Your wisdom teeth (also known as your third molars) are the last to come through at the back of your mouth. They typically grow through in your late teens or early twenties.
They can often cause issues due to the lack of room in your mouth, causing them to either partially emerge or emerge at an odd angle, known as impacted wisdom teeth.
If this happens and you don’t get the necessary treatment, you may experience significant wisdom tooth pain and other mouth-related complications. Wisdom tooth removal in Sydney may potentially help address these issues effectively.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the last set of molars that typically emerge between the ages of 17 and 25. Most people have four wisdom teeth, one in each corner of the mouth.
Due to their late emergence and the often limited space available in the mouth, wisdom teeth can cause a variety of dental problems, including impaction, infection, and overcrowding.
A partially erupted wisdom tooth can trap food and bacteria, leading to gum tissue infections and swollen gums. These issues can affect your overall dental health and may require intervention by an oral surgeon.
There are several benefits to having impacted wisdom teeth removed, not just pain relief.
What are the Benefits of Removing Wisdom Teeth?
There are several health benefits to having your impacted wisdom teeth removed, not just pain relief. If left untreated, impacted wisdom teeth can cause many issues:
- Infection and Inflammation: Impacted wisdom teeth can trap food and bacteria, leading to gum disease and tooth decay. The resulting infection and inflammation can spread to other areas, causing significant discomfort and potential damage to your oral health.
- Molar Damage: The pressure from wisdom teeth can damage adjacent molars. This can result in cracks or fractures in the nearby teeth, which may require further dental treatments such as fillings or crowns.
- Cysts: Impacted wisdom teeth can cause cysts or tumours, which can damage the jawbone and surrounding teeth. These cysts can grow and cause further complications, making it essential to address them early.
- Teeth Crowding: Wisdom teeth can push other teeth out of alignment, leading to overcrowding. This misalignment can affect your bite and lead to further dental problems, such as difficulty in cleaning between teeth and an increased risk of cavities.
- Cavities: Partially erupted wisdom teeth are prone to decay due to difficulty in cleaning. This can lead to cavities in the wisdom teeth themselves or in the neighbouring teeth.
- Sinus Issues: Upper wisdom teeth can cause sinus pain, pressure, and congestion. This can lead to chronic sinus infections and discomfort that affects your overall well-being.
A thorough assessment by a dental professional is required to determine if you would be a good candidate for wisdom teeth removal.
Am I a Good Candidate for
Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Determining if you are a good candidate for wisdom teeth removal involves a thorough assessment by our dental professionals. Factors we consider include:
- Tooth Position: The location and alignment of your wisdom teeth in relation to neighbouring teeth and jaw structures.
- Symptoms: Presence of pain, swelling, infection, or other dental problems related to your wisdom teeth.
- Overall Health: Your general health and any medical conditions that might affect the healing process or increase the risk of complications.
We will evaluate your specific situation and discuss the potential risks and benefits of wisdom teeth removal with you. It’s important to understand all your options so you can make an informed decision.
When Do I Need My Wisdom Teeth Removed?
It’s not always easy to know when you need a wisdom tooth extraction. However, some common signs indicate it might be time to consider wisdom teeth removal oral surgery:
- Wisdom Tooth Pain: Persistent pain at the back of your mouth could be a sign of impacted teeth. This pain may come and go, but it often becomes more consistent as the condition worsens.
- Swollen Gums: Red, swollen, or bleeding gums around the wisdom tooth area can indicate an infection. This can make it difficult to eat or speak comfortably and may lead to further complications if left untreated.
- Infection: Recurring infections in the gum tissue near your wisdom teeth can indicate that they need to be removed. These infections can cause significant pain and may spread to other areas of your mouth or body.
- Damage to Neighbouring Teeth: Wisdom teeth pushing against neighbouring teeth can cause damage or shifting. This can result in misaligned teeth and may require orthodontic treatment to correct.
- Cysts or Tumours: The formation of cysts around impacted wisdom teeth can be a serious issue. These cysts can grow and cause significant damage to the surrounding bone and teeth, making early intervention crucial.
What is the Wisdom Teeth Removal Procedure at The Dentist at 70 Pitt St in Sydney?
Consultation
During your initial consultation, we will analyse your wisdom teeth for any infection and take a scan of your teeth to plan the safest way to remove them for you.
This helps in assessing the position and health of your wisdom teeth and nearby teeth. These scans provide a detailed view of your dental structure, allowing us to identify any potential complications and plan the procedure accordingly.
Procedure
A simple wisdom tooth removal process can be done fairly quickly (no longer than 20 minutes); however, if there are problematic wisdom teeth, the process is more complicated, it may take more time. Wisdom teeth extraction is typically carried out under local or general anaesthesia (depending on your preference).
In some cases, a surgical or invasive procedure may be required, especially if the teeth are impacted or located near vital structures such as nerves or sinuses.
Recovery
The recovery time for wisdom teeth removal will vary and typically depends on whether it was a simple wisdom tooth removal or surgical wisdom tooth removal.
You will likely have swelling and mild discomfort for approximately three days after, and it’s essential that you avoid eating hard foods and carrying out any physical activity, as this may dislodge the clot in the surgical areas.
You should stick to soft foods for the first 24-48 hours after the procedure, gradually introducing more solid foods as your recovery progresses.
Following the proper healing process is crucial for avoiding complications. Our team will provide detailed aftercare instructions to help you manage pain, reduce swelling, and ensure a smooth recovery.
It’s important to note that while wisdom teeth removal is a common procedure, like any surgery, it carries some risks. These may include infection, dry socket, nerve damage, or sinus complications. However, these risks are generally low when the procedure is performed by experienced professionals.
How Much Does Wisdom Teeth
Removal Cost in Sydney?
Your wisdom tooth extraction cost in Sydney will vary depending on the number of teeth you’re having removed, how complicated the procedure is, and whether or not you have the surgery carried out under IV sedation. However, the starting cost of wisdom teeth removal at The Dentist at 70 Pitt St is as follows:
- Wisdom Tooth Removal Sydney – $300 – $700 per tooth.
- IV Sedation – $750 per hour and $250 per 30 minutes afterward.
Please note that a non-refundable deposit of $200 is required when an appointment is made or is due no later than two weeks prior to the appointment. We provide a detailed cost estimate during your initial consultation to help you plan accordingly. Our team will also discuss payment options and any potential insurance coverage that may apply.
Why Choose Us To Remove Wisdom Teeth in Sydney?
At The Dentist at 70 Pitt Street, whether you’re having a simple teeth clean or more complicated dental implants, we pride ourselves on providing a professional, friendly customer experience at all times.
We care about your dental health and know it’s an essential part of your overall health care, which is why we try to make every visit to us as pleasant an experience as possible.
Our other restorative treatment services:
- Fillings
- Crowns and bridges
- Dental implants
- Extractions
- Emergency care
Meet Our Team
Click here to find out more information about our team of experts:
Dr. Catherine-Anne Walsh
Dentist
Christine
Fischer-Stoess
Hygienist
Dr Catrina Carroll
Dentist
Dr Vinaya Sunkersett
Dentist
Roya Broojerdi (Faridi)
Dental Hygienist
Dr. Yvonne Chow
Dentist - Sedation
FAQs
Below, you can find more FAQs about wisdom teeth removal in Sydney, but if you need any more information, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Or you can use the online form to book
an appointment.
Unfortunately, in Australia, the cost of having wisdom teeth removed is not routinely covered by Medicare, so there will be an out-of-pocket fee to pay. However, Medicare will cover the cost of the surgery if it’s deemed medically necessary.
Yes, it is very safe to have all four wisdom teeth removed at the same time. In fact, it’s encouraged if possible because having all your wisdom teeth removed at the same time reduces recovery time and cuts down on the risk of developing dry sockets and infections.
There is no single 'best age' to have your wisdom teeth extracted. While the preferred age range is often between 18 and 24, the decision is based on individual circumstances and can be made at any age if the teeth are causing issues. Extraction is typically easier and recovery may be faster when done at a younger age, but a wisdom tooth can be safely extracted at any time if necessary.
The procedure itself is performed under anaesthesia, so you should not feel pain during the extraction. However, you may experience discomfort and swelling after the procedure, which can be managed with prescribed pain medications and proper aftercare. Your dental surgeon will ensure you are comfortable and provide guidance on managing post-operative pain.
There are a few steps that you can take to speed up recovery after wisdom teeth surgery: Ice the area that your wisdom teeth were removed from, take all of the prescribed pain medication, keep your mouth clean, eat soft foods as much as possible, and get as much rest as you can. Following these steps will help reduce swelling, manage pain, and promote faster healing.
The most common complications of removing wisdom teeth are pain, swelling, infection, and bleeding. However, all of these complications either eventually resolve by themselves or can be treated with anti-inflammatories or antibiotics. It is important to follow your dental surgeon’s post-operative care instructions to minimise these risks.
You may need wisdom teeth removal if you experience persistent pain at the back of your mouth, swollen gums, or recurrent infections in the gum tissue near your wisdom teeth. Damage to neighbouring teeth and the formation of cysts or tumours around impacted wisdom teeth are also indicators that removal might be necessary. A consultation with a dental professional will provide a clear assessment.
Even if you don't have pain, it may still be necessary to remove your wisdom teeth. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause problems even without symptoms, such as damaging nearby teeth, causing infections, or leading to cysts. Regular dental check-ups and X-rays can help determine if removal is necessary to prevent future complications. It's best to consult with your dentist to assess your specific situation.
General Information Disclaimer: The content provided here is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your health professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. The information on this site is general in nature and may not reflect current medical developments or research. Your reliance on any information provided by this site is solely at your own risk.
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Choose which Practitioner you would like to see, as well as select if the appointment is to be with the dentist or a visit with the hygienist to have your teeth cleaned. If you can not find a time that suits you, please call us on 02 9233 3399 and we will accommodate you.