Wisdom Tooth Removal
Assessment and removal of wisdom teeth that are causing pain, infection or crowding, or that cannot come through properly, planned after an X-ray.
Part of our department: Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
What to expect
Not every wisdom tooth needs to come out. Your dentist examines the area and takes an X-ray to see the position of the tooth and its roots, then explains whether removal is advised, the alternatives, and what the procedure involves. Many wisdom teeth are removed in the chair under local anaesthetic; a tooth that is impacted may need a small surgical procedure. Your dentist tells you what to expect for your tooth and how long the visit will take.
Aftercare basics
Your dentist gives you written aftercare before you leave. The basics usually include biting on gauze for a while, resting for the rest of the day, soft food, no smoking and no vigorous rinsing on the first day, and gentle salt-water rinses after that. Some swelling and discomfort for a few days is common. If bleeding does not stop, swelling keeps increasing or you develop a fever, contact us; for heavy bleeding or difficulty breathing, go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
Five questions
The questions people ask before this treatment. Anything else, ask us on WhatsApp.
Do all wisdom teeth need to be removed?
No. Wisdom teeth that are healthy, fully through and easy to clean can often stay. Your dentist advises removal when a tooth is causing problems or is likely to.
Is wisdom tooth removal a major procedure?
Most are routine procedures done in the chair under local anaesthetic. An impacted tooth may need a minor surgical procedure. Your dentist explains which applies to you after the X-ray.
How long is recovery?
Many people feel better within a few days, and swelling usually eases over the first week. It depends on the tooth and how it was removed; your dentist tells you what to expect.
Does my insurance cover this?
That depends on your plan and on why the treatment is needed. Send a photo of your insurance card on WhatsApp and we check your cover before your visit. Any fees are confirmed with you before treatment.
Which dentist will I see?
All three of our dentists work across this treatment. Tell us what you need and we book you with the right person, or name the dentist you would like to see.
