Oral Surgery Calgary
You know that feeling when you bite into something and get a sharp pain in the back of your mouth? Or when you wake up with a swollen jaw and can’t figure out why? These aren’t things you want to deal with on your own. That’s where oral surgery comes in.
At Dr. Brent MacDonald’s dental clinic in NE Calgary’s Marlborough area, we handle the dental problems that go beyond regular cleanings and fillings. We’re talking about the procedures that need a little more skill and care.
Wisdom Teeth Removal in Calgary
Let’s talk about the big one – wisdom teeth. These are the teeth that show up late to the party, usually between ages 17 and 25. And like that uninvited guest, they often cause problems.
Your mouth was built for 28 teeth. Wisdom teeth are numbers 29 through 32. Do the math – there’s usually not enough space. When these teeth try to push through, they can get stuck (we call this “impacted”), come in sideways, or crowd your other teeth.
Some people get lucky. Their wisdom teeth come in straight with no issues. But most people in Calgary aren’t that lucky. Your wisdom teeth might start pushing your other teeth around, creating alignment problems you didn’t have before. They might only partly come through your gums, creating a flap of tissue that traps food and bacteria. Or they might stay completely hidden under your gums, slowly causing damage you can’t even see.
Here’s what happens when you ignore wisdom teeth problems: infections, cysts, damage to nearby teeth, and jaw pain that makes eating a challenge. Some folks in NE Calgary think they can tough it out. But putting off wisdom teeth removal usually means a harder procedure later on.
What Wisdom Teeth Removal Looks Like
Getting your wisdom teeth out isn’t as scary as you think. Yes, it’s surgery. But it’s also one of the most common procedures we do.
First, we figure out what’s going on with your teeth. We take X-rays to see where your wisdom teeth are and how they’re positioned. Are they fully stuck under your gums? Partly through? Coming in at a weird angle? This tells us what kind of removal you need.
Some wisdom teeth pop out like regular teeth – simple and quick. Others need a bit more work. If your tooth is stuck under your gums, we make a small opening in your gum tissue to reach it. Sometimes we need to remove a bit of bone around the tooth. Big teeth might get divided into smaller pieces for easier removal.
You won’t feel pain during the procedure. We use local freezing for straightforward cases. For more complex removals or if you’re anxious, we have sedation options too.
After your wisdom teeth come out, you’ll have some swelling and discomfort for a few days. That’s normal. Your mouth is healing. Most people in Calgary are back to their regular routine within a week. We’ll give you clear instructions on how to take care of your mouth while it heals.
When Should You Get Your Wisdom Teeth Removed?
This is the question everyone asks. The answer isn’t the same for everyone.
If your wisdom teeth are causing pain, swelling, or infection – that’s obvious. Get them out. But sometimes we recommend removal before problems start, especially if X-rays show trouble is coming.
Younger people heal faster. Your jawbone isn’t as dense in your late teens and early twenties. The roots of your wisdom teeth haven’t fully formed yet. Both of these things make the procedure easier and recovery quicker. By the time you’re in your 30s or 40s, those roots are fully developed and wrapped around your jawbone like tree roots in concrete.
But age alone isn’t a reason to rush into surgery. If your wisdom teeth have enough space, come in straight, and aren’t causing problems, we might just keep an eye on them.
Why Calgary Residents Choose Dr. Brent MacDonald for Oral Surgery
Dr. MacDonald has been practicing dentistry for over 25 years. That’s more than 1,500 patients who’ve trusted him with their dental care. When you need oral surgery, experience matters.
Our clinic sits right in the Marlborough area of NE Calgary. If you’re coming from nearby neighborhoods like Marlborough Park, Temple, or Pineridge, we’re easy to reach. No need to drive across the city when you’re dealing with dental pain.
We get that oral surgery sounds intimidating. Maybe you’ve heard horror stories from friends. Maybe you’re worried about pain or complications. We take time to explain exactly what’s going to happen, answer your questions, and make sure you feel comfortable before we start anything.
Our Approach to Patient Care
We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all dentistry. Your mouth is different from everyone else’s. Your wisdom teeth might be positioned differently than your sister’s. You might heal faster or slower than average. We look at your specific situation and make a plan that works for you.
Some dentists want to rush you through appointments. Not us. We book enough time for each patient so you never feel hurried. You can ask questions. We can take breaks if you need them. Your comfort is part of the treatment.
What Makes Oral Surgery Different from Regular Dental Work
Regular dental work happens on the surface. We’re talking fillings, crowns, teeth cleaning – procedures that deal with the visible part of your tooth above your gumline.
Oral surgery goes deeper. We work with bone, soft tissue, and parts of your tooth that are hidden under your gums. This requires different tools, different skills, and different training.
It also requires precision. When we remove wisdom teeth, we’re working near nerves that control feeling in your lips, tongue, and chin. We’re careful to protect these nerves while getting the tooth out. That’s why X-rays and proper planning matter so much.
Common Questions People in Calgary Have About Oral Surgery
People always want to know if they’ll be awake during the procedure. The answer depends on what we’re doing and what you prefer. For simple extractions, local freezing works great – you’re awake but you don’t feel anything. For more involved procedures or if you’re nervous, sedation lets you relax or even sleep through the whole thing.
Another big question: how long does recovery take? Most people need about 3-7 days before they feel back to normal after wisdom teeth removal. You might have some swelling for a few days. You’ll want to stick to soft foods for a bit. But you’re not going to be laid up in bed for weeks.
Cost is always a concern too. The price of oral surgery depends on how complex your case is. A simple extraction costs less than removing impacted teeth. If you have dental insurance, it typically covers at least part of oral surgery. We can give you an estimate before we start so there are no surprises.
Taking Care of Your Mouth After Oral Surgery
What you do after your procedure matters just as much as the surgery itself. Here’s the real talk about recovery.
For the first 24 hours, you need to be gentle with your mouth. Don’t spit forcefully – that can dislodge the blood clot that’s forming where your tooth was. Don’t drink through a straw for the same reason. Don’t smoke (this one’s big – smoking increases your risk of complications).
Swelling is normal. Ice packs help for the first day or two. After that, switching to warm compresses can feel better. Take any medication we prescribe as directed. Most people just need regular pain relievers, but we’ll prescribe something stronger if you need it.
Eat soft foods for a few days. Think yogurt, smoothies (no straw!), mashed potatoes, soup. Avoid anything crunchy, chewy, or that has small seeds that could get stuck in the extraction site.
Keep the area clean, but be gentle. We’ll tell you exactly how to brush around the surgical site and when you can start rinsing with salt water.
The Real Risk of Waiting Too Long
Some people in Calgary put off dealing with their wisdom teeth for years. They have a little pain, it goes away, so they figure everything’s fine. But wisdom teeth problems don’t usually solve themselves.
Impacted wisdom teeth can form cysts – fluid-filled sacs that damage your jawbone and nearby teeth. Partially erupted wisdom teeth create pockets where bacteria love to grow, leading to repeated infections. Wisdom teeth pushing against your other teeth can undo years of orthodontic work.
The longer you wait, the more complicated the removal becomes. Your jawbone gets denser. The roots of your wisdom teeth get longer and more anchored. Recovery takes longer too.
We’re not trying to scare you into unnecessary surgery. But if X-rays show problems brewing with your wisdom teeth, dealing with them sooner usually means an easier procedure and faster recovery.
Finding the Right Time for Your Oral Surgery
Some people need oral surgery right away – there’s an active infection, severe pain, or damage happening. But if your case isn’t urgent, you can plan around your schedule.
Students often choose to get wisdom teeth removed during summer break or winter holidays. That gives you recovery time before going back to school. Working adults might schedule it before a long weekend or during a slower period at work.
Just don’t put it off forever if we’ve told you removal is recommended. Dental problems rarely improve on their own.
Getting Started with Oral Surgery in NE Calgary
If you’re in Calgary and dealing with wisdom teeth problems – or any dental issue that might need oral surgery – give us a call. Dr. Brent MacDonald’s clinic is at 403-273-6959. We’re in Marlborough, easy to reach from anywhere in NE Calgary.
We’ll start with an exam and X-rays to see what’s going on. Then we’ll talk through your options. Maybe you need surgery now. Maybe we just need to keep an eye on things. Either way, you’ll know exactly where you stand.
We keep our hours convenient for people with busy schedules:
- Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 7:30 AM – 3:30 PM
- Wednesday: 9 AM – 5 PM
Early morning appointments mean you can get your dental work done before heading to work or school. We know your time is valuable.
Why Local Matters for Oral Surgery
When you need oral surgery, you want someone close by. If you have questions during recovery, you can reach us easily. If something doesn’t feel right, you’re not driving across Calgary for a follow-up appointment.
We know NE Calgary. We treat people from Marlborough, Temple, Pineridge, and throughout the northeast. We’re part of your community. When you come to our clinic, you’re not just another appointment – you’re a neighbor.
Dr. MacDonald has helped thousands of Calgary residents with their dental needs over his 25+ years of practice. That includes plenty of oral surgery cases. Experience brings confidence – both for the dentist doing the procedure and the patient receiving it.
The Bottom Line on Oral Surgery
Oral surgery sounds like a big deal. And sure, it’s more involved than a regular cleaning. But it’s also a solution to problems that won’t fix themselves.
Wisdom teeth causing issues? We can remove them. Tooth too damaged to save? We can extract it safely and discuss replacement options. Jaw problems? We can assess what’s going on and figure out the best approach.
You don’t need to live with dental pain or worry about what’s happening in your mouth. Call Dr. Brent MacDonald’s office in NE Calgary at 403-273-6959 or visit drbrentmacdonald.ca to book an appointment. Let’s figure out what you need and get your mouth back to feeling normal.
Because here’s the thing – dental problems don’t get better on their own. The sooner you deal with them, the better you’ll feel. And isn’t that what matters most?
Our Oral Surgery Services in Calgary
Wisdom teeth are the backmost molars. They come in later in life than other teeth, often erupting during our late teens or early adulthood.
