The Complete Guide to Wisdom Teeth: When to Remove Them and What to Expect
Wisdom teeth sit at the very back of the mouth and usually appear in the late teens or early twenties. They can come through cleanly and cause no trouble. They can also wedge against the tooth in front, stay trapped under gum or bone, and set off cycles of soreness and infection. Do all wisdom teeth need removing? No. The right choice depends on symptoms, anatomy, and risk.
When removal is worth it
Dentists look for patterns that suggest future problems. Repeated gum infections around a partially erupted tooth, cavities that are hard to reach, cysts on an X-ray, or damage to the molar ahead are common triggers for treatment. Pressure on braces or minor crowding alone is rarely a reason to act. An orthopantomogram, often called an OPG, maps the roots, the jaw nerve, and the sinus. A 3D scan is used for complex cases.
The late teens and early twenties are often the easiest time to remove impacted teeth because the roots are shorter and the bone is more forgiving. Your dentist weighs benefits against risks in your specific mouth.
|
Sign or finding |
What it often points to |
|---|---|
|
Swollen gum flap |
Recurrent infection and food trapping |
|
Decay on the back of the second molar |
Ongoing hygiene access problem |
|
Cyst on imaging |
Removal and dentist review |
Search interest for wisdom teeth Melbourne often rises in school holidays.
How the decision is made
Assessment includes a full exam and imaging. The dentist checks mouth opening, root shape, and proximity to the inferior alveolar nerve or the maxillary sinus. Medical history matters. Blood thinning medicines, smoking, and past infections can change timing and aftercare. Not sure whether to see a dentist or your regular dentist? Start with your dentist. They will refer you if angulation, depth, or nerve proximity makes dentist care safer.
Anaesthesia and what to expect on the day
Most extractions are done under local anaesthetic with or without oral sedation. Some clinics offer IV sedation with a trained doctor present. The procedure involves opening the gum, removing a small window of bone if needed, dividing the tooth, then placing dissolving stitches. Timing varies, and your plan should be explained before you consent.
Many metropolitan clinics advertise wisdom teeth removal Melbourne as routine surgical care. Choose based on training, communication, and after-hours support, not advertising alone.
Recovery timeline and self-care
The first 24 hours set the tone. Rest with your head up, apply cold packs off and on, and keep the dressing in place as directed. Small oozing is normal. Paracetamol and ibuprofen, taken together as advised, handle most pain.
Swelling peaks at 48 to 72 hours then eases. Eat soft foods such as yoghurt, eggs, and pasta. Avoid smoking and alcohol. Start gentle salt water rinses the next day and keep the area clean with a soft brush.
Dry socket is the most common bump in the road. It feels like deep, throbbing pain a few days after surgery and needs dressing by your dentist. Infection, jaw stiffness, and prolonged bleeding are less common. Permanent nerve changes are rare and are discussed with you if the roots sit close to the nerve on imaging.
Costs, rebates, and value
Fees vary with the number of teeth, depth of impaction, type of anaesthesia, and where the surgery is performed. Hospital and anaesthetist fees can sit outside the dental bill. Private health extras may cover part of the fee if your policy includes oral surgery. Medicare rebates are limited and usually relate to hospital treatment, not the dental fees themselves. To scan the market you might search wisdom teeth removal cost Melbourne, but the figure that matters is the written quote for your case.
Ask for item numbers, the setting of care, and who will be present during sedation. Check whether review visits and dressing changes are included. Beware of packages that look low at first glance but add charges for scans, sedation, or theatre.
Many people ask about the cost of wisdom teeth removal Melbourne because fees can differ between suburban rooms and CBD hospitals. If your needs are straightforward, a dentist with surgical training may be the most efficient path.
Picking the right clinic
Read the pre- and post-op guides, ask about after-hours contact, and confirm someone will check on you the next day. If convenience counts, that is reasonable too, and a quick search for wisdom teeth removal near me can help shortlist options close to home.
Community boards often promote deals like cheap wisdom teeth removal Melbourne. Low price does not always mean lower standards, but do verify qualifications, sedation credentials, and emergency plans before you commit.
Every plan is individual. Many people will never need their third molars removed. Others will benefit from timely surgery that prevents repeat infections and protects neighbouring teeth. Want a plain summary of next steps? Book a check-up, request an OPG, and ask for a written plan with risks, benefits, alternatives, and total costs.