Comprehensive Guide to Oral Surgery & Wisdom Teeth Removal
1. Intro: Comprehensive Oral Surgery & Wisdom Teeth Removal
Expert Oral Surgery & Wisdom Teeth Removal at View Dental
Tooth extractions are sometimes necessary to maintain long-term oral health. Wisdom teeth are often the first thing you think about when you hear the phrase ‘tooth removal’. At View Dental, we conduct and in-depth assessment of your oral health before making any extraction recommendations to you. We are proud to combine advanced techniques, modern tools, and a patient-first approach to make every oral surgery feel safe, comfortable, and stress-free as possible.
Our dentists are here to guide you through your options, whether you're dealing with discomfort, infection, or preparing for orthodontic treatment.
Learn more about our oral surgery services and what to expect before, during, and after treatment.
2. Understanding Wisdom Teeth
Why Should I Have My Wisdom Teeth Removed?
By age 18, most adults have 32 teeth, but our jaws can typically hold only 28. The last to erupt are called wisdom teeth or third molars, and they can often become impacted or misaligned. When this happens, removal is typically recommended.
Wisdom teeth may:
Erupt at the wrong angle
Partially emerge, leaving tissue exposed
Remain trapped beneath the gum or bone
Disrupt surrounding teeth or orthodontic alignment
Potential complications include:
Gum infections (recurrent pericoronitis)
Periodontal disease
Tooth decay that can’t be treated
Abscesses or cysts
Bone loss and root damage
Crowding or bite disruption.
If these issues are present, you may also experience:
Pain or tenderness in the gums or jawbone
Bad breath
Redness or swelling of the gums
An unpleasant taste in the mouth
Headaches or jaw pain
Removing these teeth early helps prevent serious oral health issues and reduces the complexity of surgical removal later in life.
3. What to Expect: Wisdom Tooth Extraction
How Does Wisdom Tooth Removal Work?
If our team identifies that your wisdom teeth are causing or likely to cause problems, we’ll schedule a consultation with one of our in-network oral surgeons.
During this visit, the surgeon will:
Review your x-rays and oral history
Discuss the type of impaction (if any)
Explain surgical options and answer questions
Outline recovery expectations and potential risks
This ensures you’re fully informed and comfortable moving forward.
4. Post-Operative Instructions: What to Expect After Surgery
Post-Surgery Care: Healing After Oral Surgery or Wisdom Tooth Removal
The removal of impacted teeth is a surgical procedure, and proper post-operative care helps minimize complications like pain, bleeding, and infection:
Please follow these instructions carefully to ensure that you recovery is smooth, comfortable, and complication-free.
Immediately after surgery:
Bite on gauze firmly for one hour. Replace as needed. Slight bleeding causing redness in the saliva is very common. For this reason, the gauze will always appear redish pink when removed.
Avoid rinsing, touching, or spitting, which can dislodge blood clots.
Apply ice packs (20 min on/off) to reduce swelling.
Take pain medications before the anesthetic wears off (ideally with food)
Rest and avoid physical activity for at least 6–12 hours. The more active you are, the harder your heart will be beat, causing more pronounced bleeding and throbbing from the wound.
No smoking! This significantly slows healing and may lead to dry socket.
5. Managing Post-Surgical Symptoms
Normal Side Effects vs. When to Call Us
Bleeding:
Some bleeding or oozing is normal for the first few hours. Red-tinged saliva is common. If bleeding seems somewhat excessive soon after your surgery you can:
Replace gauze and bite firmly for 60 minutes
Use a moistened tea bag for 30 minutes (tannins help clotting)
Stay calm, upright, and as still as possible!
If bleeding continues after 6–8 hours, call us: 416-368-2855
Swelling:
Expect swelling to peak 2–3 days after surgery.
Use ice for the first 24 hours
Switch to moist heat after 36 hours if swelling persists
Call our offices if swelling is hot, hard, red, and increasing
Fever:
Low-grade fever (99–100°F) is normal.
A temperature over 101°F lasting beyond 8 hours, especially with swelling and pain, may indicate infection. You should call the office for instruction if this occurs.
Bruising:
Common on cheeks or under the eyes. May appear days later and change colour from purple to yellow before fading.
Pain:
Pain may intensify on Days 3–4 before subsiding.
Continue prescribed meds. If pain worsens after Day 4, contact us.
Numbness, sore throat, stiffness:
Usually temporary. If persistent or worsening, let us know.
6. Diet, Medications & Activity Guidelines
Tips for Healing Well at Home
Stay hydrated: Aim for 5–6 glasses of water on Day 1 (Be mindful not to use any straws).
Eat soft, cool foods such as yogurt, applesauce, soups and mashed potatoes.
Avoid hot liquids until numbness wears off.
Avoid chewing near the surgical site.
Resume your normal diet as much as you are able to tolerate in the days following.
Medications:
Take antibiotics as directed.
Pain medications may cause nausea - take with food.
Pepto Bismol or Milk of Magnesia may help relieve nausea.
Activity:
Avoid exercise or heavy lifting for 1 - 2 days.
If you notice throbbing or increased bleeding, give yourself some more rest. If conditions persist, contact us.
7. Oral Hygiene & Smoking
Oral Hygiene After Surgery
Gently brush your teeth the night of surgery.
Start saltwater rinses (1 tsp salt + 1 cup warm water) the next day.
Rinse 5–6 times daily, especially after meals.
Avoid mouthwash for 3 days; resume diluted, then full-strength as tolerated
NO SMOKING for at least 48 hours! Nicotine impairs healing and greatly increases your risk of dry socket.
8. General Tooth Extractions
Not Just Wisdom Teeth: Other Reasons for Extractions
Sometimes a tooth needs to be removed if:
It’s decayed beyond repair
It’s severely fractured or broken
It's contributing to gum disease or infection
It’s impacted or poorly positioned
It’s required before orthodontic treatment
We take every measure to ensure your comfort during extraction and offer options to replace or restore the area if needed.
9. Anxiety & Comfort
Worried About the Procedure? Let Us Know.
Tooth extractions and oral surgery can cause anxiety for many patients. At View Dental, we welcome you to share any concerns or fears so we can help you feel supported and comfortable, every step of the way.
10. Book a Consultation
Let’s Talk About Your Oral Health
Whether you’re in pain, have questions about wisdom teeth, or just want a second opinion, we’re here to help.
- Seven locations across Toronto
- Call us at 416-368-2855
- Or message us directly through our website
