Third Molars, Honest Answers
Wisdom teeth are latecomers to a party that's already full. Arriving between ages 17 and 25, they often find too little room — coming in sideways, half-erupted, or trapped (impacted) beneath gum and bone. Some cause immediate trouble; others sit quietly for years before flaring. And some behave perfectly forever. Our job is telling you which is which, with an x-ray and a straight answer — not removing four teeth because it's Tuesday.
Signs Wisdom Teeth Are Causing Trouble
- Pain, pressure or swelling at the back of the jaw
- A partially erupted tooth with a flap of gum that traps food and gets infected (pericoronitis)
- Repeated bad taste or bad breath from the back corners
- Crowding pressure against the second molars
- Jaw stiffness or difficulty opening fully
- Decay in a wisdom tooth — or worse, in the good molar beside it — that a toothbrush can't reach
A wisdom tooth flare-up counts as a dental emergency — same-day appointments are available at (613) 491-3300.
How We Make Removal Comfortable
Assessment first. A panoramic x-ray shows exactly how each tooth sits, where roots and nerves run, and how straightforward removal will be. You'll know the plan and cost before committing to anything.
Anesthesia and sedation. Local anesthesia is always thorough. Add nitrous oxide to take the edge off, or oral moderate sedation to float through the visit — Dr. Grewal is certified in moderate sedation. Complex, deeply impacted cases that warrant an oral surgeon get an honest referral to one we trust.
Gentle technique. Modern removal prioritizes minimal trauma — sectioning teeth when needed rather than forcing them — which shows up later as less swelling and a faster recovery.
Recovery, Realistically
The first 48 hours are about rest, cold compresses and soft food (this is your sanctioned milkshake era — just no straws). Days 3–4 usually bring peak puffiness, then rapid improvement. We send you home with written instructions, and you can always reach us with concerns. Watch for pain that worsens after day two — that can signal dry socket, which we can treat quickly.
Teen due for an assessment, or a wisdom tooth acting up? Book online or call (613) 491-3300 — direct insurance billing and CDCP accepted.
Wisdom Teeth Removal — Frequently Asked Questions
Do all wisdom teeth need to be removed?
No — and we'll tell you honestly which of yours do. Wisdom teeth that erupt fully, bite properly and can be cleaned are fine to keep and monitor. Removal is recommended for impacted teeth, repeated infections, decay you can't reach to clean, damage to neighbouring molars, or cysts visible on x-ray.
What's the best age for wisdom teeth removal?
When removal is needed, the late teens to early twenties is ideal — roots are shorter, bone is more forgiving and recovery is faster. That's why we monitor wisdom tooth development through the teen years at routine check-ups.
Will I be asleep for the procedure?
We offer local anesthesia alone, nitrous oxide, or oral moderate sedation — with sedation most patients remember little of the visit. Cases requiring general anesthesia are referred to trusted oral surgeons, and we'll be honest about which category you're in.
How long does recovery take?
Plan on 2–4 restful days for swelling and tenderness to peak and settle, with most people back to school or work within a few days. Full soft-tissue healing takes a couple of weeks. Following the aftercare instructions — no straws, no smoking — makes all the difference.