Every year around late August, we see the same pattern at our Highgate clinic: students getting ready for the fall term at SFU or BCIT, parents booking “one last thing” before school routines take over, and a steady stream of twenty-somethings pointing to the back of their jaw saying, “It’s been bugging me for months.”
Wisdom teeth have a talent for terrible timing. The good news? Most wisdom tooth problems are predictable, treatable, and far less scary than the stories you’ve heard. Here’s what we tell our patients at Burnaby South Dental, right on Kingsway near Highgate Village.
What Are Wisdom Teeth — and Why Do They Cause Trouble?
Wisdom teeth (third molars) usually appear between ages 17 and 25. For some people, they come in straight and cause no problems at all. But for many, there simply isn’t enough room in the jaw. When that happens, wisdom teeth can come in sideways, only partially break through the gum, or stay trapped (“impacted”) in the jawbone.
A partially erupted wisdom tooth is hard to clean, which makes it a magnet for cavities, gum infection (pericoronitis), and pressure on the healthy molar beside it.
6 Signs Your Wisdom Teeth Need Attention
If you’re in Burnaby and noticing any of these, it’s worth a visit to a dentist near Highgate or Middlegate:
- Pain or pressure at the back of your jaw — constant or comes in waves
- Swollen, red, or bleeding gums behind your last molar
- Jaw stiffness or difficulty opening wide
- Bad breath or a bad taste that won’t go away (a sign of trapped food and bacteria)
- Headaches or earaches on one side
- Crowding or shifting of your other teeth
One important note: wisdom teeth don’t have to hurt to be a problem. Some impacted teeth quietly damage the tooth next door for years. That’s why we check wisdom tooth position with a panoramic x-ray during regular checkups — often long before symptoms start.
Do All Wisdom Teeth Need to Come Out?
No — and any dentist who says otherwise isn’t giving you the full picture. If your wisdom teeth are fully erupted, well-positioned, and you can keep them clean, they can stay. We monitor them like any other tooth.
We typically recommend removal when a wisdom tooth is impacted or partially erupted and collecting bacteria, causing repeated infections or pain, damaging or crowding the neighbouring molar, or has developed decay we can’t restore properly because of its position.
Younger patients (late teens to mid-twenties) usually heal faster because the roots are not fully formed and the bone is more flexible — one more reason not to put off that assessment.
What Does Wisdom Teeth Removal Cost in BC?
Costs depend on how the tooth is positioned. As a general guide based on the BC dental fee guide:
- Simple extraction (fully erupted tooth): roughly $200–$400 per tooth
- Surgical or impacted extraction: roughly $350–$700+ per tooth, depending on complexity
- Very complex cases may be referred to an oral surgeon, which can cost more
At Burnaby South Dental, we’ll always give you a clear estimate before any treatment — no surprises.
Does CDCP Cover Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Yes — extractions, including many surgical extractions, are covered services under the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) for eligible patients, subject to the plan’s rules and any co-payment based on your income level. Some surgical procedures may require preauthorization. We’re proud to accept CDCP at our Highgate clinic and our front desk can help you understand exactly what your coverage looks like — just ask, or read our CDCP guide for Burnaby patients.
If you have student insurance through SFU, BCIT, or another plan, extractions are usually covered in part as well — bring your details and we’ll help you sort it out.
What’s the Procedure Actually Like?
Far gentler than its reputation. Here’s the typical visit at our clinic:
- Assessment & x-ray — we take a panoramic x-ray, review the tooth’s position, and walk you through your options.
- Freezing — the area is fully numbed with local anesthetic. You’ll feel pressure during the extraction, but not pain.
- The extraction — a simple removal can take just minutes; surgical removals take longer but are done comfortably in-clinic for most cases.
- Aftercare instructions — gauze, written instructions, and a plan for the next few days.
Nervous about dental visits? You’re in good company — and gentle, painless treatment is what our clinic is known for. Tell us you’re anxious and we’ll take it slow.
Recovery: What to Expect (and Our Best Tips)
Most people are back to work or class within 2–3 days. To heal quickly:
- First 24 hours: bite on gauze, rest, use ice packs for swelling, and avoid rinsing, spitting, straws, and smoking — these can dislodge the blood clot and cause painful dry socket
- Days 2–3: soft foods (yogurt, smoothies without a straw, soup, scrambled eggs), gentle salt-water rinses after meals
- Days 4–7: gradually return to normal foods; keep the area clean
- Take any prescribed medication as directed, and call us if pain gets worse after day 3 instead of better — that’s not normal, and we want to see you
Planning Around School and Work
Booking removal on a Thursday or Friday gives most patients the weekend to recover. For students heading into the fall term, late August and early September are ideal — we’re open Monday to Saturday, 9:30 am – 5:00 pm, so weekend-adjacent appointments are easy to find. Our clinic at 6975 Kingsway #2 is minutes from Highgate Village and an easy trip from Middlegate, Edmonds, and Metrotown by car or transit along Kingsway.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my wisdom teeth are impacted?
You often can’t tell without an x-ray — impacted teeth may cause no symptoms at first. A panoramic x-ray at a routine checkup shows the exact position of all four wisdom teeth.
Does wisdom tooth removal hurt?
The procedure itself shouldn’t hurt — the area is fully frozen. Expect soreness for a few days afterward, manageable with over-the-counter or prescribed pain relief.
How long does recovery take?
Most people feel fine within 3–4 days; complete gum healing takes a few weeks. Surgical extractions may take a little longer than simple ones.
Can I have all four wisdom teeth removed at once?
Often, yes — many patients prefer one recovery period instead of several. We’ll advise what’s safest for your case.
Is wisdom teeth removal covered by CDCP in Burnaby?
For eligible CDCP patients, extractions are a covered service (some surgical cases need preauthorization, and co-payments depend on income). We accept CDCP and can help you check your coverage before booking.
Bothered by a Wisdom Tooth? Let’s Take a Look
Whether it’s active pain or just a nagging “should I get this checked?”, an assessment is quick and answers everything. Call Burnaby South Dental at (604) 540-6000 or book an appointment online. We’re your neighbourhood dentist in Highgate, Burnaby — serving Highgate, Middlegate, Edmonds, and all of South Burnaby.
