Wisdom teeth playing up? Here is when they need to come out, what removal involves and what recovery is really like, from a Geelong dentist.
Wisdom teeth are the last molars to come through, usually in the late teens or early twenties. Some people have plenty of room for them and never notice a thing. Others get pain, crowding or infection because the teeth are stuck or come through at an angle. Wisdom teeth removal in Geelong is a common procedure. Knowing what to expect takes a lot of the worry out of it.
Not every wisdom tooth needs to come out. We only suggest removal when there is a clear reason and we always check with an x-ray first.
When wisdom teeth need to come out
A wisdom tooth may need removing when it causes a problem that will not settle on its own. The common reasons are worth knowing.
- Pain or swelling at the back of the jaw
- An impacted tooth stuck under the gum or bone
- Repeated infection or a gum flap that traps food
- Decay in the wisdom tooth or the tooth next to it
- Crowding that affects your bite
- A cyst forming around a buried tooth
If your wisdom teeth are healthy and have room, we usually leave them be and simply keep an eye on them at your check ups.
What the procedure involves
First we take an x-ray to see the shape and position of the roots and how close they sit to nearby nerves. On the day we numb the area and for trickier cases we can talk through options to help you relax. A straightforward wisdom tooth often lifts out easily. An impacted one may need a small cut in the gum and the tooth is sometimes removed in sections. It tends to sound worse than it feels. Most people are surprised how manageable it is.
Recovery and aftercare
Some swelling and mild soreness for a few days is normal. To heal well, rest for the first day, hold an ice pack on the cheek, stick to soft food and avoid hard rinsing or smoking so the clot stays in place. We give you clear written aftercare and a number to call if anything worries you. Most people are back to normal within a few days to a week.
Common questions
Does wisdom teeth removal hurt?
The area is fully numbed so you should be comfortable during the procedure. Afterwards there is usually some soreness and swelling that settles within a few days with simple pain relief.
Do all wisdom teeth need to be removed?
No. Healthy wisdom teeth that have room and are easy to clean can stay. We only suggest removal when there is a genuine reason.
How long is the recovery?
Most people feel much better within three to five days, though the gum takes a little longer to heal fully. Following the aftercare advice makes a real difference.
How much does wisdom teeth removal cost in Geelong?
It depends on how many teeth are involved and how complex they are, so we give a written estimate after an exam. Health fund rebates and payment plans may apply.
If your wisdom teeth are sore or you have been told they should come out, call East Geelong Dental Practice on (03) 9111 3553 or book online for an assessment. You can also learn more about our general dental services or how to find us in Geelong.
Dr Sunny M Singh
Dr Sunny M Singh is the principal dentist at East Geelong Dental Practice and has spent 17 years caring for patients in private practices around Australia. He holds a Bachelor of Dental Surgery and a Fellowship in Implantology from the University of Miami and is a certified Invisalign provider. His everyday work covers dental implants, smile makeovers, cosmetic dentistry, root canals and Invisalign. He speaks English, Hindi and Punjabi. He writes these guides to help Geelong locals make calm, clear decisions about their teeth.
