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Wisdom Teeth Removal

Wisdom teeth sometimes require extractions due to varying reasons, such as impaction, crowding and decay. Here at Strathalbyn Family Dental, we will begin with a thorough dental and medical examination.  We will then discuss the best way forward with you, given your specific situation. Whether it be simply monitoring, doing the extraction with us under local anaesthetic, or giving you a referral to a specialist for sedation, the decision to remove the wisdom teeth will always be yours. 

When we remove your wisdom teeth, we will prioritise your comfort throughout the whole procedure. We will then guide you through the recovery process, giving you advice on how to take care of the area and what to watch out for.

What to Expect

01

Assessment

We begin with a full dental and medical examination, including x-rays to get a clear picture of how your wisdom teeth are sitting in the bone. This helps us understand what needs to be done.

02

Your options

We will talk through the findings in plain language and explain the available paths forward. Some wisdom teeth are best left alone, some are easily removed in our practice, and some are best referred to a specialist. The choice is always yours.

03

The extraction

If you proceed with an extraction at our practice, we prioritise your comfort throughout. A local anaesthetic is used to fully numb the area before we begin. Most patients find the procedure more straightforward than they expected.

04

Recovery

After your extraction, we will give you clear instructions on how to look after the area, what to eat and avoid, and what signs to watch for. Most people recover well within a few days to a week. We are always available if you have any questions during that time.

Frequently Asked Questions

No. Many people have wisdom teeth that come through without causing any issues and never need removal. In some cases, monitoring is perfectly appropriate.

Common signs include pain or pressure at the back of the jaw, swelling or redness around the gum, difficulty opening your mouth, or recurring infections in the area. Some problematic wisdom teeth cause no symptoms at all, which is why x-rays are an important part of any assessment. If you are unsure, come in for a check, and we will give you a clear answer.

The extraction itself should not be painful. A local anaesthetic is used to fully numb the area before we begin. Some pressure and movement are normal during the procedure, but you should not feel sharp pain. Afterwards, some soreness and swelling for a few days is common and manageable with over-the-counter pain relief.

Most people feel back to normal within a few days to a week. Swelling and tenderness typically peak around day two or three and then gradually improve. We will give you detailed aftercare instructions, including what to eat, how to keep the area clean, and what to watch for.

Generally, for all four wisdom teeth, the cost is less than $2000, although the cost depends on the complexity of the extractions. We provide a full cost estimate after your assessment so you know exactly what to expect before proceeding. If you have private health insurance with extras cover, part of the cost may be covered depending on your policy.

In some cases, yes. Whether that is appropriate depends on the complexity of each tooth and your overall health. We will discuss the options with you after your examination, including whether a staged approach might be more comfortable.

Where a case is more involved than what we can manage or if you prefer sedation. we will refer you to a specialist. We will explain the reasons clearly and help coordinate the referral so the process is as straightforward as possible for you.

Not Sure What to Do About Your Wisdom Teeth?

You do not need to be in pain to come in for an assessment. If your wisdom teeth have been flagged before or you are starting to notice discomfort, the best first step is a thorough examination so you know where you stand.

We see patients from Strathalbyn, Mount Barker, Goolwa, Murray Bridge, and the surrounding region. Book online or call us today.

Book Appointment  08 8549 1708