Everything you need to know
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
In some cases, wisdom teeth grow normally and do not cause problems. However, many people do not have enough space in their mouth for these teeth. When this happens, wisdom teeth may become impacted or grow at an angle.
Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain, swelling, and infection. Removing wisdom teeth can help prevent damage to nearby teeth and protect your oral health.
When Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed
Wisdom teeth extraction may be recommended when these teeth cause symptoms or increase the risk of dental problems.
Common reasons for removal include:
- Pain in the back of the mouth
- Swelling of the gums
- Infection around the wisdom tooth, same-day care is available when needed
- Damage to nearby teeth that may require restoration
- Difficulty cleaning the area
- Impacted teeth that cannot fully emerge
Your dentist in London will examine your teeth and may take X-rays to evaluate the position of your wisdom teeth. This helps determine whether removal is recommended.
In some cases, wisdom teeth may be removed to prevent future problems, even if symptoms are not present.
Wisdom Teeth Extraction Procedure
Wisdom teeth extraction is performed using techniques designed to protect surrounding teeth and tissues.
Examination and Planning
Your dentist will examine your teeth and review X-rays. This helps determine the position of the wisdom teeth and the best approach for removal.
Local Anesthesia
Local anesthesia is used to numb the area. This helps ensure comfort during the procedure.
Tooth Removal
The dentist carefully removes the wisdom tooth. In some cases, the tooth may be divided into smaller pieces to allow easier removal.
Post-Procedure Instructions
You will receive instructions on how to care for the area after the procedure. This helps reduce discomfort and supports healing.
Recovery After Wisdom Teeth Extraction
Recovery varies depending on the position of the tooth and the complexity of the extraction.
Common symptoms after extraction may include:
- Mild swelling
- Minor discomfort
- Temporary difficulty chewing
These symptoms usually improve over several days.
Healing Timeline
Initial healing often takes about one to two weeks. Full healing of the area may take longer.
Recovery Tips
To support healing:
- Follow post-treatment instructions
- Avoid chewing on the treated side
- Keep the area clean
- Attend follow-up appointments if recommended
Proper care helps support healing and reduce complications.
Cost of Wisdom Teeth Extraction in London, ON
The cost of wisdom teeth extraction depends on the complexity of the procedure.
As general guidance:
- Simple wisdom tooth extraction often ranges from approximately $200 to $400 per tooth
- Surgical extraction may range from approximately $300 to $800 per tooth, depending on complexity
The final cost depends on:
- Position of the tooth
- Complexity of the extraction
- Imaging required
- Treatment time
We provide a written estimate before treatment begins.
Insurance Coverage
Many dental insurance plans cover part of wisdom teeth extraction. Coverage varies depending on your policy.
We offer direct billing when available and can help review your insurance benefits .
Direct billing & CDCP. We bill most insurance providers directly and participate in the Canada Dental Care Plan. Ask us for a written estimate before treatment begins — no surprises.
Preventing Problems with Wisdom Teeth
Regular dental exams help monitor wisdom teeth and detect problems early.
Your dentist may recommend removal if wisdom teeth increase the risk of infection, crowding, or damage to nearby teeth.
Early evaluation helps prevent complications.
Meet Our Dentists
Fairmont Dental Centre is led by Dr. Edward Pham and Dr. Alain David , experienced general dentists serving London, Ontario.
They provide wisdom teeth extraction within the scope of general dentistry. Their approach focuses on careful diagnosis, patient comfort, and clear communication.
If a case requires specialized surgical care, they will explain referral options and help coordinate treatment.
Our clinic has served the London community for more than 35 years.
Why Choose Fairmont Dental Centre for Wisdom Teeth Extraction?
Fairmont Dental Centre is located at 613 Hamilton Road, making it accessible for patients across London. It can be reached easily from downtown London via Dundas Street and from east London via Highbury Avenue.
Patients choose our clinic because we offer:
- Over 35 years serving London families
- Evening appointments
- Saturday appointments
- Same-day visits when available
- Clear treatment plans and written estimates
- Direct billing to insurance providers when available
We focus on providing steady, patient-centered care.
Most wisdom teeth extractions at our London clinic are completed using local anesthesia (freezing) alone. For patients with significant dental anxiety, multiple impactions, or complex root anatomy, other options include oral sedation (a prescription tablet taken before the appointment) or nitrous oxide ("laughing gas") where available. Deeper intravenous sedation and general anesthesia require referral to a hospital-based or surgical-suite setting. Your dentist will discuss whether a referral is appropriate after reviewing your panoramic radiograph.
On the day of surgery, plan for the appointment itself to take 30 to 90 minutes depending on how many teeth are being removed and whether any are impacted. You should:
- Eat a light meal beforehand unless you are receiving sedation, in which case follow the fasting instructions provided
- Wear comfortable clothing with short or loose sleeves
- Arrange a ride home if you are receiving any form of sedation
- Bring a list of your current medications, including blood thinners, bisphosphonates, and supplements
2026 Cost Ranges and CDCP Coverage
The figures below sit within the 2026 Ontario Dental Association Suggested Fee Guide. Your written estimate is finalized after the consultation and panoramic radiograph.
- Consultation with panoramic radiograph: about $120 to $175
- Simple (erupted) wisdom tooth extraction: about $200 to $400 per tooth
- Soft-tissue impaction: about $350 to $600 per tooth
- Partial bony impaction: about $500 to $750 per tooth
- Full bony impaction: about $650 to $900 per tooth
- Nitrous oxide (where offered), per 15 minutes: about $25 to $45
- Oral sedation prescription consultation: about $50 to $100
Fairmont Dental Centre is a Canadian Dental Care Plan participating provider. Surgical extractions of erupted teeth and removal of impacted teeth are listed services under the CDCP Dental Benefits Guide, though removal of impacted teeth and IV sedation generally require pre-authorization. Co-payments depend on adjusted family net income (0% under $70,000, 40% from $70,000 to $79,999, 60% from $80,000 to $89,999). We submit pre-authorization paperwork on your behalf so you receive a written response from Sun Life (CDCP administrator) before booking the surgical date.
Recovery Day by Day and Aftercare
Most patients return to desk-based work or school within two to three days. A typical recovery looks like:
- Day 1: Bite firmly on gauze for the first 30 to 45 minutes. Use ice packs on the cheek (20 minutes on, 20 off). Stick to cool, soft foods like yogurt, smoothies (no straws), and applesauce. Take prescribed or recommended pain relief on schedule, not just when pain returns.
- Days 2 to 3: Peak swelling and stiffness. Switch from ice to warm compresses on day three to help the bruising clear. Begin gentle salt-water rinses (one teaspoon salt in a cup of warm water) after meals.
- Days 4 to 7: Swelling and discomfort taper. Gradually reintroduce softer cooked foods. Continue avoiding the extraction site when brushing.
- Week 2: Most soft-tissue healing is complete. Bone underneath continues to remodel for several months.
Throughout recovery, avoid smoking, vaping, drinking through straws, spitting forcefully, and alcohol for at least 72 hours. These actions raise the risk of dry socket, a painful complication where the blood clot dislodges from the extraction site.
When to Call Right Away After Surgery
Some swelling and discomfort are expected. Call (519) 451-4490 promptly if you experience:
- Bleeding that does not slow with firm gauze pressure after 60 minutes
- Severe throbbing pain starting two to four days after surgery (possible dry socket)
- Fever above 38.5°C, chills, or pus discharge from the site
- Numbness or tingling of the lip, chin, or tongue that does not begin to fade within 24 hours
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing, or swelling spreading down the neck (go to the nearest emergency department immediately)
Keeping vs. Removing Wisdom Teeth
Not every wisdom tooth needs to come out. If your wisdom teeth are fully erupted, in a functional bite, easy to clean, and cause no symptoms, they can often be monitored with radiographs at routine visits. Removal is generally recommended when teeth are impacted, repeatedly become inflamed (pericoronitis), develop decay or gum pockets, damage the adjacent second molar, or show cysts on imaging. Your dentist will walk through the trade-offs based on your radiograph rather than recommending removal by default.
