Wisdom Tooth Extractions

Dentist by the Park provides convenience for patients to access dentists with a special interest in wisdom teeth surgery so they often do not need to go elsewhere for the treatment. For any treatment relating to your wisdom teeth you can start with a consultation with one of our dentists who will then discuss with you about your options.

With an experienced team, and a visually beautiful and serene practice, we provide our patients with the highest quality care and comfortable surroundings in which to undergo wisdom tooth removal.

At Dentist by the Park you might have your initial consultation with one of our general dentists, and then, depending on the complexity of the extraction and your personal preference, your procedure can be performed by either a general dentist or a specialist. 

General dentists can extract wisdom teeth, although many now choose to refer patients to a specialist oral surgeon. If you wish to be anaesthetised for the procedure or your extractions are expected to be more complex, it is best to be treated by a registered specialist.

Specialist oral & maxillofacial surgeons have at least 15 years’ training in both general dentistry and hospital-based surgical and medical treatments, and so have extensive experience in performing wisdom teeth extractions.

You will be seen by a general dentist and a specialist referral will be made if necessary after reviewing the case with you. 

At Dentist by the Park, we provide you with an itemised quotation during your consultation. You may then wish to contact your health insurance fund to gauge your out-of-pocket expenses.

The cost of your wisdom teeth removal procedure will vary depending on whether it is performed by a general dentist or an oral & maxillofacial surgeon.

Another factor that will affect the cost is the complexity of the removal and the type of anaesthesia used. If the surgery is performed in a hospital then there will be additional hospital fees, though Medicare and private health funds can cover some of the hospital costs.

As with all surgical procedures, there are general and specific risks associated with wisdom teeth removal, and these usually depend on whether a tooth being removed is covered by gum tissue and/or is particularly difficult to access. Your specific risks will be discussed in detail during your consultation with one of Dentist by the Park clinicians.

One uncommon complication is known as dry socket. This occurs when a blood clot has failed to form in the extracted tooth socket, or the blood clot has been dislodged. Dry socket typically occurs three or four days after the extraction. Pain (ranging from dull, to moderate to severe) and a foul mouth odour will accompany a dry socket. If you think you have developed dry socket you should contact the practice immediately for treatment.

Another possible complication, though not common, involves the lower jaw nerves being traumatised by removal of the lower wisdom teeth. This can cause an unusual sensation in the lips, tongue or gum near the treated area. Generally this complication is temporary, but in some cases it can be longer lasting. In cases where the teeth in question are close to crucial nerves, it is prudent to be treated by a specialist oral & maxillofacial surgeon to ensure a safe level of care.

A small amount of bleeding, some discomfort and a little bruising are all normal after wisdom teeth removal. The recovery time following your procedure depends on the complexity of your case; if it was a simple removal you should be back to normal the next day, but if it was more complex your recovery time could be up to a week. Pain medication can be taken to ease some of the discomfort.

When you have had your surgery at Dentist by the Park, you will be given a post-operative pack. This will include written instructions on what to do, a medical certificate if required, additional gauzes for any post-operative bleeding, and a mouthwash and syringe for keeping the surgery site clean. Additionally, painkillers and antibiotics, if needed, will be prescribed.

While recovering from your surgery, you will need to maintain a soft diet (possibly just liquids) until the site has started healing. Cold foods or foods at room temperature are best. Hot food or drinks are not recommended as they can break down the blood clot in the socket and cause infection or “dry socket”. You should also make sure not to drink from a straw as this can also disturb the blood clot.

After having your wisdom teeth removed it’s important to keep your mouth clean so as to prevent infection, but you will need to be careful when cleaning your teeth and be particularly gentle in the affected area.

Your clinician will instruct you on general post-operative oral care and on the following precautions:

• Avoid smoking for at least 72 hours but longer if possible.
• Don’t drink through a straw.
• Avoid dinking alcohol.
• Avoid blowing your nose.
• Avoid excessive spitting or rinsing.
• Don’t drink hot soup or other hot liquids.
• Avoid physical exertion for 24 hours.

Failure to take any of the above precautions might disturb the healing clot and cause dry socket.