Wisdom Teeth Removal
Safe and comfortable removal of impacted or problematic wisdom teeth.
Wisdom teeth are the third molars that usually erupt between ages 17–21. Due to limited space, they often become impacted, grow in the wrong direction, or only partially emerge, which can lead to various dental issues.
What is Wisdom Tooth?
Wisdom teeth are the set of 3rd molar teeth that erupt last in the mouth. Normally, each person has 4 wisdom teeth and they often erupt at age of 17-21. Because they are the last to erupt in the mouth, they often get impacted or end up erupting partially. Often due to limited jaw spaces, they grow in a wrong direction, turn to the side, tilt backwards, or emerge in a wrong position.
These wrong positions and directions of wisdom teeth can often cause infection, abscess and tooth decay due to difficulty in providing good oral hygiene.
Rarely, untreated impacted wisdom teeth can cause cysts and some benign tumours and these can lead to jaw bone destruction.
Note: Images are for illustrative purposes only and may not represent actual procedures.
Symptoms
- Swelling
- Severe pain
- Bad breath
- Difficulty opening the mouth
- Pain while chewing
Reasons
- Infection
- Abscess
- Tooth impaction and Tooth decay
- Difficulty maintaining oral hygiene
- Pressure on neighbouring teeth
- Jaw bone damage
How are they removed?
Many wisdom teeth are impacted and may be positioned under the gum or within the bone, making extraction more complex.
Impacted teeth are usually removed surgically by opening the surrounding tissue to gain access. Fully erupted teeth can often be removed like a standard extraction.
The procedure can be performed under local or general anaesthesia, depending on the case.
At Prahran Family Dental, we aim to provide a safe and comfortable experience. Most general dentists refer surgical wisdom tooth cases to an oral surgeon, but Dr Jun Kim at Prahran Family Dental performs surgical wisdom tooth extractions in-house.
Images are for illustrative purposes only and may not represent actual procedures.
Dr Jun has experience pulling out over 6000+ wisdom teeth, both straight-forward and complex cases all around Melbourne.
Why Choose Prahran Family Dental for Wisdom Teeth Removal
Thorough assessment with imaging
Before recommending removal, Dr Jun will examine your wisdom teeth and take X-rays or an OPG to see their position and how they relate to nearby nerves and teeth. This helps us plan carefully and advise whether removal is the right choice for you.
Care matched to your situation
Not every wisdom tooth needs to come out. We only recommend removal when there is a genuine reason, such as impaction, crowding, pain, infection or decay, and we will explain the reasoning so you can make an informed decision.
Comfort-focused treatment
Straightforward removals are carried out under local anaesthetic to keep you comfortable. If you feel anxious, we are happy to discuss sedation options with you so we can find an approach that suits you.
Clear aftercare support
We give you clear, written aftercare advice to help you manage swelling, keep the area clean and lower the risk of complications such as dry socket. Our team is here if you have questions during your recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do wisdom teeth sometimes need to be removed?
Wisdom teeth may need removal when there is not enough room for them to come through properly, when they become impacted, or when they cause pain, crowding, repeated infection or decay. Dr Jun will assess your teeth and advise whether removal is recommended in your case.
Is wisdom teeth removal painful?
The procedure itself is carried out under local anaesthetic, so the area is numb and you should not feel pain during the removal. Some discomfort and swelling afterwards is normal and can usually be managed with the aftercare advice we provide. If you feel anxious, ask us about sedation options.
How long does recovery take?
Recovery varies from person to person and depends on how involved the removal was. Many people feel noticeably better within a few days, with swelling easing over the following week. Dr Jun will give you a clearer idea of what to expect based on your particular situation.
How can I avoid dry socket after removal?
Dry socket can occur when the blood clot at the removal site is disturbed. To lower the risk, we advise avoiding smoking, vigorous rinsing and drinking through a straw in the first few days, and following the aftercare instructions we give you. Contact us if you have increasing pain a few days after the procedure.
What if my wisdom teeth are difficult to remove?
Even when wisdom teeth are impacted or sitting in an awkward position, Dr Jun is able to manage the removal here in our practice. More complex cases simply take a bit more planning, and we will talk you through exactly what is involved before anything goes ahead. You will understand your options and what to expect at each step, so you can feel comfortable knowing your care stays in one place from start to finish.