Wisdom Teeth Removal Melbourne
What Are Wisdom Teeth and Why Do They Cause Issues?
Wisdom teeth are the last adult teeth to emerge, and they typically do so in your late teens or early twenties.
Also known as third molars, some people experience no trouble at all with them. However, many others find they don’t have enough room to erupt properly. This can lead to impacted teeth, crowding, or even tooth decay and gum disease, while inflamed gums, jaw stiffness, and intense pain are also common symptoms.
If you’re unsure whether your wisdom teeth require removal, The Smile Designer in Melbourne offers expert advice, dental x-rays, and tailored treatment options. We’re here to help you manage discomfort and protect your long-term oral health.
Join us for your Wisdom Teeth Consultation at The Smile Designer Dental Studio.
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Do I Need My Wisdom Teeth Removed?
Not everyone will need their wisdom teeth removed, but certain signs suggest it might be necessary.
For example, pain towards the back of the mouth, crowding of nearby teeth, or swelling and tenderness in the gums are all red flags. In addition, you may also experience recurring infections, bleeding gums, an unpleasant taste, or difficulty opening your mouth.
These issues often arise when wisdom teeth become impacted or fail to erupt properly. If left untreated, they can also affect adjacent teeth, which can lead to more complex dental problems.
Should you be experiencing any of these symptoms, The Smile Designer can assess your situation and recommend whether removal is your best option.
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Types of Wisdom Tooth Impactions
Wisdom tooth impactions occur when the third molars don’t have enough room to erupt properly and often become trapped in the jawbone or gum tissue. This type of impaction can cause significant discomfort and affect your overall oral health. It may also influence what orthodontic treatment options are most suitable.
Vertical Impaction
A vertical impaction occurs when the wisdom tooth is angled upright but remains stuck beneath the gum line. While this type of impaction may cause minimal symptoms, it can still press against the tooth in front of it, which may lead to pressure, gum inflammation, or difficulty cleaning the area.
Mesial Impaction
This is the most common form of impaction. As the tooth is tilted forward towards the front of the mouth, it places pressure on the adjacent teeth. At the same time, mesial impactions can lead to crowding, tooth decay, or discomfort over time.
For this reason, early assessment and action are important to avoid the potential for long-term issues with alignment or gum health.
Distal Impaction
In a distal impaction, the wisdom tooth is angled away from the neighbouring teeth and towards the back of the mouth. While less common, it can become lodged beneath the gum or bone. This makes eruption quite difficult and can increase the risk of infection or cyst formation.
Horizontal Impaction
Horizontal impaction is the most severe type. The tooth lies sideways, completely embedded in the gum, and often pushes directly against the roots of adjacent teeth.
This can cause intense pain and damage to other teeth and often requires surgical extraction by a specialist oral or maxillofacial surgeon.
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Wisdom Tooth Removal Procedure
Wisdom tooth removal is a common procedure that is performed to resolve pain, impaction, or dental crowding. At The Smile Designer, we tailor each extraction to suit your unique needs.
Local Anaesthetic vs General Anaesthetic
For most wisdom teeth removal cases, a local anaesthetic is used to numb the area to allow for a pain-free experience while you remain awake.
However, in more complex cases or for patients with dental anxiety, a general anaesthetic may be offered. This ensures you’re fully asleep during the extraction, which is usually performed in a hospital environment under the care of a qualified oral or maxillofacial surgeon.
Simple vs Surgical Extraction
A simple extraction is most suitable when the tooth has properly erupted and can be easily removed.
A surgical extraction is required when a tooth is impacted or located beneath the gum or bone. This involves a small incision and, at times, dividing the tooth into smaller parts for easier removal.
We make sure the more complex cases are managed with the utmost care using advanced dental X-rays and surgical planning.
In-Clinic vs Hospital Setup
Depending on several factors, you may be given the option to have your wisdom teeth removed in-clinic or in a hospital. At The Smile Designer, we offer both options to provide proper care for every patient.
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Wisdom Tooth Extraction Recovery & Aftercare
After getting your wisdom teeth extracted, you may experience swelling for the first 72 hours. You can manage any pain with over-the-counter or prescribed medication and use cold compresses to reduce discomfort and jaw stiffness.
Try to get plenty of rest to let the area heal, and stick to soft foods, although you are recommended to avoid using straws to prevent dislodging the blood clot. It is important to maintain good oral hygiene, but be gentle around the extraction site.
If you notice persistent bleeding, intense pain, an unpleasant taste, or signs of infection, it’s important to get in touch with us immediately.
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Impacted Wisdom Teeth Removal Costs in Melbourne
The cost of wisdom teeth removal in Melbourne typically ranges from $400 to $800 per tooth, depending on the complexity of the extraction required. That said, more involved procedures requiring surgical intervention or a hospital setting may incur higher fees.
At The Smile Designer, we offer flexible payment plans and accept most private health insurance to help make treatment more accessible. While Medicare does not usually cover wisdom tooth removal, your health insurer may contribute to the cost depending on your level of coverage. This may reduce your out-of-pocket expenses.
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Why Choose The Smile Designer for Wisdom Teeth Removal?
At The Smile Designer in Melbourne, we pride ourselves on combining clinical expertise with personalised care to deliver outstanding wisdom tooth removal outcomes for our patients.
Experienced Dental Surgeons
Our dental team includes highly trained and experienced dental surgeons who are skilled in handling everything from simple extractions to complex impacted wisdom teeth. We use advanced imaging, such as X-rays, to plan each procedure precisely and minimise the risk to your other teeth or gum tissue.
Sleep Dentistry Options
For patients who feel anxious or require more complex procedures, we offer a range of sleep dentistry solutions, including local anaesthetic and general anaesthesia. Both will ensure your comfort throughout the extraction process.
Payment Plans & Transparent Pricing
We believe quality dental care should be accessible, so we offer upfront pricing and flexible payment plans and accept most private health insurance providers.
Comfort-Focused Care for Nervous Patients
We understand dental procedures can feel daunting. From your initial consultation to post-operative care, our compassionate team creates a calm environment where comfort is always prioritised.
Frequently Asked Questions
When Is the Best Time to Remove Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are often best removed during early adulthood, usually between the late teens and early twenties.
At this stage, the roots are not fully formed, and the bone is softer, which can make the extraction procedure easier and reduce recovery time. If there isn’t enough space for them to properly erupt, it’s best to act early to avoid problems with nearby or front teeth.
Is it painful?
With an experienced dentist and proper anaesthesia, wisdom teeth removal is generally pain-free. Some discomfort may follow, but there are many pain management options available to keep you comfortable throughout recovery.
How long is the recovery?
Recovery time after these dental treatments can vary depending on the number of teeth removed and whether the extraction was simple or surgical. Most people feel better in three to five days, with full healing in a couple of weeks.
Can I work the next day?
You may be able to return to light duties the following day, but it’s best to rest for at least 24 hours after the procedure.
Are there risks?
While uncommon, risks include dry socket, infection, or damage to nearby teeth. These are minimised when the procedure is done by a skilled general dentist or dental surgeon.
Can I drive home after the procedure?
If you receive general anaesthetic, you’ll need someone to drive you home. For tooth extraction procedures using local anaesthetic, driving may be possible. But it’s best to confirm with your dentist beforehand.
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Meet the Team
Dr Dev Boparoy
(B.D.S Otago NZ) Co-Director
Co-Founder @ The Smile Designer
Partner @ FirstBite Dental
Dr Madeleine Duff
D.D.S University of Melbourne
Dentist @ The Smile Designer
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