This dental information has been medically reviewed by Australian dental surgeon Dr Aran Moorthy, BDS. Dr Moorthy has a Bachelor of Dental Surgery from the University of Adelaide. Read more about Dr Moorthy here >
Wisdom Teeth Removal
At Oxford Street Dental in Leederville…
Our team of dentists has the experience and expertise to safely remove your wisdom teeth without you experiencing discomfort or pain. Depending on your requirements, we have a range of pain relief and sedation options for you to choose.
If you’ve recently had x-rays revealing that your wisdom teeth are causing problems, or if you are experiencing pain at the back of your jaw, it’s highly likely that we’ll need to remove them.
Not everyone needs their wisdom teeth removed, but many people around their late teens and early 20’s require removal, which is considered a mainstream procedure.
Why do we need to remove our wisdom teeth?
As our jaws have slowly become smaller, our wisdom teeth (aka third molars) have trouble pushing through the gums. If not removed, they can get stuck behind the teeth in front of them and become wedged or “impacted”. Either soft tissue (the gums) or hard tissue (bone) can become implacted.
Problems if wisdom teeth are not removed
Common problems caused if wisdom teeth are not removed include:
- Infection
- Gum disease
- Cysts
- Swelling and pain
- Decay build-up
- Tooth crowding and alignment problems
How are wisdom teeth removed?
We can remove wisdom teeth either in the dentist chair at Oxford Street Dental, under local anaesthetic or twilight sedation – or in hospital under general anaesthetic.
Your dentist will discuss the options with you to help decide which method is best for you – and that makes you feel the most comfortable.
Wisdom teeth weren’t always a problem
Approximately a hundred million years ago, when we were cavemen, we relied on our teeth for chewing. Consequently, by the time our wisdom teeth arrived, our back teeth had worn away, so our wisdom teeth caused no problems.
Oxford Street Dental provides tooth extraction to patients in the Leederville area and surrounding suburbs of West Leederville, North Perth, Wembley, Mount Hawthorn, West Perth, Northbridge, Glendalough, Jolimont, Highgate, Mount Lawley, Daglish, Osborne Park, Yokine, Menora and Joondana.
All surgical procedures carry risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
Wisdom teeth FAQs
What is a wisdom tooth?
Also known as your third molars, your wisdom teeth are the last of your adult teeth to erupt. If your jaw had space for them, they would be as normal and useful as the rest of your teeth. However, many of us don’t have space, and consequently, problems occur, so removal is necessary.
At what age do wisdom teeth usually appear?
Most people’s wisdom teeth start to erupt (push through the gums) from the ages of 18 to 25.
Where are my wisdom teeth?
Most people have four wisdom teeth – two in the upper jaw (one left and right) and two in the lower jaw (ditto) at the back of the mouth.
How can I relieve wisdom teeth pain?
Your wisdom tooth pain can be temporarily relieved through pain medication. However, this is only short-term relief. If you are experiencing wisdom teeth pain, it usually means they must be removed as soon as possible.
How long does it take to recover from wisdom tooth surgery?
Recovery from wisdom tooth surgery takes from three days to up to a week or more, depending on how invasive your surgery has been.
What is best for removal – going to hospital or in-chair?
One wisdom tooth extraction procedure is not better than the other. It depends on what type of surgery you require, and also your personal preference for pain relief and anaesthesia. These issues are best discussed in person with your dentist.
Can I wait and see before I get my wisdom teeth out?
If you’ve been told that you need to have your wisdom teeth removed, generally speaking, it’s recommended that you do this sooner rather than later. After the age of 18, the bone around the teeth becomes denser, making removal more difficult. Also, the risk of tooth impaction or infection increases as time passes.
What is the cost of wisdom teeth removal?
The cost of wisdom teeth removal varies, depending on the type of surgery you require. Your dentist will discuss the surgery you require and provide you with all item numbers on costs before your procedure.