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Gentle, Professional Wisdom Teeth Removal in Toorak
Wisdom teeth are the last molars, or “third molars” that develop on each side of the jaw. They usually emerge in the back of the mouth between the ages of 16-20.
Wisdom teeth are a valuable asset to the mouth when they are healthy and properly positioned. Often, however, they cause problems and require removal. When the jaw isn’t large enough to accommodate wisdom teeth, they can become impacted. Impacted wisdom teeth may grow sideways, emerge only part way through the gum or remain trapped beneath the gum and bone.
At Toorak Village Dental Care, we provide gentle, precise wisdom teeth removal in Toorak, helping you find relief and prevent future dental problems.
Do wisdom teeth always need to come out?
No. Healthy wisdom teeth that have come through properly, can be cleaned and aren't causing problems can often stay. If a dentist at Toorak Village Dental Care recommends wisdom teeth removal in Toorak, they'll explain the reasons and show you your x-ray.
Wisdom teeth removal in Toorak may be recommended if a wisdom tooth is impacted (stuck under the gum or bone), keeps getting infected, is decayed or is damaging the tooth next to it, so it helps to know the signs to look out for.
Signs your wisdom teeth may be causing problems
✓Pain or swelling
At the back of the mouth.
✓Sore gums
Red, swollen or bleeding gum over a partly erupted tooth.
✓A recurring bad taste
Or bad breath that keeps coming back.
✓Difficulty opening your mouth
✓Trapped food
Food getting trapped behind your back molars.
✓Decay
In the wisdom tooth or the tooth in front of it.
Some impacted wisdom teeth cause no symptoms but can still affect neighbouring teeth, so it's worth having them checked, even if you're not planning wisdom teeth removal in Toorak.
Wisdom teeth removal in Toorak: what's involved
Assessment
An examination and x-ray, sometimes a 3D scan, to see the position of the tooth, its roots and the nearby nerve.
Planning
We explain whether the tooth can be removed in the chair under local anaesthetic, or whether a referral to an oral surgeon is more appropriate.
Removal
Under local anaesthetic, the tooth is removed. Some teeth need a small cut in the gum or removal in sections. You'll feel pressure, but you shouldn't feel sharp pain.
Aftercare
We give you written instructions and check in on how you're healing.
Wisdom teeth removal cost
The cost of wisdom teeth removal in Toorak depends on how many teeth are removed, how they are positioned and whether a referral is needed. We'll give you a quote after your assessment.
We accept all private health funds, and you can claim on the spot with HICAPS. Payment plans through HUMM and DentiCare are available for approved applicants. Related: tooth extraction.
Recovery after wisdom teeth removal
Swelling, bruising and jaw stiffness are common and usually peak around the second or third day before settling. To help healing after wisdom teeth removal in Toorak:
- rest for the remainder of the day and keep your head raised
- use cold packs on your cheek for short periods in the first 24 hours
- eat soft foods and avoid hot drinks, alcohol, smoking and straws
- from the next day, rinse gently with warm salty water after meals
Contact us if pain gets worse after a few days, you have a fever, or there's bleeding that won't stop. Related: emergency dentist and what to eat and avoid after an extraction.
Risks of wisdom teeth removal
Risks include swelling, bleeding, infection, dry socket and, for lower wisdom teeth, injury to the nerves that supply feeling to the lip, chin or tongue, which may cause temporary or, rarely, longer-lasting numbness. Your x-ray helps us assess this risk, and we'll discuss it with you before wisdom teeth removal in Toorak. For general information, see healthdirect.
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
More about wisdom teeth removal in Toorak
What wisdom teeth are
Wisdom teeth are the third molars at the very back of the mouth. They usually come through in the late teens or twenties, though some people never develop them. If there isn't enough room in the jaw, a wisdom tooth can stay stuck under the gum or bone, or come through only partly or at an angle. This is called an impacted wisdom tooth.
Partly erupted wisdom teeth
When a wisdom tooth is only partly through, a flap of gum can sit over it. Food and bacteria get trapped underneath, which can lead to a painful infection of the gum called pericoronitis. Mild cases may settle with careful cleaning and warm salty rinses, but repeated infections are a common reason to consider removal.
Upper and lower wisdom teeth
Upper wisdom teeth are often simpler to remove than lower ones. Lower wisdom teeth sit in denser bone and can be close to the nerve that supplies feeling to the lip, chin and tongue. Your x-ray, and sometimes a 3D scan, helps us see how close the roots are to the nerve, so we can explain your risk and whether a referral to an oral surgeon is more appropriate.
Timing of removal
If a wisdom tooth is likely to cause problems, removal is often simpler for younger adults, as the roots may not be fully formed and healing can be quicker. That doesn't mean healthy wisdom teeth should come out early. We'll look at your x-ray and symptoms and explain whether removal, monitoring or another option makes sense for you.
Other options to removal
Removal isn't the only option for every wisdom tooth. A wisdom tooth that has come through fully may simply need better cleaning, a filling or monitoring. For a partly erupted tooth with a mild gum infection, cleaning and rinsing may settle things for a time. In some cases we may suggest keeping an eye on the tooth with x-rays at your check-ups instead. We'll explain the pros and cons of each choice.
Preparing for your appointment
Tell us about your medical history and any medications, especially blood thinners. Eat a light meal beforehand unless we've advised otherwise, and stock up on soft foods such as yoghurt, soup and mashed vegetables. Plan to rest for the rest of the day, and arrange time off work or study if you need it.
The first week of recovery
Swelling usually builds over the first two to three days and then starts to ease. Keep your head raised when lying down, take pain relief as advised and keep to soft foods. Avoid smoking, alcohol, straws and vigorous rinsing, which can disturb the clot. If you have stitches, we'll let you know whether they dissolve or need to be removed at a review appointment.
To book an assessment for wisdom teeth removal in Toorak, call (03) 9827 5633 or book online. Our clinic is at 137 Canterbury Road, Toorak VIC 3142. Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks, and we'll go through the risks that apply to you before you decide.
Wisdom teeth FAQs
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