Wisdom Tooth Removal

Most people have their wisdom teeth removed at some point, but there are alternatives to this common procedure.

• If the wisdom tooth is only causing mild pain, over-the-counter painkillers may be enough to manage the discomfort.
  In cases of infection, antibiotics may be necessary, along with rinsing the mouth with hot, salty water or a chlorhexidine mouthwash.
• If only the crown of the wisdom tooth has emerged from the gum line, it may be possible to remove just the gum tissue that covers it (operculectomy).
• In instances where the tooth’s root is located close to the nerve that supplies feeling to the lower lip, it may be necessary to remove just the crown of the tooth (coronectomy).

While wisdom tooth removal is often considered inevitable, other options can be discussed depending on the individual case.

Having your wisdom teeth removed is a relatively common procedure, and recovery is usually simple and easy, but there are a few things you should know before having the procedure done.

• First, the procedure is typically done under general anesthesia, meaning you will fall asleep during the surgery.
• Second, we will make small incisions in your mouth to access the wisdom teeth. These incisions are tiny, and you will not feel them during the procedure.
• Third, you should expect a brief period of recovery from this procedure. You shouldn’t eat hard foods for about 8 hours after the surgery, but you can brush your teeth right away.
• Finally, once you start feeling better, you can visit us in 6 to 8 weeks for a checkup appointment and dental cleaning.

Wisdom tooth removal is a popular procedure for adults who wish to prevent future dental health problems. Even though this procedure is relatively common and straightforward, it can still be confusing about what to expect and how much it might cost.

Based on the 2017 national dental fee survey in Australia, the cost of simple removal of a wisdom tooth using local anaesthesia starts at $350, and for more complex procedures, the price may reach $500.

However, the actual cost will depend on the issues discussed and may differ from these estimates. For an accurate cost quote, you may contact our dental team. You should also consider how complicated the procedure is, who will perform it, and what your insurance covers.