Wisdom Teeth Removal in North York
Wisdom teeth often arrive in the late teens or twenties, and many do not have room to come in properly. An X-ray helps show whether yours should stay or go.
Wisdom teeth removal in North York at Emerald Forest Dental is considered when third molars are stuck, partly erupted, decayed or causing gum infections. Our dentists review your X-rays, explain whether removal is needed now or can wait, and remove suitable teeth under local anaesthetic. Deeply impacted teeth may be referred to an oral surgeon.
- Typical time
- Usually 30 to 90 minutes, depending on how many teeth and their position
- Who it's for
- Teens and adults with wisdom teeth that are impacted, infected or hard to clean
- Coverage
- Often partly covered by insurance; check your plan
- Recovery
- Swelling often peaks around day two or three; most people feel much better within a week
About wisdom teeth removal
Wisdom teeth are the third and last set of molars at the very back of the mouth. When the jaw is too small, they can become impacted, meaning they are trapped under the gum or bone or come in at an angle. A partly erupted wisdom tooth leaves a flap of gum where food and bacteria collect, which can cause a painful infection called pericoronitis.
Not every wisdom tooth has to come out. If a tooth is fully in, upright, healthy and easy to clean, your dentist may suggest leaving it and watching it at regular checkups. Removal is more likely to be recommended if the tooth is causing repeat infections, decay on itself or the molar in front, gum pockets, or a cyst on the X-ray.
When removal makes sense, timing matters. Roots are often shorter and the bone softer in younger adults, which can make healing easier. Our dentists remove many wisdom teeth at the clinic. A tooth that sits deep in the bone or very close to the jaw nerve may be referred to an oral surgeon, who can also offer deeper sedation if needed.
Signs your wisdom teeth may need attention
- Pain, swelling or a bad taste at the back of your mouth
- Gum tissue around a back tooth that is red and tender
- Trouble opening your mouth fully
- Food getting stuck behind your last molars
- Your dentist sees impacted teeth or decay on your X-ray
Benefits
- Can stop repeat gum infections around a partly erupted tooth
- Protects the second molar from decay and bone loss
- Makes the back of your mouth easier to keep clean
- Planned removal avoids dealing with a flare-up later
What to expect
- Exam and panoramic X-rayYour dentist checks the position, roots and nearness to nerves and the sinus.
- Decide togetherWe explain whether to remove, watch or refer each tooth, and why.
- Numb and prepareLocal anaesthetic is used, and comfort options are discussed ahead of time.
- Remove the teethTeeth are removed whole or in sections, and stitches are placed if needed.
- Recovery planYou go home with gauze, written instructions and a number to call if you have concerns.
Aftercare
- Use cold packs on your cheek, 20 minutes on and 20 off, for the first day to help limit swelling.
- Stick to soft foods like yogurt, soup and mashed potatoes for a few days, and avoid straws and smoking.
- After the first day, rinse gently with warm salt water after meals unless your dentist says otherwise.
Other options
If a wisdom tooth is healthy and not causing problems, monitoring it with regular exams and X-rays can be a reasonable choice. A mild gum infection around a tooth may settle with cleaning and good home care, though it often returns. Your dentist will help you weigh watching against removal.
Cost and coverage
The fee depends on the number of wisdom teeth, whether they are erupted or impacted, the X-rays needed and any sedation. Fees use the ODA suggested fee guide as a reference, and many plans cover part of wisdom tooth removal. If you have CDCP coverage, ask us how it may apply. If you are referred, the surgeon's office sets its own fees. We will review your estimate with you, and LendCare payment plans may help.
Our promise: we confirm your coverage and explain the cost before treatment.
Your dental team
Dr. Hamed Jannati, DDS
General Dentist
Dr. Ye Zhang, DDS
General Dentist
Dr. Kasra Badii, DDS
General Dentist
Treatment is provided by our dentists. Dr. Ardeshir Ranjbari is a registered specialist in periodontics; our other dentists are general dentists. Some complex cases may be referred to a specialist.
Wisdom Teeth Removal FAQ
Do all wisdom teeth need to be removed?
No. Some come in straight and healthy and can stay. Your dentist will look at your X-rays and how easy the teeth are to clean, and only recommend removal when there is a clear reason.
What age is right for wisdom teeth removal?
Many people have them checked in their late teens. If removal is needed, the late teens to early twenties is often a good time because healing tends to be quicker. Adults of any age can have them removed if needed.
How long is recovery?
Most people feel much better within about a week. Swelling and stiffness are usually worst in the first two to three days. Plan a couple of quiet days and have soft foods ready.
Will I be asleep?
Many wisdom teeth are removed with local anaesthetic while you are awake but numb. Ask us about nitrous oxide (laughing gas) if you are nervous. Patients who need deeper sedation may be referred to an oral surgeon.
Can a wisdom tooth infection go away on its own?
Symptoms may ease for a while, but the cause often remains and infections tend to come back. See your dentist if you have pain or swelling. Get urgent care if swelling spreads or you have trouble swallowing or breathing.
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Wisdom Teeth Removal near you
We see patients from across North York and nearby areas, including North York, Don Mills, Parkway Forest, Henry Farm, Willowdale, Scarborough, Richmond Hill, Markham.
This page is general information and is not a substitute for an exam. Your dentist will recommend what's right for you. Reviewed by: Dr. Hamed Jannati, DDS. Last updated 2026-10-26.
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