Wisdom Teeth Removal Melbourne
At Carnegie Dental Group, wisdom teeth removal is one of our core specialties that is backed by over 45 years of trusted dental care in Melbourne.
Led by Dr Nathan Rosenbaum—BDSc, FRACDS, and member of the Australian Society of Implant Dentistry, our surgical team has extensive experience performing safe, effective extractions using the latest techniques and equipment.
We know wisdom tooth surgery can feel intimidating, which is why we offer a calm, compassionate approach in a modern, fully equipped clinic just 30 minutes from the CBD. From the moment you walk in, you’ll feel confident knowing you're in good hands.
Why Do People Need Their Wisdom Teeth Removed?
Wisdom teeth removal is a common requirement, with up to 85% of Australians needing it at one point in their lives.
Also known as third molars, they are the last teeth to come through, typically in your late teens or early twenties. While not everyone needs them removed, if they cause pain, infection, or crowding, then extraction is often the best solution.
Symptoms of Impacted Wisdom Teeth
For those with impacted wisdom teeth, some of the most common signs include jaw stiffness, swollen or inflamed gums, intense pain near the back of the mouth, bleeding gums, or an unpleasant taste.
These symptoms can signal that your wisdom teeth are pushing against nearby teeth or are trapped under the gum tissue.
What Happens If You Don’t Remove Wisdom Teeth?
If left untreated, impacted wisdom teeth can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, cyst formation, or damage to adjacent teeth.
Sometimes, it can even interfere with orthodontic treatment or cause recurring infections.
Types of Wisdom Teeth Impaction
Not all wisdom teeth erupt properly, and when there isn't enough room in the mouth or the teeth grow at an angle, they can become impacted.
The type of impaction affects the extraction procedure and overall dental care plan.
Vertical Impaction
This is when the wisdom tooth is aligned correctly but hasn't erupted fully through the gum line. In some cases, vertical impaction doesn’t cause problems and may not require removal.
However, if the tooth presses on the tooth below it or contributes to gum inflammation, your dentist may still recommend wisdom tooth surgery.
Horizontal Impaction
Horizontal impaction is one of the most complex cases, where the tooth lies sideways and pushes directly against nearby teeth.
This almost always causes discomfort or damage and typically requires removal by an experienced dentist or specialist oral surgeon.
Mesial Impaction
Mesial impaction is the most common type, where the tooth angles forward towards the front teeth. This can lead to pressure on adjacent teeth, crowding, and pain.
It’s a frequent reason patients undergo wisdom teeth removal in Melbourne, especially in early adulthood, before it affects overall oral health.
Distal Impaction
In a distal impaction, the wisdom tooth tilts backwards, away from the other teeth. While less common, it can still impact the gum tissue and lead to pain, infection, or tooth decay. These often require surgical extraction to prevent more serious dental problems.
The Wisdom Tooth Extraction Procedure
Whether you need one wisdom tooth removed or all four, understanding the process can help ease any anxiety you may have. At Carnegie Dental Group, we tailor every removal procedure to your needs, from simple extractions to complex surgical removal.
Your journey begins with an initial consultation, where we take dental X-rays to assess how your wisdom teeth are positioned. In some more complex cases, a 3D CT scan is also taken to provide detailed information about your vital anatomy. If removal is needed, we’ll book your appointment and walk you through every step.
On the day, your dentist will numb the area with a local anaesthetic before gently removing the tooth. Complex cases involving impacted teeth may require a minor surgical procedure to access the tooth beneath the gum tissue.
Sedation and Sleep Dentistry Options
We offer a range of painless sleep dentistry options to suit your comfort level. These include local anaesthesia, IV sedation, and general anaesthetic administered by a specialist anaesthetist.
Wisdom Teeth Removal Cost in Melbourne
The cost of wisdom teeth removal in Melbourne can vary depending on several factors, including the number of teeth you need removed, whether sedation is needed, and the complexity of the extraction.
Here’s a general guide to typical pricing:
Simple tooth extraction usually costs between $150 and $350 per tooth.
Surgical extractions can be more involved, typically ranging from $450 to $650 per tooth.
General anaesthesia, if needed, is an extra charge to your overall bill.
Removing all four wisdom teeth under general anaesthetic can cost upwards of $3000
At Carnegie Dental Group, we offer transparent quotes and flexible payment plans and can help you maximise your private health insurance benefits to minimise out-of-pocket expenses.
Recovery After Wisdom Teeth Removal Surgery
Healing from wisdom tooth surgery is a gradual process, but with thorough care, most patients' recovery time is within a week.
Carnegie Dental provides detailed post-operative care instructions to ensure a smooth recovery and prevent complications like dry socket.
What to Expect
Mild swelling, jaw stiffness, and some bleeding are normal in the first 24 to 48 hours. Moreover, a blood clot forms in the socket to protect the area, so it's important not to disturb it.
Overall, the recovery time will depend on whether you had simple extractions or surgical removal and the number of wisdom teeth removed.
Do’s and Don’ts
You should follow all instructions given to you by your surgeon and experienced dentist to support the tissue recovery of your gum. This includes resting, using a cold compress, and eating soft foods.
That said, you should avoid vigorous rinsing, smoking, or drinking through a straw, as these can dislodge the blood clot and delay healing.
Managing Pain and Swelling
Over-the-counter pain relief and anti-inflammatory medication can help you to manage discomfort. Additionally, your dentist may also prescribe medication for more intense pain.
Swelling typically peaks after two days and subsides with proper care.
When Is the Right Time to Remove Wisdom Teeth?
The ideal time for getting your wisdom teeth extracted is typically during your late teens or early twenties, when the roots are still developing and the bone is more forgiving. Removing third molars early (before they cause pain or damage to adjacent teeth) can help avoid complex removal procedures later.
At Carnegie Dental, we recommend scheduling a dental X-ray in early adulthood to check for impacted teeth or signs that they may not erupt properly.
Not everyone will require removal, but early assessment gives you the option to act before symptoms like inflamed gums or tooth decay begin.
Preparing for Your Wisdom Teeth Extraction
Knowing what to expect before your appointment can help make your wisdom teeth extraction experience as smooth and stress-free as possible. At Carnegie Dental, we ensure you're fully informed and prepared on the day of your procedure.
Pre-Operative Instructions
Follow all advice from your dental provider carefully. If you're having sedation or general anaesthetic, you’ll need to fast for a specific period beforehand.
Also, make sure to arrange for someone to drive you home, especially if you’re undergoing sleep dentistry, and avoid alcohol or smoking 24 hours before surgery.
What to Bring and Wear
Wearing loose, comfortable clothing with short sleeves will provide us with easy access if IV sedation is being used.
Make sure you bring your private health insurance card, any prescribed medications, and a support person if needed. You are not recommended to wear makeup or heavy skincare on your face.
Why Choose Us for Wisdom Teeth Removal in Melbourne?
At Carnegie Dental Group, we’ve made wisdom tooth removal a calm, comfortable, and confidence-building experience. Regardless of whether you’re dealing with impacted wisdom teeth or just need expert advice, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Experienced & Gentle Surgeons
Our team includes experienced dentists and access to specialist oral and maxillofacial surgeons who handle both simple and complex cases. We prioritise your comfort and safety, using the latest techniques to ensure efficient, painless extractions.
5-Star Customer Experience
From your first call to your final follow-up, we’re focused on care that’s warm, respectful, and personalised. Our Melbourne patients consistently rate us highly for clear communication, gentle treatment, and professional service.
State-of-the-Art Facilities
We use modern scanning techniques and state of the art dental imaging, advanced sedation and anaesthetic options, and sterile surgical environments to support every aspect of your wisdom tooth surgery and post-operative care.
Free Consultations
Not sure if your wisdom teeth need to be removed? We give you expert advice on a free initial consultation to determine whether treatment is required.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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The wisdom tooth removal procedure is a common procedure that’s typically pain-free thanks to local anaesthesia or, in some cases, general anaesthesia for more complex extractions.
During the extraction process, you won’t feel pain, only mild pressure. After your wisdom teeth are extracted, any discomfort is manageable with proper pain management and rest.
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Recovery depends on how many wisdom teeth were removed and whether surgical techniques were involved. If all four teeth were removed, you may need a few days to a week for initial healing.
The Carnegie Dental Group will provide aftercare instructions to support faster recovery.
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Some people can return to work after a simple extraction, especially if only one tooth was removed. But if all four wisdom teeth are removed or if sedation was used, taking a couple of days off is recommended to minimise complications or additional costs.
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After your wisdom teeth removal, eat soft, cool foods like mashed vegetables, yoghurt, or smoothies.
Try to avoid anything crunchy or spicy until healing in your dry socket is well underway.
Book Your Wisdom Teeth Consultation Today
If you're experiencing discomfort or think it might be time to have your wisdom teeth assessed, our friendly team at Carnegie Dental Group is here to help.
Book your free consultation today and take the first step towards enjoying pain-free, healthy teeth.