- Clinical examination and x-rays to assess the position of your wisdom teeth
- Advice on whether monitoring or removal may be suitable
- Wisdom teeth removal available in the dentist’s chair or under general anaesthetic, where appropriate
- Clear explanation of the procedure, possible risks and recovery steps
- Aftercare instructions to support healing after treatment
What Are the Signs Wisdom Teeth Removal May Be Necessary?
Wisdom teeth removal in Melbourne may be recommended when wisdom teeth are causing symptoms or creating a risk of future dental problems. Signs to watch for include:
- Pain or discomfort at the back of the mouth
- Difficulty chewing or biting
- Swelling, redness or tenderness around the gums
- Infection around a partially erupted or impacted wisdom tooth
- Wisdom teeth growing at an angle
- Decay due to difficulty brushing the area properly
- Bad breath or an unpleasant taste in the mouth
If any of these signs are present and causing issues, our clinic can provide a consultation for emergency wisdom tooth removal in Melbourne.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the third molars and are usually the last adult teeth to emerge.
- They commonly appear between the ages of 16 and 23, although the timing can vary from person to person.
- Some wisdom teeth come through without causing problems, while others may not have enough space to erupt properly.
- When there isn’t enough room in the jaw, wisdom teeth can become impacted. This means they may grow at an angle and press against nearby teeth.
- Impacted wisdom teeth can contribute to pain, infection, decay, gum inflammation and damage to neighbouring teeth. In these cases, wisdom tooth extraction may be necessary.
What Happens if Wisdom Teeth Aren’t Extracted?
When wisdom teeth aren’t removed, they can cause a number of problems, including:
- Pain or discomfort at the back of the mouth
- Crowding or pressure on nearby teeth
- Decay in the wisdom tooth or neighbouring teeth
- Damage to other teeth
- Increased risk of gum inflammation or gum disease
- Infection around partially erupted wisdom teeth
- Cysts or other complications in some cases
If you notice these symptoms, arrange a dental consultation to determine if wisdom tooth extraction in Melbourne may be necessary.
What Are the Risks of Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Wisdom teeth removal is a common dental procedure, but like any procedure, it carries some risks. Your dentist will explain these before treatment and answer any questions you may have.
Possible risks can include:
- Pain, swelling or bruising after treatment
- Bleeding after the procedure
- Infection
- Dry socket
- Temporary numbness or altered sensation
- Damage to nearby teeth, fillings or dental work
- Jaw stiffness or difficulty opening the mouth
- Sinus-related complications for upper wisdom teeth in some cases
Your individual risk will depend on factors such as the position of the wisdom teeth, the complexity of the extraction and your general health.
Who is Wisdom Tooth Extraction Suitable for?
Wisdom tooth extraction may be suitable when a dentist has assessed that removal is a better option than ongoing monitoring. This may include:
- Patients with impacted wisdom teeth
- Patients whose wisdom teeth are difficult to clean properly
- Patients with recurring pain, swelling or infection around the wisdom teeth
- Patients whose wisdom teeth are contributing to decay or gum problems
- Patients whose wisdom teeth are placing pressure on nearby teeth
- Patients who have been advised to consider removal after dental x-rays and examination
Not everyone needs their wisdom teeth removed. If your wisdom teeth are healthy and not affecting nearby teeth, your dentist may recommend monitoring them instead.
Arrange a consultation to find out whether wisdom teeth removal may be suitable for you.
Available Wisdom Teeth Removal Options
At East Bentleigh Dental Group, we can perform extractions in a number of ways:
- At our clinic
- In hospital
- Under general anaesthetic or IV sedation
- With local anaesthetic
After removal of wisdom teeth in Melbourne, we will provide aftercare instructions and discuss pain relief options to help you manage the recovery period.
Ask our team about available wisdom teeth removal options with a personalised consultation.