Wisdom Teeth Removal Melbourne

Wisdom Teeth Surgery is one of our core specialties.

We are experts in this type of dental procedure and have extensive experience treating people of all ages, particularly young adults who tend to require it more than others.

Having wisdom teeth extractions can be quite unnerving, but our caring and compassionate approach will put you at ease long before you sit in the dentist's chair.

All our surgical procedures are completed at our dental clinic using state-of-the-art equipment. So, rest assured, whenever you need us, you'll be in good hands.

To Keep or Not to Keep : Wisdom Teeth Removal in Melbourne

Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to erupt usually between the ages of 17 and 25 years. They develop behind the 2nd molar tooth and have no deciduous predecessor. With sufficient space they erupt into a favourable position in alignment with the other dentition. However, if they are impacted an x-ray will assist your dentist in assessing their potential for harm.

What is an Impacted Wisdom Tooth?

A tooth becomes impacted due to lack of space in the dental arch in its eruption path. It is therefore impeded by gum, bone or another tooth. Lack of space occurs because our jaws have become smaller through evolution and the size of our teeth has not decreased much.

What are the Indications for Removing Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth generally cause problems when they erupt partially through the gum. The most common reasons for removal surgery after an initial wisdom teeth consultation are:

  • Tooth Decay :

    Saliva, bacteria and food particles can collect around an impacted wisdom tooth, causing it, or other teeth to decay. It is very difficult to remove such decay. Pain and infection will usually follow.

  • Gum Infection (Pericoronitis) :

    When a wisdom tooth is partially erupted food and bacteria collect under the gum causing a local infection. This may result in bad breath, pain, swelling and trismus (inability to open the mouth fully). This infection can spread to involve the ear, cheek and neck. Once the initial episode occurs, each subsequent attack becomes more frequent and more severe.

  • Pressure Pains :

    Pain may also come from the pressure of the erupting wisdom tooth against other teeth. In some cases this pressure may cause the erosion of these teeth.

  • Prosthetic Reasons :

    Patients who are to have dentures should have any wisdom tooth removed. If a wisdom tooth erupts beneath a denture it will cause severe irritation and if removed, the patient will need to have a new denture constructed, as the shape of the gum will have changed.

  • Cyst Formation :

    A cyst (fluid filled sac) can develop from the soft tissue around an impacted wisdom tooth. Cysts cause bone destruction, jaw expansion and displacement or damage to nearby teeth. The removal of the tooth and cyst is necessary to prevent further bone loss. Rarely, tumours may develop within these cysts or the jaw may fracture spontaneously if the cyst grows very large.

  • Orthodontic Reasons :

    Many younger patients have had prolonged orthodontic treatment to straighten teeth. Lower and upper wisdom teeth may cause movement of teeth particularly the front teeth when they try to erupt and this will compromise the orthodontic result.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Impacted wisdom teeth are almost certain to cause problems if left in place. This is particularly true of the lower wisdom teeth. Such problems may occur suddenly, and often at the most inconvenient times.

  • Description text goes heIt is now recommended by specialists that impacted wisdom teeth be removed between the ages of 14 to 22 years if it predicted that they are likely to cause harm at some time in the future. Surgery is technically easier and patients recover much quicker when they are younger. What is a relatively minor operation at 20 can become quite difficult in patients over 40. Also, the risk of complications increases with age, and the healing process is slow.

  • Generally, no. Surgery in the presence of infection can cause infection to spread and become more serious. Firstly, the infection must be controlled by local oral hygiene, antibiotics and sometimes the extraction of the opposing wisdom tooth.

  • If you type 'wisdom teeth removal Melbourne' into Google, you will find a range of prices quoted. Many by general dentist practices and not specialists in this type of extraction process.

    But the truth is, the cost of the treatment will depend on factors like the complexity of the work that needs to be done, whether you have tooth decay, and how many wisdom teeth will have to be removed.

    After a thorough examination of your teeth and overall oral health during your initial consultation, we will provide you with a detailed quote based on your individual requirements.

  • Unfortunately, Medicare does not cover the cost of a wisdom tooth extraction procedure, so you will incur out-of-pocket expenses if you need this type of dental work or removal surgery to be performed.

    However, some private health insurance will cover the cost of wisdom teeth removal in Melbourne, and we also have flexible payment plans that can help you fund the treatment.

  • Once your wisdom teeth removal procedure has been completed, there are some things you should and should not do - particularly within the 24-hour period that immediately follows the surgery.

    You are advised to get plenty of rest and keep your head elevated as much as possible. You should also apply cold packs, eat soft foods, and keep yourself hydrated as much as possible to facilitate fewer complications.

    If you are experiencing severe pain, you can take prescribed medication, although you should make an emergency appointment with your dentist immediately.

    You are advised not to eat hard or hot foods, smoke, drink alcohol, and limit your physical activity. Additionally, you should refrain from spitting.

  • If patients are given local anesthesia while we are performing wisdom teeth extractions, they may be awake during the removal process.

    However, if you have severely impacted teeth or are in intense pain, you may be recommended  to have a general anaesthesia.

    We're here for every smile. To find out how we can help you or book an appointment, please feel free to get in touch today.

We’re here for every smile. To find out how we can help you or book an appointment, please feel free to get in touch today.