Wisdom Teeth Extraction
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Wisdom Teeth Extraction for Lasting Comfort and Oral Health
Wisdom teeth are often the last teeth to arrive, and for most people, they cause more trouble than they're worth. At Eastern Dental Group in Wantirna South, our experienced dentists provide safe, gentle wisdom teeth extraction, from straightforward chairside removals to referral for more complex surgical cases, with your comfort looked after at every step.
Call us to book your wisdom teeth assessment.
Experiencing wisdom tooth pain? We offer prompt appointments for patients in discomfort.
Wisdom Teeth Extraction Package
Our wisdom teeth extraction package covers the assessment, X-rays, and removal of your wisdom teeth by our experienced dental team, giving you clarity on your investment before you begin treatment.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are the last teeth to come through, usually between the ages of 17 and 25. Most people have four, one in each corner of the mouth, although some have fewer, and a small number of people never develop them at all.
Modern jaws tend to be smaller than those of our ancestors, so there's often simply not enough room for wisdom teeth to come through properly. As a result, most wisdom teeth erupt at an angle, only partially break through the gum, or remain trapped beneath the gum and bone entirely, a situation known as impacted wisdom teeth.
Common Reasons Wisdom Teeth Are Removed
Impaction
A tooth that can't emerge properly due to limited space or an awkward angle can cause pain, pressure, and damage to the teeth around it.
Recurring gum infection
A partially erupted tooth creates a flap of gum tissue that traps food and bacteria, leading to swelling, pain, and bad breath that tends to return until the tooth is removed.
Damage to neighbouring teeth
Wisdom teeth growing at an angle can press against the second molars, damaging their roots over time.
Decay
Positioned at the very back of the mouth, wisdom teeth are hard to clean thoroughly, making them and the teeth beside them prone to decay.
Crowding
Pressure from erupting wisdom teeth can contribute to crowding and shifting of the front teeth over time.
Cyst formation
Impacted teeth can occasionally develop fluid-filled cysts in the jaw bone, which may cause bone loss if left untreated.
Signs Your Wisdom Teeth May Need Attention
Book an assessment with our team if you notice any of the following:
- Persistent aching or throbbing at the back of the jaw
- Swollen, red, or bleeding gums around the back teeth
- Swelling of the jaw or face on one or both sides
- Difficulty or discomfort opening your mouth or chewing
- Ongoing bad breath or an unpleasant taste near the back of the mouth
- A back tooth that's only partially visible through the gum
- Pressure or crowding felt in the front teeth
- Pain that radiates to the ear, jaw, or temple
Not every problem wisdom tooth causes pain, particularly fully impacted teeth beneath the gum line. X-rays taken during your regular check-up and clean allow our dentists to assess the position of your wisdom teeth and flag concerns before symptoms appear.
Your Wisdom Teeth Extraction Journey
Consultation & Assessment
Your dentist carries out a thorough examination and takes X-rays to assess the position, angle, and depth of your wisdom teeth. We'll explain what we find, discuss your options, and outline the procedure clearly, with no pressure or obligation to proceed.
Choosing the Right Approach
Chairside extraction under local anaesthetic suits teeth that are accessible and straightforward to remove, performed in our practice with the area fully numbed beforehand. Hospital extraction under general anaesthetic may be recommended for more complex, deeply impacted cases, or for patients who prefer to be asleep for the procedure.
The Extraction
A simple extraction is generally completed within 20–40 minutes. A surgical extraction may involve a small incision and dissolvable stitches, and can take longer depending on complexity. Detailed aftercare instructions are provided before you leave.
Recovery
Recovery time varies with the complexity of the extraction. Most patients are back to normal daily activities within a few days, with full gum healing over the following weeks.
What to Expect During Recovery
Aftercare — What to Do & What to Avoid
Do
- Bite firmly on gauze for 30–60 minutes after your procedure
- Take pain relief as recommended by your dentist
- Eat soft foods for the first few days
- Rinse gently with warm salt water from 24 hours after
- Rest and avoid strenuous activity for 24–48 hours
Avoid
- Smoking, which increases the risk of dry socket
- Drinking through a straw
- Alcohol, which can delay healing
- Hard, crunchy, or chewy foods
- Vigorous rinsing or spitting in the first 24 hours
If you experience worsening pain after day two, a bad taste, or visible exposed bone in the socket, contact Eastern Dental Group promptly on (03) 9887 0822, as these can be signs of dry socket, which needs prompt attention.
Why Choose Eastern Dental Group?
Thorough pre-operative assessment
We assess every wisdom tooth carefully with X-rays before treatment, so we can select the safest, most appropriate approach for your case.
In-house and hospital options
Straightforward and moderate extractions are handled in-house under local anaesthetic, with hospital referral arranged for complex surgical cases.
Experienced, gentle dentists
Dr Richard Gysberts, Dr Jamie Do, and Dr Brendan Moroney bring years of experience to every extraction, with a focus on keeping you comfortable throughout.
Comprehensive ongoing care
After your extraction, we continue to look after your oral health, from routine check-ups and cleans to restorative treatment if needed.
Private Health Insurance
Wisdom teeth extraction is generally covered under major dental extras policies in Australia, though the amount of cover varies between funds and plans. Patients are encouraged to check their specific policy details. Eastern Dental Group does not participate in preferred provider schemes, meaning all treatment recommendations are made based entirely on your clinical needs. Transparent fee information, including an itemised treatment plan, is provided before any treatment begins.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are wisdom teeth and why do they cause problems?
Wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars, usually appearing between the ages of 17 and 25. Most modern jaws don't have enough room for them, so they often come through at an angle, only partly break the gum, or stay trapped beneath it entirely, a situation known as impaction. This can lead to pain, swelling, infection, crowding, and damage to nearby teeth.
How do I know if my wisdom teeth need to come out?
Watch for aching at the back of the jaw, swollen or bleeding gums, difficulty opening your mouth, ongoing bad breath, or pressure on your other teeth. Not every problem tooth causes obvious symptoms, though, which is why a check-up with X-rays at Eastern Dental Group is the most reliable way to find out.
Is wisdom tooth removal painful?
The extraction itself is carried out under local anaesthetic, so the area is completely numb and you shouldn't feel pain during the procedure, only pressure. Some soreness, swelling and jaw stiffness for a few days afterward is normal and is generally well managed with over-the-counter pain relief and the aftercare advice our team provides.
Do all four wisdom teeth need to be removed together?
Not always. It depends on how each tooth is positioned and whether it's causing or likely to cause problems. Some patients have all four taken out in one visit for convenience, while others only need one or two removed, with the rest simply monitored. Your dentist will assess each tooth individually and talk you through the right plan for you.
What is dry socket?
Dry socket happens when the blood clot protecting the extraction site is dislodged or breaks down before the area has healed, exposing the bone underneath. It causes a sharp, throbbing pain that usually develops a few days after extraction. Avoiding smoking, straws, and vigorous rinsing in the first 24 hours lowers the risk. Contact Eastern Dental Group promptly if you're concerned.
How long is recovery after wisdom teeth extraction?
Most patients are back to normal daily activities within two to three days after a straightforward extraction. Swelling tends to peak around 48 hours and settles over the following days, with the gum tissue fully healed within two to four weeks. More complex or surgical extractions can take a little longer to settle.
Is wisdom tooth removal covered by private health insurance?
Many major dental extras policies in Australia provide some cover for wisdom tooth extraction, though the amount varies between funds, and annual limits or waiting periods may apply. Our team can provide an itemised treatment plan so you can check your benefit with your insurer before going ahead.
More at Eastern Dental Group
Ready to sort out your wisdom teeth?
Call our friendly team or book online, we'd love to help you find a time that works.