By Dr. Richa Bhatnagar, Jacksonport Dental Clinic – NE Calgary
At Jacksonport Dental Clinic, we often meet patients from NE Calgary communities like Skyview, Saddle Ridge, Cornerstone, Redstone, and Cityscape who are experiencing wisdom tooth pain but aren’t sure what to do next. If that sounds like you—or a loved one—we’re here to guide you step by step.
Whether it’s a dull ache or a sudden sharp pain at the back of your mouth, wisdom teeth can cause real trouble if left unchecked. I’m Dr. Richa Bhatnagar, and in this blog, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about wisdom tooth pain and when it’s the right time to consider extraction.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars located at the very back of your mouth. They usually appear between the ages of 17 and 25. Most people have four wisdom teeth, though some may have fewer—or none at all.
These teeth were useful back in the day when our ancestors needed to chew tough roots and raw meat. But in today’s world, they’re often more trouble than they’re worth!
Why Do Wisdom Teeth Hurt?
There are a few common reasons:
1. Impaction
When there’s not enough room for the wisdom tooth to come in properly, it gets stuck—or impacted—against neighboring teeth or bone.
Dr. Richa’s tip: Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pressure, swelling, and even damage to nearby teeth.
2. Partial Eruption
Sometimes the tooth breaks through the gums partially, leaving a flap where food and bacteria collect.
This leads to:
- Infection
- Gum inflammation
- Bad breath
- Difficulty opening your mouth
3. Crowding
As the wisdom teeth try to make space, they may shift or push other teeth, leading to misalignment.
When Is It Time to Remove a Wisdom Tooth?
Every case is unique, but here are clear signs that it’s time to book a consultation:
- Pain or swelling in the back of the mouth or jaw
- Red, swollen gums near the back molars
- Frequent headaches or jaw pain
- Repeated infections or bad taste in your mouth
- Tooth crowding or shifting of other teeth
- Cyst formation around the impacted tooth (visible in X-rays)
What Happens During a Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered at Jacksonport Dental Clinic.
Here’s how we make the process smooth:
- Consultation & X-rays We’ll take detailed digital X-rays to determine the position and condition of your wisdom teeth.
- Treatment Planning If extraction is necessary, I’ll walk you through everything—from sedation options to aftercare.
- Painless Extraction Using modern techniques and gentle care, we remove the tooth safely and comfortably. Most extractions are done in under an hour.
- Post-Op Care You’ll get easy instructions to manage discomfort, prevent infection, and heal quickly.
What to Expect After Extraction?
Most people feel mild soreness for 2–3 days. You can manage this with:
- Cold compresses
- Prescribed or over-the-counter pain relief
- Soft foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, and smoothies
- Rest (Netflix and blankets encouraged!)
We always schedule a follow-up to ensure healing is on track.
Common Patient Questions
Q: Can I avoid removing my wisdom teeth if they’re not painful?
Some lucky patients don’t need removal if the wisdom teeth grow in properly. But even pain-free wisdom teeth can cause future problems. We recommend a preventive checkup.
Q: Is wisdom tooth extraction safe?
Yes, absolutely! Especially when performed by experienced dentists using proper sedation and aftercare.
Dr. Richa’s Advice to Calgary Families:
“If you or your teenager are experiencing symptoms, don’t wait. Wisdom tooth issues don’t go away on their own—and early intervention is always easier and safer. At Jacksonport Dental Clinic, we treat every patient like family.”
Who Should Visit Us?
We see teens, young adults, and even older adults who’ve postponed their wisdom tooth removal. If you’re from NE Calgary areas like Martindale, Taradale, Castle Ridge, Monterey Park, Panorama, or Country Hills, we’re just around the corner.
📍 Jacksonport Dental Clinic
124-3730 104 Ave NE Calgary AB T3N 0T1
📞 +1 403-815-3040
📧 info@jacksonportdental.ca
Ready to Smile Without the Pain?
Book a consultation today to see if it’s time for wisdom tooth extraction.
Let’s get your comfort back—because no one deserves to live with unnecessary pain.
