns. Removing the impacted teeth can be necessary to address these conditions.
At what age should wisdom teeth be removed?
Dentists typically recommend removing wisdom teeth during the teenage years, when the roots are not yet fully developed. This reduces the risk of complications such as nerve injury.
Younger individuals also tend to tolerate the procedure better, because bone quality and healing ability both decline with age. For those reasons, early removal is often preferred by dentists.
That doesn't mean it's too late if you're older — many adults have wisdom teeth removed successfully. It simply means recovery may take a little longer, and there's a good argument for not putting it off further.
The question everyone asks
Will having them removed hurt?
Before removing your wisdom teeth, your dentist at Dentudio Dentists will discuss the procedure and recovery with you during a consultation. The experience varies from person to person, so we want you to know what to expect in your specific case.
The procedure itself is typically not painful, because it is performed under anesthesia.
During recovery, some discomfort is expected as the anesthesia wears off. You may experience swelling, soreness, and mild pain in the area. Your dentist will provide post-operative instructions to manage the pain and promote healing, and over-the-counter pain relievers are commonly used to relieve the discomfort.
In some cases complications can occur, leading to more discomfort. For instance, if the wisdom tooth is impacted and not fully erupted, the extraction may require more extensive surgery and, as a result, a longer recovery period.
It's essential to follow your dentist's instructions and take any prescribed pain medication as directed, to ensure a smooth recovery. Some people experience minimal discomfort while others have more soreness — our goal is always to make the extraction as painless and comfortable as possible.
Bring us your questions
Feel free to ask any questions or raise any concerns about your wisdom teeth during your visit. We're here to help you make an informed decision about your oral health.
Why patients choose Dentudio Dentists.
- Open 7 days a week — including weekends, so recovery can start on your own time.
- Full consultation before any procedure, covering both the treatment and the recovery.
- Service provided in Chinese and Korean as well as English.
- Free parking on site.
- 3 blocks west of the Lansdowne Canada Line Transit Station
- Insurance accepted and financing options available
Common questions about wisdom teeth removal.
Ready to get started?
Book a consultation at Dentudio Dentists in Richmond. We'll assess your situation, explain your options in plain language, and let you decide with no pressure.
No obligation. Open 7 days a week.
What to bring
- Your dental insurance information, if you have coverage
- Any recent x-rays or records from a previous dentist
- A list of any medications you're taking
- Your questions — all of them
