Wisdom tooth extraction is a surgical procedure used to remove one or more third molars located at the back of the mouth. These teeth often lack enough space to grow properly and may become impacted, causing pain, infection, gum disease, or damage to nearby teeth. Removing problematic wisdom teeth helps prevent future oral health complications and protects surrounding teeth. At Green Dental in Markham, Dr. Afshin Riazi evaluates tooth position and jaw structure to determine whether removal is necessary.

Removal may be recommended if wisdom teeth:

• Cause pain or swelling
• Become impacted under the gums
• Lead to repeated infections
• Damage neighboring teeth
• Create difficulty cleaning and increase decay risk

Dentists often recommend early evaluation because treatment is typically easier before complications develop.

The procedure itself is not painful because local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia is used to keep patients comfortable. You may feel pressure during removal but not sharp pain. Mild discomfort and swelling afterward are normal and usually manageable with medication and aftercare instructions.

Most wisdom tooth extractions take less than one hour, although complex or impacted teeth may require more time. The exact duration depends on tooth position and surgical difficulty.

When they cause infection, pain, or alignment issues.

Modern anesthesia ensures comfort during treatment.

Most patients recover within several days.

Initial recovery typically takes 3–5 days, allowing many patients to return to normal activities quickly. Complete healing usually occurs within 1–2 weeks, although minor soreness may last longer depending on the case. Swelling often peaks around the third or fourth day and then gradually improves.

Soft foods are recommended during early recovery, such as:

• Yogurt and smoothies
• Soup (lukewarm, not hot)
• Mashed potatoes
• Eggs and soft pasta

Hard, crunchy, or sticky foods should be avoided until healing progresses to prevent irritation or complications.

Normal post-procedure symptoms include:

• Mild bleeding during the first day
• Swelling and jaw stiffness
• Bruising around the cheeks
• Temporary discomfort

These symptoms usually improve steadily within several days as healing progresses.

Dry socket occurs when the protective blood clot at the extraction site becomes dislodged, exposing bone and nerves and causing significant pain. It typically develops 3–5 days after surgery. Prevention includes:

• Avoiding straws and smoking
• Following aftercare instructions carefully
• Eating soft foods during recovery

Wisdom tooth removal is generally safe, but rare complications may include:

• Infection
• Dry socket
• Temporary nerve irritation or numbness
• Damage to nearby teeth or sinuses

These risks are uncommon and are minimized through proper surgical planning and post-operative care.

Most patients resume daily routines within a few days, depending on the type of anesthesia used and treatment complexity. Strenuous physical activity should be avoided for at least 24–48 hours to support proper healing.

Not always. If wisdom teeth grow fully erupted, aligned properly, and are easy to clean, removal may not be necessary. However, regular monitoring is important because problems can develop later.

Patients choose Green Dental because treatment prioritizes comfort, safety, and long-term oral health. Dr. Afshin Riazi uses careful diagnostic evaluation and modern surgical techniques to minimize discomfort and promote smooth recovery while protecting surrounding teeth and jaw structures.