Ask a Dentist

October 8, 2020

Q: Is it necessary to get my wisdom teeth taken out?

An x-ray picture with the wisdom teeth highlighted in red.

Wisdom teeth are the last molars to come in, in the very back of your mouth on your upper and lower jaw. Because they are the last of your teeth to emerge there usually isn’t enough space for them and they can already have other issues, such as tooth decay. This means that your wisdom teeth can cause some difficulties and you may feel very uncomfortable or experience pain.

We often get a lot of questions from patients about the importance of wisdom teeth removal. First of all, remember, each case is very individual. Some people can live their whole life without getting their wisdom teeth taken out. For others, wisdom teeth can become a real headache. It is always better to get a professional assessment of your wisdom teeth from your dentist.  

Dental Image Therapy Centres recommends wisdom teeth removal if your wisdom teeth are impacted and growing at a different angle or are lying flat on their sides. If the teeth are impacted, you will experience discomfort, pain and other dental problems. Also, your wisdom teeth can cause irritation in your gums, including swelling and bleeding. Occasionally, your wisdom teeth may not be impacted but still cause discomfort.  In this case, our dentists will work with you to develop a treatment plan and get to the root of the problem, this may mean removing the teeth to prevent future dental problems. 

After you get your wisdom teeth removed, it’s vital to follow the post-surgical instructions to maintain excellent oral health. It generally takes about six weeks for your jaw and gums to fill in the holes left by your wisdom teeth. Some people may heal faster and others longer, everyone is different so it’s a good idea to keep an eye on the area. If any issues come up, make an appointment to see your dentist.

Do you still have your wisdom teeth? Are you unsure if you should get them removed? For any wisdom teeth concerns, your dentist at Dental Image Therapy Centres can take a look and,  if necessary, develop a treatment plan for your wisdom teeth. Book your next checkup today at either of our Winnipeg dental clinics located at St. Vital Centre and Garden City Shopping Centre.

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