Quick Answer
Not every wisdom tooth needs to come out — but when one is impacted, crowded, or angled against a neighboring molar, extraction usually prevents bigger problems down the road. In London, Ontario, wisdom tooth extraction services typically cost $150–$450 per tooth for a simple extraction, or $350–$700 per tooth when surgical removal is needed. Most patients recover fully within a week.
Wisdom Tooth Extraction Services in London, Ontario: What to Really Expect
Wisdom teeth don't cause trouble for everyone. Some people go their whole lives with functional third molars and never think about them again. For a lot of others, though, these last teeth to erupt — usually somewhere between ages 17 and 25 — arrive without enough room, at an awkward angle, or partially trapped beneath the gumline. That's when extraction stops being optional and starts being preventative.
This guide walks through how to tell if you actually need extraction, what reliable wisdom tooth extraction services in London, Ontario actually involve, and what recovery realistically looks like — based on the questions patients ask most often before booking a consultation.
How to Tell If a Wisdom Tooth Needs to Come Out
An X-ray tells most of the story. Dentists are looking for a few specific things: whether the tooth is impacted (stuck against bone or another tooth), whether it's erupting at an angle that could damage the second molar next to it, and whether there's enough space in the jaw for it to fully emerge without crowding.
Signs Something's Wrong
- Persistent pain or pressure at the back of the jaw
- Swollen or tender gums near the molars
- Recurring infection or bad taste near the back tooth
- Jaw stiffness or difficulty opening fully
- Visible shifting or crowding of nearby teeth
Not all impacted wisdom teeth are symptomatic right away. Some sit quietly for years before triggering a cyst or damaging the root of the adjacent molar — which is why a panoramic X-ray during a routine checkup often catches problems before pain does.
Simple Extraction vs. Surgical Extraction
The difference comes down to how the tooth is positioned. A wisdom tooth that has fully erupted and has a clear root path can usually be removed with a simple extraction, similar to any other tooth. An impacted tooth — still under the gum, or angled sideways — typically requires a surgical extraction, involving a small incision and sometimes sectioning the tooth into pieces for removal.
| Type | Typical Cost (per tooth) | Recovery Time |
|---|---|---|
| Simple extraction | $150–$450 | 3–5 days |
| Surgical (impacted) | $350–$700 | 5–7 days |
Costs vary based on how many teeth are removed at once, the sedation option chosen, and whether the case requires referral to an oral surgeon. Patients weighing their options can find a detailed breakdown of pricing and what's included in our guide to wisdom tooth extraction services, which also covers financing and insurance coordination.
What the Appointment Actually Involves
Before the Procedure
A consultation with X-rays comes first, followed by a discussion of sedation options — local anesthetic alone, nitrous oxide, or oral/IV sedation for more complex or anxiety-prone cases. Patients are usually asked to arrange a ride home if sedation beyond local anesthetic is used.
During the Procedure
Most extractions, even surgical ones, take between 20 and 60 minutes depending on the number of teeth and their position. Patients typically feel pressure rather than pain, since the area is fully numbed beforehand.
Immediately After
Gauze is placed to control bleeding, and post-op instructions cover swelling management, diet, and how to protect the healing blood clot at the extraction site — critical for avoiding a painful complication called dry socket.
Recovery: What's Normal and What Isn't
Swelling typically peaks around day two or three, then subsides. Soft foods — yogurt, mashed potatoes, smoothies without a straw — are recommended for the first several days, since suction from straws can dislodge the healing clot.
Key Takeaways
- Impacted or crowded wisdom teeth rarely resolve on their own
- Surgical extractions cost more but address the actual problem, not just symptoms
- Avoiding straws and smoking for the first week protects the healing site
- Most patients return to normal activity within 3–7 days
Symptoms worth calling the dentist about include fever, worsening pain after day three instead of improving, or a persistent bad taste that suggests infection rather than normal healing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all four wisdom teeth need to come out at once?
Not necessarily. Some patients only have one or two problematic teeth, while others opt to remove all four in a single visit to consolidate recovery time — this is usually decided case by case.
Is wisdom tooth removal covered by insurance in Ontario?
Many dental insurance plans cover a portion of extractions, particularly when there's documented medical necessity like impaction or infection. Coverage details vary by provider.
How long until I can go back to work or school?
Most patients take 2–3 days off for simple extractions, and up to a week for surgical removal, depending on job demands and how their body responds to healing.
Think you might need a wisdom tooth evaluated?
A simple X-ray can confirm whether extraction is necessary — and prevent bigger issues later.
Book a ConsultationAbout the Author: Apple Tree Dental
Apple Tree Dental is a family dental practice with two London, Ontario locations — Beaverbrook Ave North and Wonderland Rd South — registered with the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO). Our clinical team performs both routine and surgical extractions, with a focus on clear pre- and post-op guidance so patients know exactly what to expect. Learn more about our approach on our page covering wisdom teeth extraction in London Ontario, or explore our general family dental services.
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