Wisdom Tooth Removal Guide
Wisdom tooth removal is one of the most common oral surgical procedures we perform. If you've been told you may need your wisdom teeth removed, this guide will help explain why, what treatment involves and what you can expect before, during and after your procedure.
Every patient's situation is different, so if you're unsure whether wisdom tooth removal is right for you, we're always happy to discuss your options during a consultation.
What are wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth (also known as third molars) are the last adult teeth to develop, usually appearing between the ages of 18 and 25.
Some wisdom teeth erupt normally and remain healthy throughout life. Others don't have enough room to come through properly and can become impacted or partially erupted, increasing the risk of oral health problems.
What are impacted wisdom teeth?
Impacted wisdom teeth are wisdom teeth that are unable to fully erupt because there isn't enough space in the mouth.
They may:
Remain completely buried beneath the gums or bone
Only partially erupt into the mouth
Grow at an angle against neighbouring teeth
Impacted wisdom teeth are common and often require monitoring or removal to prevent future complications.
Do wisdom teeth always need to be removed?
No. Wisdom teeth that erupt normally, are easy to clean and aren't causing any problems may not need treatment.
However, impacted or partially erupted wisdom teeth are much more likely to cause problems over time. If removal is recommended, treating them sooner rather than waiting for pain or infection often results in an easier procedure and faster recovery.
Why can wisdom teeth cause problems?
Wisdom teeth can cause a range of dental issues, including:
Tooth decay
Wisdom teeth are often difficult to clean because of their position at the back of the mouth. This makes them more susceptible to decay, which can sometimes be difficult or impossible to repair.
Infection
Partially erupted wisdom teeth commonly develop infections around the surrounding gum tissue. Symptoms may include:
Pain or tenderness
Swelling
A bad taste or unpleasant odour
Difficulty opening your mouth
Facial swelling in more severe cases
Damage to neighbouring teeth
Impacted wisdom teeth can damage the tooth immediately in front of them, increasing the risk of decay, bone loss and, in some cases, the loss of both teeth.
Tooth crowding
Some orthodontists recommend wisdom tooth removal to help minimise unwanted tooth movement or crowding later in life.
Cysts and other complications
In some cases, impacted wisdom teeth can develop cysts or other abnormalities. Although uncommon, these complications can cause damage to surrounding structures if left untreated.
Increased risk of jaw fracture
Patients who participate in contact sports may have an increased risk of jaw fracture if impacted wisdom teeth weaken the area of the jawbone.
When should wisdom teeth be removed?
When wisdom tooth removal is recommended, earlier treatment is often beneficial.
Surgery is generally:
Easier in younger patients
Associated with faster healing and recovery
Less likely to result in complications
Many specialists recommend removing problematic wisdom teeth between the ages of 14 and 25, particularly if they are impacted or partially erupted.
You don't need to wait until wisdom teeth become painful before seeking advice.
Treatment options
Depending on your individual circumstances, wisdom teeth can be removed using one of the following approaches.
Local anaesthetic
For straightforward extractions, local anaesthetic may be all that is required. Your mouth is numbed during the procedure, and you remain fully awake.
Intravenous (IV) sedation
IV sedation is the preferred option for many wisdom tooth procedures.
Sedation helps you feel:
Deeply relaxed
Slightly drowsy
Comfortable throughout treatment
Many patients report that time seems to pass very quickly and have little or no memory of their procedure afterwards.
IV sedation is always combined with local anaesthetic, so you won't feel any pain during treatment.
General anaesthetic
More complex procedures may occasionally require treatment under general anaesthetic in a hospital setting. If this is recommended, we can help arrange an appropriate referral.
Your consultation appointment
Before any treatment is scheduled, we'll arrange a consultation appointment to assess your wisdom teeth and discuss your options.
This may include:
A special dental x-ray (known as an OPG or Panex)
A clinical examination
Reviewing your medical history
Discussing treatment recommendations
Explaining any risks or complications
Providing a written estimate of costs
Answering any questions you may have
Our goal is to ensure you feel fully informed and comfortable before proceeding with treatment.
Preparing for surgery
If you're having wisdom tooth surgery under IV sedation, please:
Do not eat or drink anything for four hours before your appointment.
Arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home and stay with you for a few hours afterwards.
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing.
Remove contact lenses and facial jewellery before your appointment.
Tell us about any medications or medical conditions you may have.
If you're unsure about any of the above, please contact us before your appointment.
Will it hurt?
No. You will not feel pain during your procedure.
Local anaesthetic is used to ensure the treatment area is completely numb, and patients receiving IV sedation are usually very relaxed throughout the appointment.
Some discomfort is normal during the healing process, but this can usually be managed effectively with prescribed pain relief medication and appropriate aftercare.
What can I expect after surgery?
It's normal to experience some temporary side effects following wisdom tooth removal, including:
Swelling
Mild bleeding or blood-stained saliva
Discomfort
Bruising
Difficulty opening your mouth
Difficulty chewing for a few days
Swelling usually peaks within 24 to 48 hours before gradually improving.
Most patients find they are feeling much better within a few days and are back to normal activities shortly afterwards.
Caring for your mouth after surgery
Following surgery, we recommend:
Resting for the remainder of the day.
Eating soft foods if required.
Drinking plenty of fluids.
Avoiding strenuous activity for 24 hours.
Avoiding smoking for at least 36 hours.
Avoiding straws, spitting and vigorous rinsing immediately after surgery.
Following all medication instructions carefully.
After the first 24 hours, gently rinsing with warm salt water can help encourage healing.
We'll provide you with detailed post-operative instructions specific to your treatment before you leave the practice.
What is dry socket?
Dry socket is an uncommon but painful complication that can occur several days after a tooth extraction.
It occurs when the blood clot protecting the extraction site is lost before healing has begun.
Smoking significantly increases the risk of developing dry socket, which is one of the reasons we recommend avoiding smoking during the healing period.
If you experience increasing pain several days after surgery, please contact us so we can help.
Risks and complications
As with any surgical procedure, wisdom tooth removal carries some risks.
Occasionally patients may experience:
Temporary numbness or tingling of the lip, tongue or chin
Infection
Dry socket
Delayed healing
Bleeding
During your consultation appointment, we'll discuss any risks that may be relevant to your individual circumstances and answer any questions you may have.
Costs
The cost of wisdom tooth removal varies depending on:
The number of teeth being removed
The complexity of the procedure
Whether IV sedation is required
Any additional imaging or treatment requirements
You'll receive a written estimate following your consultation appointment so you know exactly what to expect before treatment proceeds.
Recovery and returning to work
Recovery times vary from person to person, but most patients are able to return to work, study or normal daily activities within two to four days.
Many patients choose to schedule their surgery on a Thursday or Friday and return to work the following Monday.
We'll provide advice based on the complexity of your procedure and your individual recovery.
Looking for more information?
Visit our Dental Health Hub for practical advice, information on common dental concerns and tips for keeping your smile healthy.
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