Wisdom Teeth Removal Perth

Wisdom teeth are no different to the rest of our teeth, other than that they are the last teeth to erupt (push through the gums in our mouths). If they are aligned properly and don’t cause any problems, they are just as useful as the rest of your teeth. However, wisdom teeth often cause problems, which is why many have them removed.

Also known as your third molars, your wisdom teeth sit in the back of your mouth. There are two at the top and two at the bottom on each side (left and right).

Your wisdom teeth usually appear between the ages of 18 to 25.

Sometimes there may not be any symptoms. This is why we recommend all individuals between the ages of 16 to 19 visit their dentist and have an x-ray taken. For some, there can be pain and tenderness in the gums, particularly if there is not enough space in your mouth for the teeth to come through or if tooth alignment is a problem. Sometimes, if impaction is prolonged, an infection may occur.

If your wisdom teeth are hurting, it’s likely that they will need to be removed to remedy the pain and ongoing problems. In the interim, speak your dentist about appropriate pain-relieving medication.

Wisdom tooth extraction is a major surgical procedure involving cutting, anaesthesia and stitches. That being said, it’s a common procedure most people undergo and there’s no need to be frightened. We do, however, recommend you choose a dental surgeon that is thoroughly experienced in wisdom tooth removal. On the day of the surgery, some patients only require local anaesthetic and, psychologically are comfortable with this arrangement. For others who are more anxious, light sedation or IV sedation / general anesthetic (sleeping) may be required. Talk to your dentist about the most appropriate course of action for you.

A dentist or an oral maxillofacial surgeon can remove your wisdom teeth. It depends on your pathology and other factors, such as whether you’re having all four teeth removed at once and how complicated your surgery is predicted to be. Discuss these issues with your dentist.

The wisdom teeth extraction procedure usually takes around an hour. Depending on how impacted your wisdom teeth are, you may be sore for up to a week or two afterwards. Generally, it is recommended you take two to four days off work.

We always ensure you are given plenty of anaesthetic for your procedure, so there should be no pain during the extractions. If you are concerned about pain or discomfort, you may choose to have twilight sedation or even go to hospital and have the extractions performed by an oral maxillofacial surgeon under general anaesthetic.

After your procedure, there will be some pain, swelling and discomfort. We recommend you rest quietly at home and take your prescribed painkillers for at least 2 to 4 days.

After you’ve had your wisdom teeth removed, make sure you keep your mouth clean. Rinse very gently for the first day. After this time, you can start brushing very gently – and rinsing your mouth out approximately six times a day with a cup of warm water mixed with a teaspoon of salt.

Not everyone needs their wisdom teeth removed. If your wisdom teeth are correctly aligned in your mouth and are not causing you problems such as pain, crowding (alignment problems) or infection, there is no need to do anything. However, if they are impacted, infected or causing other problems, your dentist may recommend you have them removed – sooner – rather than later.

Discuss this issue with your dentist, as every patient is different. However, generally speaking, if wisdom teeth need to be removed, we recommend they are taken out sooner rather than later. The longer they stay in your mouth after the age of 18, the denser the bone around the wisdom teeth becomes, making removal more difficult. Also, it’s best to avoid the potential for impaction or infection later on in life.

Soft foods are recommended after surgery, for example, yoghurt, jelly, ice cream, mashed potatoes, soup, porridge or milkshakes.

Prices vary depending on what’s involved. If only one wisdom tooth needs removal, prices start from $250. If all four wisdom teeth need to be removed, prices are around $1200 for in-chair removal with local anaesthetic or $2000 for in-chair removal with sedation.

We recommend you take two to four days off work, depending on how involved your surgery was. There may be some swelling for up to two weeks after the procedure.