Wisdom teeth removal is one of the most common dental procedures. It’s usually recommended when wisdom teeth are stuck, only partly through the gum, decayed or causing repeated infections. Healthy wisdom teeth that have fully come through and are easy to clean can often stay, and be checked at your regular visits.
This guide explains how to tell whether your wisdom teeth may need attention, what happens at an assessment and on the day of tooth extraction in North Sydney, how recovery usually goes, and what affects the cost.
What are wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the third molars at the very back of your mouth. According to healthdirect, they usually come through between about 18 and 25 years of age and are the last teeth to appear. You can have up to four, but some people have fewer, some have none, and some wisdom teeth never come through the gum at all.
Because they arrive last, there often isn’t enough room for them. A wisdom tooth may then come through at an angle, only partly break through the gum, or stay trapped against the tooth in front or in the jawbone. This is called an impacted wisdom tooth.
Signs your wisdom teeth may need attention
- pain, pressure or tenderness at the back of the jaw
- red, swollen or bleeding gum over a partly erupted tooth
- a bad taste or bad breath that keeps coming back
- difficulty opening your mouth fully
- food regularly getting trapped behind your back teeth
- decay in the wisdom tooth or the tooth in front of it
Some impacted wisdom teeth cause no symptoms at all and are only found on an X-ray. That’s one reason regular dental check-ups matter in your late teens and twenties.
When is wisdom teeth removal recommended?
Your dentist may recommend removal if a wisdom tooth:
- hasn’t come through properly or is impacted against the tooth in front or the bone
- causes repeated gum infections (pericoronitis)
- has decay that can’t reasonably be repaired, or is causing decay in the neighbouring tooth
- is associated with gum disease or bone loss around the back teeth
- is affected by a cyst
If your wisdom teeth are healthy, fully through, in a good position and easy to keep clean, your dentist may simply keep an eye on them. The decision depends on your mouth, your symptoms and what the X-rays show, and you can always ask for a second opinion.
Your wisdom teeth assessment
At your assessment, your dentist will ask about your symptoms and medical history, examine your mouth, and usually take a panoramic X-ray (OPG) showing all your teeth and jaws. If a lower wisdom tooth sits close to the nerve that supplies feeling to your lip and chin, a 3D scan may be suggested to plan treatment more precisely.
You’ll then be told whether removal is recommended, how simple or complex it is likely to be, the risks, your anaesthetic options and an itemised quote. Many wisdom teeth can be removed in the chair under local anaesthetic. More complex cases may be referred to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, and sometimes treated under sedation or general anaesthetic in a hospital or day surgery.
What happens on the day
- Numbing: a local anaesthetic numbs the tooth and surrounding area. If you feel anxious, ask about happy gas to help you relax.
- Removal: a fully erupted tooth may be removed much like any other tooth. An impacted tooth may need a small opening in the gum, removal of a little bone, or the tooth divided into sections so it can be taken out in pieces.
- Closing: the area is cleaned, stitches may be placed, and you’ll bite on gauze to help a blood clot form.
- Aftercare instructions: you’ll go home with written instructions and a way to contact us.
You should feel pressure but not sharp pain during the procedure. Let your dentist know straight away if you do, so more anaesthetic can be given.
Recovery after wisdom teeth removal
Everyone heals differently, but the first two to three days are usually the most uncomfortable, and swelling often peaks around day two or three. Most people feel much better within about a week, while the gum takes a few weeks to heal fully.
- Bite firmly on gauze for the first hour, and replace it if bleeding continues.
- For the first 24 hours, avoid rinsing, spitting, straws, hot drinks, alcohol and strenuous exercise.
- Hold a cold pack wrapped in a cloth on your cheek for 10–15 minutes at a time during the first day or two.
- Eat soft, cool foods and chew on the other side.
- From the next day, rinse gently with warm salty water after meals if your dentist recommends it.
- Brush your other teeth as normal and take care around the extraction site.
- Avoid smoking and vaping for as long as possible, as they increase the risk of dry socket.
- Use over-the-counter pain relief as recommended by your dentist or pharmacist, taken as directed on the pack.
Risks and when to call us
As with any surgical procedure, wisdom teeth removal carries risks. Your dentist will talk you through the ones that apply to you, which may include bleeding, swelling, bruising, infection, dry socket, jaw stiffness, and temporary numbness or tingling of the lip, chin or tongue. For upper wisdom teeth, there’s a small chance of an opening into the sinus.
Contact us if bleeding doesn’t slow after 30 minutes of firm pressure on gauze, if pain gets worse after the second or third day, if you have a fever, pus or a bad taste, if swelling is still increasing after day three, or if numbness hasn’t worn off by the next day. Call 000 or go to your nearest hospital emergency department if you have difficulty breathing or swallowing, or swelling that is spreading quickly. Out of hours, you can also call healthdirect on 1800 022 222.
How much does wisdom teeth removal cost?
The cost depends on how many teeth need removing, how impacted they are, whether a surgical extraction is needed, the X-rays or scans required, the anaesthetic or sedation you choose, and whether treatment is done in the chair or in hospital. After your assessment, you’ll receive an itemised quote so you can check it with your health fund.
Medicare generally doesn’t cover wisdom teeth removal in a dental clinic. Extras cover may pay benefits towards oral surgery, and hospital cover may help with hospital and anaesthetist costs if treatment is done in hospital, depending on your policy and waiting periods. See our price guide or ask about payment plans.
Frequently asked questions
Do all wisdom teeth need to be removed?
No. Wisdom teeth that are healthy, fully through the gum, in a good position and easy to clean can often stay. Your dentist will monitor them at your check-ups and recommend removal only if there is a problem or a high risk of one.
Is wisdom teeth removal done under general anaesthetic?
Many wisdom teeth are removed in the dental chair under local anaesthetic, sometimes with happy gas to help you relax. More complex cases may be referred to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon and treated under sedation or general anaesthetic in hospital.
How long does it take to recover from wisdom teeth removal?
The first two to three days are usually the most uncomfortable. Most people feel much better within about a week, and the gum heals over a few weeks. Your recovery depends on how complex the removal was.
Can I have all four wisdom teeth removed at once?
Often, yes, depending on your health, how complex each tooth is and your anaesthetic choice. Your dentist will discuss whether one visit or several suits you better.
Book a wisdom teeth assessment
North Sydney Dentistry is at Level 1, Suite 102/71 Walker St, North Sydney, a two-minute walk from North Sydney station. We’re open Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm. Call (02) 8090 1108 or book online.
This article is general information only and is not a substitute for advice from your own dentist or doctor. Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
