Wisdom Teeth Removal in Langley, BC
Wisdom teeth — the third molars at the back of your mouth — are the last adult teeth to develop, typically emerging between ages 17 and 25. For most people, there is not enough room in the jaw to accommodate them properly, leading to problems that require removal. At North Langley Family Dental, we assess and remove wisdom teeth for patients in Langley, Walnut Grove, Willowbrook, Fort Langley, and the surrounding Fraser Valley.
Why Do Wisdom Teeth Cause Problems?
Because the jaw is often too small to accommodate four additional molars, wisdom teeth frequently:
- Become impacted — trapped fully or partially beneath the gumline, unable to erupt normally
- Erupt at an angle — pushing against adjacent molars, causing pain and crowding
- Only partially erupt — creating a pocket of gum tissue where bacteria collect, leading to repeated infections (pericoronitis)
- Cause crowding — pressure from erupting wisdom teeth can shift other teeth forward
Even wisdom teeth that appear to erupt normally can be difficult to clean effectively due to their position at the very back of the mouth, making them highly susceptible to decay and gum disease.
Signs Your Wisdom Teeth May Need to Come Out
- Pain or pressure at the back of the jaw
- Swelling or redness of the gums around the back teeth
- Difficulty opening your mouth fully
- Recurring infections or bad taste at the back of the mouth
- Cavities or decay in the wisdom tooth or the adjacent second molar
The Wisdom Tooth Extraction Process
Simple extraction: For wisdom teeth that have fully erupted, removal is similar to any other tooth extraction — performed under local anaesthetic, the tooth is loosened and removed.
Surgical extraction: Impacted wisdom teeth require a minor surgical procedure. Under local anaesthetic (and sedation if desired), a small incision is made in the gum to access the tooth. The tooth may be sectioned into pieces for easier removal. The site is sutured, and healing proceeds over 1–2 weeks.
Recovery After Wisdom Tooth Removal
- Some bleeding, swelling, and soreness in the first 24–48 hours is normal
- Apply an ice pack to the cheek (20 minutes on, 20 minutes off) for the first 24 hours to reduce swelling
- Eat soft foods for the first few days
- Avoid smoking, straws, and vigorous rinsing for the first 24 hours — these can dislodge the blood clot and cause dry socket
- Gently rinse with warm salt water after 24 hours
Most patients feel significantly better within 3–5 days, with full healing taking 1–2 weeks.
We accept the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) and most dental insurance plans. We serve patients from Langley, Walnut Grove, Willowbrook, Fort Langley, Brookswood, Aldergrove, and across the Fraser Valley.
Do all wisdom teeth need to be removed?
Not necessarily. If all four wisdom teeth erupt fully, are properly aligned, and can be kept clean with normal hygiene, they can be left in place and monitored. However, this is relatively uncommon. Regular X-rays allow us to monitor development and recommend removal at the right time.
At what age should wisdom teeth be removed?
Wisdom teeth are typically removed in the late teens or early 20s when the roots are not yet fully formed, making removal easier and recovery faster. However, wisdom teeth can be removed at any age when they become problematic.
Is wisdom tooth removal painful?
The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic, so you will not feel pain during the extraction. After the anaesthetic wears off, some soreness and swelling is normal and managed with prescription or over-the-counter pain medication. Most patients find the recovery manageable within 3–5 days.
What is dry socket and how do I avoid it?
Dry socket occurs when the blood clot in the tooth socket is dislodged or dissolves before the site has healed, exposing the bone and nerves. It causes significant pain, usually starting 2–4 days after extraction. Avoid smoking, using straws, and spitting forcefully for the first 24 hours to protect the clot.
Can I drive home after wisdom tooth removal?
If the procedure is done under local anaesthetic only, you can drive yourself home. If you receive sedation, you must arrange for someone to drive you home and stay with you for several hours after the procedure.
Does insurance cover wisdom tooth removal?
Wisdom tooth removal is typically covered under most dental insurance plans as an oral surgery benefit, usually at 50–80% after deductible. Coverage varies based on whether the extraction is simple or surgical. We will review your benefits before your procedure.
Jaw Pain or Wisdom Tooth Trouble?
Contact North Langley Family Dental at 604-888-6885 or book online. Serving patients in Langley, Walnut Grove, Willowbrook, Fort Langley, and the Fraser Valley.
