Straightforward, expert extractions — with sedation options for a comfortable experience from start to finish.
Wisdom teeth are your third molars — the final set of permanent teeth to emerge, typically appearing between the ages of 17 and 25. Located at the very back corners of your upper and lower jaw, they are the last teeth to arrive and often the first to cause problems.
Not everyone develops all four wisdom teeth — some people have fewer, and some have none at all. For those who do, the outcome depends largely on whether there is sufficient space in the jaw for them to erupt correctly. When there isn’t, the wisdom tooth becomes impacted — unable to fully emerge — and the complications that follow can range from localized pain and infection to damage of the adjacent teeth and surrounding bone.
At Planet Dental, we monitor wisdom tooth development from adolescence and recommend removal when the clinical evidence supports it — early enough to minimize complexity, but never before it’s warranted.
Not all wisdom teeth need to be removed. Extraction is typically recommended when:
Trapped beneath the gum or within the jawbone, unable to erupt into its correct position. Impacted wisdom teeth are prone to infection, cyst formation, and damage to neighbouring teeth.
When the jaw is too crowded to accommodate the wisdom teeth, they may emerge at an angle — pushing against adjacent molars, potentially causing pain, misalignment, and structural damage.
Wisdom teeth sit at the very back of the mouth where they are notoriously difficult to clean effectively. Plaque accumulation leads to cavities and gum disease at a higher rate than any other tooth — often without symptoms until the problem is well established.
When a wisdom tooth is only partially erupted, the flap of gum tissue covering it becomes a trap for bacteria. Repeated infections in this area — causing pain, swelling, and sometimes difficulty swallowing — are a clear indication for removal.
In cases where wisdom teeth are fully erupted, properly positioned, easy to clean, and causing no problems, monitoring may be all that’s needed. Your dentist will discuss the evidence and the right approach for your specific situation.
Your extraction begins with a thorough consultation:
We offer a free wisdom teeth removal consultation. There’s no obligation — just clear information to help you make an informed decision.
Here is a step-by-step overview of what happens on the day of your extraction:
Local anaesthesia is administered to fully numb the area. Sedation — nitrous oxide, oral sedation, or IV sedation — is available and
recommended for patients who are anxious or having multiple teeth removed simultaneously.
For impacted teeth, a small incision is made in the gum to expose the tooth and the surrounding bone.
If the wisdom tooth is partially enclosed in bone or positioned at an angle, it may be divided into sections for safer, easier removal — this is a standard technique, not a complication.
The tooth (or sections) is carefully removed, and the socket is thoroughly cleaned to remove any debris or infected tissue.
Local anaesthesia is administered to fully numb the area. Sedation — nitrous oxide, oral sedation, or IV sedation — is available and
recommended for patients who are anxious or having multiple teeth removed simultaneously.
For impacted teeth, a small incision is made in the gum to expose the tooth and the surrounding bone.
If the wisdom tooth is partially enclosed in bone or positioned at an angle, it may be divided into sections for safer, easier removal — this is a standard technique, not a complication.
The tooth (or sections) is carefully removed, and the socket is thoroughly cleaned to remove any debris or infected tissue.
Most patients recover comfortably within 3–7 days with appropriate aftercare. Here’s what to expect and how to support healing:
The procedure time depends on the number of teeth being removed and their position. A single straightforward extraction may take 20–30 minutes. Removing all four impacted wisdom teeth in one session typically takes 45–60 minutes. If sedation is being used, you’ll spend additional time in recovery before discharge.
Wisdom tooth removal is a routine oral surgery procedure with a strong safety record. Common post-operative experiences include swelling, mild bleeding, and temporary soreness. Rare complications include dry socket (when the blood clot is lost prematurely), infection, and in very rare cases, temporary numbness of the lower lip or tongue due to proximity of the inferior alveolar nerve. Your dentist will discuss any risks specific to your anatomy at your consultation.
Dry socket occurs when the blood clot that forms in the extraction socket is dislodged before the site has healed — exposing the underlying bone and causing significant pain, typically beginning 3–5 days after surgery. Avoid using a straw, spitting forcefully, smoking, or consuming alcohol in the days after surgery. If you develop dry socket, contact us — it is easily treatable.
The cost of wisdom tooth removal in Calgary typically ranges from $300 to $750 per tooth, depending on the complexity of the extraction and the anaesthesia or sedation used. Impacted teeth requiring surgical removal cost more than straightforward erupted extractions. Planet Dental provides a clear cost estimate at your consultation, and we accept most major insurers and the Canada Dental Care Plan.
For the first 3–5 days, stick to soft foods that require minimal chewing — yogurt, scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, soup, rice, applesauce, and similar options. Avoid hard, crunchy, chewy, or sticky foods until the extraction sites have healed and eating comfortably feels effortless.
Not necessarily — this depends on your anatomy, how many are causing concern, and your preference. Some patients prefer to remove all four in a single session under sedation to complete recovery in one go. Others prefer to address one or two at a time under local anaesthesia. Your dentist will help you weigh the options based on your specific case.
Whether yours are already causing problems or your dentist has flagged them as a concern, a free consultation at Planet Dental gives you a clear picture of what’s happening and what — if anything — needs to be done. Book today.
Your appointment request has been sent successfully. We will contact you soon.