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Wisdom Teeth Removal in Melbourne

Your wisdom teeth, or your third molars, are the last permanent teeth that appear and they typically emerge between the ages of 18-21.

However, not everybody gets wisdom teeth. And even when they do, they may not cause much trouble. On the other hand, there may be In certain instances where your wisdom teeth may not erupt properly leaving you in pain and causing problems like infections and damage to surrounding teeth. 

In such cases, wisdom tooth removal is your best option for a healthy, pain-free smile. With a team of skilled and experienced dental professionals, we ensure safe and effective wisdom teeth removal procedures for our patients in Melbourne.

Why Do I Need Wisdom Tooth Removal?

Not everyone will have to get their wisdom teeth removed. However, in most cases, it is required. Therefore, it is important to understand why and when this procedure is necessary. 

If you don’t have enough space in your mouth for your wisdom teeth to erupt and function properly, it can get “impacted.” An impacted wisdom tooth is when the tooth grows out at an angle or only partially emerges from the gum line, causing pain and discomfort.

Left untreated, impacted wisdom teeth can lead to more severe problems, such as tooth decay and cause damage to the surrounding teeth. 

Symptoms of Impacted Wisdom Teeth 

  • Pain and swelling around the jaw
  • Swollen and bleeding gums 
  • Bad breath 
  • Difficulty moving your jaw
  • Fever 
  • Infections of the surrounding gum
  • Cysts at the site of an impacted tooth
  • Headaches or earaches
  • Difficulty chewing
  • Risk of gum disease
  • Damage to adjacent teeth

The best way to determine if you need to get your wisdom teeth extracted is by visiting a dentist. So, if you experience any of these symptoms, it’s best to schedule a consultation with us. Our dentists will examine your mouth and develop a personalised treatment plan to address your pain and discomfort. 

However, impacted wisdom teeth don’t always show symptoms, and you may not even be aware of it. That’s why regular dental check-ups are important, as they help our dentists keep a watchful eye on signs of any general dental problems, prompting early intervention when necessary. 

How Are Wisdom Teeth Removed? 

Your comfort and peace of mind are our top priorities at Port Melbourne Dental. That’s why our team is committed to making your wisdom tooth removal process a pain-free and stress-free experience. 

We carry out this procedure under a local anaesthetic to minimise discomfort and ease your anxiety.

Here’s a glimpse at what our wisdom tooth removal process looks like: 

  1. Our dentists will first administer anaesthesia or use sleep dentistry techniques. Carried out by our experienced team, this will help minimise your pain, discomfort and anxiety throughout the procedure. 
  2. A small incision will be made in your gum with precision and care to expose the problematic tooth and your impacted wisdom tooth will be extracted.
  3. Once the extraction is complete, the site may need stitches to close the incision. We will then place gauze to cover the extraction site and to promote blood clotting which helps prevent a painful dental condition called ‘dry socket’. A dry socket is when the blood clot formed over the extraction site is dislodged or does not form properly.
  4. Once the sedative wears off, you’re all set to head home (accompanied by someone). Before you leave our clinic, we will equip you with all the information you need for a smooth recovery following your wisdom tooth removal. 

Having performed countless wisdom teeth extractions over the years, you can count on our team at Port Melbourne Dental to remove your impacted tooth/teeth safely and effectively. 

Benefits of Wisdom Tooth Removal

Wisdom tooth removal can offer several benefits, including:

  • Prevents pain and discomfort
  • Prevents teeth crowding
  • Reduces the risk of infection
  • Prevents damage to neighbouring teeth
  • Reduces headaches and jaw pain
  • Prevents cysts and tumours
  • Lowers the risk of developing cavities and gum disease
  • Prevents orthodontic issues

It is also vital to make a consultation with one of our experienced dentists to determine whether wisdom tooth removal is the best option for you.

How to Prepare for Wisdom Tooth Removal

  • Clear Your Schedule: Immediately after wisdom tooth extraction you will experience swelling, bruising and pain. Therefore, it is best to clear your schedule for the first couple of days after surgery to relax and recover. 
  • Communicate: If you are feeling anxious about the procedure (which is normal) or have any questions, be upfront about it and have an honest conversation with our friendly dentists beforehand. This will ease some of those pre-surgery jitters and give you some clarity. 
  • Bring Someone with You: After the surgery, you will require the assistance of a family member or friend. This is because you will be coming down from the anaesthesia as a result of which you will be unfit to drive or go home alone. 

Prepare your Medical Kit and Stock Up: From the necessary pain medication prescribed by the dentist to ice packs and soft foods, make sure to have everything ready to ensure a smooth recovery period.

Wisdom Tooth Removal Aftercare

For a smooth and comfortable recovery, here’s how to take care of yourself following a wisdom tooth extraction:

  • Bite gently on the gauze pad placed over the surgical area as instructed to control bleeding.
  • Get some rest for the remainder of the day and avoid any strenuous activities.
  • Avoid rinsing your mouth or spitting vigorously on the first day as it can dislodge blood clots. After 24 hours have passed, you can gently rinse your mouth with a warm saltwater rinse.
  • Take prescribed pain medications as directed by your dentist to manage the pain.
  • Avoid hard, chewy and spicy foods.
  • Stick to soft, cold and easy-to-chew foods for the first few days, such as yoghurt, pudding, mashed potatoes and smoothies.
  • Avoid using straws, as this sucking motion can allow the blood clots to become loose.
  • Avoid smoking, as it can slow down the healing process and increase the risk of infections and complications.
  • Place an ice pack/cold compress outside your mouth to reduce swelling.
  • Be gentle and careful when brushing your teeth in the days following the procedure.

If you have any concerns or experience unusual symptoms, don’t hesitate to contact our dentist right away.

What to Eat After Wisdom Tooth Removal? 

As mentioned above, it’s important to steer clear of hard, chewy and spicy foods immediately after wisdom tooth removal as they can delay healing. Therefore, it is important to stick to a soft food diet which includes options like: 

  • Soups
  • Mashed potatoes
  • Yoghurt
  • Jelly
  • Smoothies
  • Scrambled eggs
  • Soft vegetables
  • Cottage cheese

Cost of Wisdom Tooth Removal In Melbourne

The complexity of the extraction and your unique case needs can affect the cost of wisdom tooth removal making it important to visit our clinic for a consultation to assess your condition. Following that, our experienced dentists will provide an accurate estimate of the cost of wisdom tooth extraction.

Pain-Free Wisdom Tooth Removal At Port Melbourne Dental

At Port Melbourne Dental, our highly skilled and trained dental professionals have extensive experience performing wisdom tooth removal procedures.

We understand how an impacted wisdom tooth can affect your smile, health and confidence. So, if you are looking for a reliable and friendly dental clinic in Melbourne to remove your impacted teeth, we’re here to help.

Our team will prioritise your comfort and health, ensuring you feel at ease throughout your visit to our dental clinic.

Don’t let impacted wisdom teeth spoil your smile, confidence and oral health. Book your consultation today!