If you’re experiencing discomfort in the back of your mouth, chances are your wisdom teeth might be making an appearance. These third molars can cause various dental problems, from mild discomfort to severe pain, and their removal is often crucial to maintaining good oral health. Whether you’re preparing for your first wisdom tooth extraction or looking to understand the wisdom tooth removal procedure, this guide will answer all your questions, including how much wisdom teeth removal cost in Australia.
What Are Wisdom Teeth and Why Do They Cause Problems?
Wisdom teeth, also called third molars, are the last teeth to break through in the mouth. They typically emerge between 17 and 25, though it is not unusual for them to appear slightly earlier or later.
If the jaw has enough space, wisdom teeth can erupt without any problems. However, they can cause issues in many cases due to lack of room.
Over time, human evolution has led to smaller jaw sizes. This means there is often not enough space for wisdom teeth to fit properly alongside the other teeth. When they try to emerge in a crowded mouth, wisdom teeth can come in at odd angles, push against neighbouring teeth, or remain trapped beneath the gum line. These situations can cause a range of dental problems.
Some of the most common issues linked to wisdom teeth include:
- Impacted wisdom tooth: When a tooth cannot fully emerge through the gum or bone, it becomes impacted. This can cause swelling, pain, and infection.
- Pressure on nearby teeth: Wisdom teeth pushing against other teeth can cause crowding, shifting, or damage to the roots of healthy teeth.
- Gum disease and infections: Partially erupted wisdom teeth create openings where bacteria can enter, leading to gum inflammation, infection, and even cysts.
- Tooth decay: Because wisdom teeth sit so far back in the mouth, they can be hard to clean thoroughly. This makes it easy for food particles and bacteria to build up around them, raising the risk of cavities and decay.
- Damage to neighbouring teeth: When wisdom teeth grow incorrectly, they can compromise the health of nearby teeth and the surrounding bone.
In many cases, dentists recommend wisdom tooth removal before these problems become serious. Taking action early can protect your oral health and prevent future dental complications.
Signs You May Need Wisdom Teeth Removed
While not all wisdom teeth require removal, there are certain signs that may indicate extraction is needed:
- Persistent wisdom teeth pain
- Jaw stiffness or difficulty opening your mouth
- Repeated infections in the back of the mouth
- Food getting trapped behind third molars
- Damage to other teeth
- Swollen or bleeding gums
- Headaches or earaches associated with jaw discomfort
If you’re noticing any of these symptoms, it’s time to consult with a dental professional.
What Can You Expect During Wisdom Tooth Removal?
The wisdom tooth removal procedure will vary depending on how the teeth have developed. Some wisdom teeth erupt normally and can be removed through simple tooth extraction, while others are impacted and require surgical wisdom tooth removal.
Here’s what you can typically expect:
- Initial Consultation: A dentist will take X-rays to assess the position of your wisdom teeth and nearby structures.
- Anaesthesia Options: For most wisdom tooth extractions, your dentist will use a local anaesthetic to numb the area, ensuring you stay comfortable throughout the procedure.
- The Removal Surgery: For impacted teeth, the gum tissue may need to be opened, and the tooth might be divided (known as tooth division) into sections for easier removal.
- Post-Surgical Care: The tooth extraction site is cleaned, and stitches may be placed. Gauze is applied to control bleeding, and your recovery begins.
The procedure itself is often completed in under an hour, but recovery may take a few days to a week, depending on the complexity of the extraction and your general health.
How Much Does Wisdom Teeth Removal Cost in Australia?
The cost of having your wisdom teeth removed can vary based on a few factors, such as the number of teeth being extracted, whether the teeth are impacted, and the kind of anaesthesia required.
Here’s a general breakdown of the starting costs:
- Simple tooth extraction (non-surgical): from $200 per tooth
- Surgical wisdom tooth removal (impacted or complex): from $450 per tooth
- Removal of four wisdom teeth: starting at $1,500
These figures are starting estimates only. Additional fees may apply for consultations, imaging (such as X-rays), and follow-up visits.
If you live in a major city like Sydney, the cost of wisdom teeth removal may be a little higher because of greater demand for dental services and higher clinic operating costs.
What Factors Affect Wisdom Tooth Extraction Costs?
Several elements influence the total wisdom tooth removal cost:
- Number of teeth removed (single or all four wisdom teeth)
- Impacted teeth requiring more complex surgical procedures
- Clinic location (e.g. wisdom teeth removal in Sydney may be more costly than in regional areas)
- Experience of the dental professional
- Additional dental procedures needed at the time (e.g. cleaning or treatment for gum disease)
It’s always a good idea to get a detailed quote before proceeding.
Is Wisdom Tooth Removal Covered by Dental Insurance?
Some dental insurance plans help cover part of your wisdom tooth extraction cost, depending on your level of extras covered. It is always a good idea to check directly with your insurer or ask your dental clinic for assistance in finding out what benefits you can claim.
If you are looking for another way to manage the cost of wisdom teeth removal, you can access your superannuation to pay for the procedure through SuperCare. This service can help eligible patients fund essential dental treatments, including wisdom tooth removal surgery, making it easier to get the care you need without added financial stress.
Why It’s Worth Investing in Wisdom Tooth Removal
It can be tempting to put off treatment because of the cost, but ignoring problematic wisdom teeth can lead to:
- Severe infections and inflamed gums
- Damage to neighbouring teeth
- Decay and rot in adjacent areas
- Abscess formation
- Jawbone deterioration
- Discomfort when eating or speaking
Addressing wisdom teeth issues early not only prevents long-term complications but can also reduce overall teeth removal costs by avoiding emergency surgeries or hospital admissions.
What Is Recovery Like After Wisdom Teeth Are Removed?
Recovery after wisdom teeth removal generally takes a few days, although the exact healing time can vary based on how many teeth were extracted, whether the procedure was straightforward or required surgery, and your general health.
During the first 24 to 48 hours after wisdom tooth removal surgery, it is common to have some swelling, light bleeding, and discomfort around the tooth extraction area. Your dental team will give you clear instructions to help you manage these symptoms and support your healing.
Here are some common tips for a smoother recovery:
- Eat soft foods like yoghurt, smoothies, mashed potatoes, and soup to avoid irritating the gum tissue.
- Apply a cold pack to the outside of your cheek for short periods to help reduce swelling.
- Take pain relief as recommended by your dentist.
- After the first 24 hours, gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water to help keep the area clean.
- Rest and avoid heavy activities for a few days to give your body time to heal.
- Avoid smoking and drinking through a straw, as the sucking motion can dislodge the blood clot at the surgical site and lead to a dry socket.
Most people start feeling better after three to four days. However, if you have had surgical wisdom tooth removal or your teeth were badly impacted, it could take a little longer for the swelling and soreness to completely settle.
Full healing of the tooth extraction site usually takes a few weeks. Following your dentist’s aftercare advice carefully will help protect the area, promote faster healing, and reduce the risk of infection.
If you notice any signs of infection, severe pain, or anything unusual during your recovery, it is important to contact your dental clinic promptly.
Are There Any Risks with Wisdom Tooth Removal Surgery?
Like any medical or dental procedure, wisdom tooth removal surgery carries some risks, although serious complications are rare when the procedure is performed by an experienced dental professional.
Here are some potential risks to be aware of:
- Infection: Bacteria can occasionally enter the tooth extraction area, particularly if aftercare guidelines are not carefully followed. Signs of infection include severe pain, swelling, and fever.
- Dry socket: This occurs when the blood clot that normally protects the extraction site becomes dislodged or dissolves too early. It can cause severe pain and delay healing.
- Prolonged bleeding: Some minor bleeding is expected after wisdom teeth removal, but if it continues for more than 24 hours, you should contact your dental clinic.
- Nerve injury: In rare cases, the nerves near the lower impacted wisdom tooth can be affected, causing temporary or, very rarely, permanent numbness or tingling in the tongue, lower lip, chin, or nearby teeth.
- Sinus complications: When upper wisdom teeth are close to the sinuses, removal can sometimes lead to sinus openings or infections, although this is uncommon.
Choosing a qualified dental professional and carefully following your aftercare instructions can significantly reduce your risk of complications. If you experience any unexpected symptoms after your wisdom teeth surgery, it is important to seek advice from your dentist without delay.
How to Prepare for Wisdom Teeth Removal
If you’re scheduled for oral surgery, make sure to:
- Arrange for someone to drive you home, as you may feel drowsy or uncomfortable after the procedure.
- Fast if required (your dentist will advise you)
- On the day of your procedure, it is best to avoid wearing makeup, nail polish, or contact lenses.
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing
- Follow all pre-op instructions carefully
Being prepared makes the experience smoother and supports a faster recovery.
Wisdom Teeth Removal Cost vs Other Dental Treatments
When compared to other dental treatments, wisdom teeth removal is often one of the more significant one-time expenses. However, it can save you money in the long run by avoiding costly treatments for nearby teeth, gum disease, or misalignment caused by impacted teeth.
If you’re already investing in orthodontic treatments like braces or aligners, removing wisdom teeth may even be recommended beforehand to prevent setbacks.
Can You Get All Four Wisdom Teeth Removed at Once?
Yes, it’s common for patients to have all four wisdom teeth removed in one session. Doing so reduces the need for multiple visits and helps you recover in one go.
Though the upfront cost might be higher, the overall recovery time and inconvenience are often lower.
Tips to Reduce Wisdom Teeth Removal Costs
Here are a few ways to manage or reduce your out-of-pocket expenses:
- Use your health insurance if you have major dental cover
- Ask for a payment plan from your dental provider
- Shop around for quotes from local dental clinics
- Check if you’re eligible for public dental services
- Avoid complications by getting treatment early, before serious issues arise
FAQs About Wisdom Teeth Removal
- How long does recovery usually take?
Most people start feeling better within three to four days after wisdom teeth removal, although it can take up to two weeks for the area to fully heal, especially after surgical wisdom tooth removal. Following your dentist’s aftercare advice will help speed up recovery.
- Can all four wisdom teeth be removed at once?
Yes, it is common to have four wisdom teeth extracted during a single appointment. Removing them all at once reduces the need for multiple procedures and allows you to go through recovery only once.
- What happens if I do not remove problematic wisdom teeth?
Leaving troublesome wisdom teeth untreated can lead to severe pain, infections, damage to nearby teeth, cysts, and worsening dental problems. Early removal helps protect your oral health and prevents more serious complications later on.
- Will removing my wisdom teeth affect my other teeth?
When done correctly, wisdom teeth removal should protect your neighbouring teeth rather than harm them. Extraction is often recommended to prevent pressure, crowding, and damage to nearby teeth.
- When should I contact my dental clinic after wisdom teeth surgery?
You should reach out to your dental clinic if you experience persistent bleeding, worsening swelling after several days, severe pain that is not controlled by medication, signs of infection, or any unusual symptoms after surgery.
- Can I return to work the day after the surgery?
It’s recommended to take at least one or two days off to rest, especially if you had all four wisdom teeth removed.
- What should I eat after wisdom tooth removal?
Stick to soft, easy-to-swallow foods like smoothies, scrambled eggs, and soup for the first few days. Avoid anything crunchy or spicy.
Final Thoughts: Should You Get Your Wisdom Teeth Removed?
Whether they’ve already caused trouble or your dentist suspects they might, wisdom tooth extraction is a proactive step in protecting your oral health. While the wisdom teeth removal cost can vary, early intervention helps you avoid serious dental complications.
If you have any concerns about your symptoms, treatment options, or costs, book an appointment with Gordon Family Dental today at (02) 9159 6163 to guide you through the process and recommend the best solution for your needs.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
References
Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Wisdom teeth: Symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/wisdom-teeth/symptoms-causes/syc-20373808
Healthline. (n.d.). Dental anesthesia. Healthline. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/dental-anesthesia
Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Dry socket (alveolar osteitis). Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17731-dry-socket
NHS. (n.d.). Tooth decay. National Health Service (NHS). Retrieved from https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/tooth-decay/
Colgate. (n.d.). How a salt water mouth rinse benefits oral health. Colgate. Retrieved from https://www.colgate.com/en-gb/oral-health/mouth-sores-and-infections/how-a-salt-water-mouth-rinse-benefits-oral-health
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