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Wisdom Teeth Removal

A procedure that helps prevent pain and future dental problems.

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Prevent Pain, Infection and Make Room for Other Teeth

Are your wisdom teeth causing discomfort or concerns? Removing wisdom teeth can stop pain and prevent infections. It also ensures your other teeth have enough space to grow properly.

In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about wisdom teeth, why they might need to be removed, and what to expect during and after the procedure.

What Are Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth are the last molars that grow at the back corners of your mouth during young adulthood. Despite their name, they don’t make us wiser! They usually appear between ages 17 and 25, which is why they’re called “wisdom teeth.”
Most adults have four wisdom teeth, but some have fewer or none at all due to genetics. Sometimes, people may have extra wisdom teeth, known as “supernumerary teeth.”

Why Do We Have Them?

We don’t really need wisdom teeth anymore. Our ancestors used them to chew tough, raw foods, but our diets have changed. Now, many people’s jaws aren’t big enough for all 32 adult teeth.

Because of this, about 35% of people don’t develop wisdom teeth at all. Maybe that’s a good thing since wisdom tooth removal is one of the most common procedures in Australia. For many young people, removing wisdom teeth is almost a rite of passage.

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Everything You Need to Know About Wisdom Teeth Removal

It’s normal to feel a bit nervous about wisdom tooth removal. But if your last set of teeth is causing trouble, taking them out might be the best solution. This can help stop pain, prevent infections, and make space for your other teeth. At Mona Vale Dental, we’ll explain everything you need to know about wisdom tooth extraction, so you can feel relaxed and ready for recovery.

Why Are Wisdom Teeth Removed?

Often, there’s not enough room in your mouth for wisdom teeth to fit properly. By the time they try to come through, your other molars have already taken up all the space. This can cause wisdom teeth to get stuck under the gums (called “impacted”) or grow at a bad angle.
Impacted or badly positioned wisdom teeth can cause several problems. Food and bacteria easily get trapped around them due to limited space, leading to plaque build-up. This makes it hard to clean the area properly, increasing the risk of tooth decay and infections. You might experience swollen and inflamed gums, known as pericoronitis, and even abscesses.

Sometimes, dentists remove wisdom teeth before they appear if X-rays show they could cause crowding. Signs that you may require wisdom tooth extraction:

Your mouth feels sore or tender, but you’re not sure where the pain is from
Swelling, redness, and pain in the gums at the back of your mouth
Frequent headaches or earaches without a clear cause
Bad breath due to infection and inflammation
Other teeth start to move because of crowding
Nearby teeth hurt or have fractures

Fillings or crowns on nearby teeth become loose or cracked

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How Wisdom Teeth Are Removed

There are two ways to remove wisdom teeth, depending on how difficult the case is and how many teeth need removing. The timeframe for extractions is generally anywhere between ten minutes to an hour. You can either do this under local anaesthetic (done by your dentist at the clinic) or have surgery with a general anaesthetic (performed by a specialist oral surgeon at a hospital).

Local Anaesthetic

This method is used for simple extractions at the dental clinic when the wisdom tooth has come through the gums without major problems. A local anaesthetic numbs the area while you stay awake, and the dentist removes the tooth just like a regular extraction.

General Anaesthetic

This surgery happens at a hospital under general anaesthetic, so you’re not awake during the procedure. It’s used for complex cases when the tooth is impacted, or extraction is tricky; the surgeon removes the tooth, cleans the area, and closes it with stitches.
What Age Is Best for Wisdom Teeth Removal?

What Age Is Best for Wisdom Teeth Removal?

The best age for wisdom teeth removal is usually between 18 and 25 when they start to appear. During your consultation, X-rays help decide if you need an extraction and the best way to do it. Remember, removal isn’t always necessary, especially if you have no problems.

If symptoms are mild, dentists might try other solutions, like antibiotics or a small cut to help the tooth grow properly. But if your dentist thinks removing your wisdom teeth will help, don’t delay, as waiting could cause future issues. If you’re unsure, feel free to get a second opinion.

Should You Remove Wisdom Teeth Before Braces or Invisalign?

Often, it’s best to remove wisdom teeth before starting braces or Invisalign. We usually suggest that people with impacted wisdom teeth wait to begin orthodontic treatment until after extraction to prevent further misalignment. Even if your wisdom teeth haven’t appeared yet but might cause problems, we might recommend removing them based on X-rays.
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Wisdom Teeth Removal During Pregnancy: Is It Safe?

Women should consider removing problematic wisdom teeth before becoming pregnant. Pregnancy can increase the risk of tooth decay and gum issues, so early removal might prevent complications.

However, it’s best to avoid wisdom tooth extraction during pregnancy unless it’s urgent due to severe pain or infection. Pregnant women should also avoid X-rays unless it’s an emergency; if needed, your dentist will use special protection to keep your baby safe.

The Cost of Wisdom Teeth Removal in Australia

The cost of wisdom teeth removal in Australia depends on factors like the number of teeth being extracted and the complexity of the case. Your dentist will provide an accurate estimate during your consultation, but here’s a general idea:

Single Tooth Removal

$250 – $500 under local anaesthetic.

Multiple Teeth Removal

$1,000 – $2,000 for removing four wisdom teeth under local anaesthetic.

Is Wisdom Teeth Removal Covered by Dental Insurance or Medicare?

Your private health insurance may cover part of the cost, depending on your policy and where the procedure is done (clinic or hospital). Ask your dentist or oral surgeon for the treatment item number, then check with your insurer to see how much they’ll cover.

Medicare doesn’t usually cover wisdom tooth extraction unless you’re eligible for public dental services, which may have waiting periods.

What to Do If You Can’t Afford Wisdom Teeth Removal in Australia

If you can’t afford wisdom teeth removal in Australia, you might be eligible for public dental services funded by the government. Eligibility depends on where you live and your circumstances.

For example, in NSW, all residents under 18 can access public dental services, while adults need a Health Care Card, Pensioner Concession Card, or Commonwealth Seniors Health Card. Keep in mind that waiting lists can be long, sometimes up to a year, which isn’t ideal if you’re in pain.

Wisdom Teeth Removal Recovery

There will be some discomfort, bleeding, and swelling for a few days after the procedure as your body works hard to heal damaged tissue. Thankfully, the puffy “chipmunk cheeks” and other symptoms will soon subside, and you can confidently go out into the world again.
We recommend taking a week off school, work, and other activities to focus on recovery. Most people are back to normal within this timeframe, however, it can take longer for complex cases to heal (especially if stitches have been used to seal the gums).
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Wisdom Teeth Removal Recovery
Recovery Tips: What to Expect After Wisdom Teeth Removal

Even if you feel fine, remember that it can take months for your mouth to heal fully. Avoid any activities that might loosen your stitches. It’s normal to have some pain, swelling, and bleeding, but if these are severe or last more than a week, contact your dentist. Most people recover without issues, but sometimes urgent care is needed if the wound gets infected.

After wisdom teeth removal, a blood clot should form in the empty socket to protect the bone and nerves. If this clot doesn’t form or becomes dislodged—a condition called a “dry socket”—problems can arise. Food can get trapped in the area, leading to infection and possible nerve damage if untreated.

Women taking oral contraceptives have a higher risk of developing a dry socket after wisdom teeth removal. This risk increases with higher oestrogen doses in the contraceptives. To reduce the risk, it’s best to schedule the extraction during days 23 to 28 of the contraceptive pill cycle when oestrogen levels are lower.

If you suspect an infection or dry socket, book an emergency visit with your dentist or oral surgeon. Treatment usually involves numbing and cleaning the area at the dental clinic, and hospitalisation isn’t usually needed.

Watch out for these signs after wisdom teeth removal:

  • Significant pain in your mouth, jaw, neck, or face
  • Excessive bleeding that doesn’t stop with pressure
  • Difficulty swallowing or breathing
  • Medication doesn’t ease discomfort
  • Fever
  • Blood, pus, or discharge from your nose

How to Prevent Complications After Wisdom Teeth Surgery

Taking care of yourself after wisdom teeth removal is key to a smooth recovery. Here are some simple tips to help you heal:

Keep Your Mouth Clean: Gently rinse with salt water as your dentist advises to keep the area clean.

Reduce Swelling and Pain: Take prescribed painkillers and use an ice pack to lessen swelling.

Avoid Certain Activities: Stay away from smoking, alcohol, using straws, spitting, and heavy exercise, as these can hinder healing or cause dry sockets.

Eat Soft Foods: For the first few days, stick to soft foods like soup, mashed potatoes, yoghurt, scrambled eggs, and smoothies. Avoid hot, spicy, or chewy foods.

Be Gentle with Oral Hygiene: Avoid brushing or flossing near the extraction site on the first day. Instead, rinse gently and let the water fall out without swishing or spitting.

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Contact Mona Vale Dental for Your Wisdom Teeth Removal

At Mona Vale Dental, we’re here to help you with wisdom teeth removal in Australia. Our friendly team understands your concerns and will guide you through every step. We aim to make the process as comfortable as possible, so you can get back to smiling without pain.

Don’t let wisdom teeth cause you trouble. Contact us today to book a consultation and take the first step towards a healthier, happier smile.

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Contact Mona Vale Dental for Your Wisdom Teeth Removal
Mona Vale Dental, your trusted dental care provider

We aim to make every visit to Mona Vale Dental one that you actually look forward to.

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  • Monday        8:30 am - 5:00 pm
     
  • Tuesday       8:30 am - 5:00 pm
     
  • Wednesday     8:30 am - 5:00 pm
     
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(02) 9997 1100

Level 1
8-10 Waratah St,
Mona Vale NSW 2103