Sydney Smile Centre in Pagewood provides wisdom teeth assessment and extraction for patients across the Eastern Suburbs. Dr George Hedges has over 30 years of experience removing wisdom teeth, including impacted and partially erupted cases. Call 02 9349 2387 to book an assessment.
Wisdom teeth — also called third molars — usually emerge between the ages of 17 and 25. For many people, there simply is not enough room in the jaw for these teeth to come through properly, which can lead to pain, infection and damage to neighbouring teeth.
Signs Your Wisdom Teeth May Need Removing
Not all wisdom teeth require extraction. However, you should see a dentist if you experience:
- Pain or tenderness at the back of your jaw
- Swollen or bleeding gums around the wisdom tooth area
- Difficulty opening your mouth or chewing
- Bad breath or an unpleasant taste that does not go away with brushing
- Headaches or earaches caused by referred pain from impacted teeth
- Crowding or shifting of your other teeth
An X-ray at Sydney Smile Centre will reveal whether your wisdom teeth are impacted (trapped beneath the gum or bone), partially erupted, or growing at an angle that could cause problems.
What Happens During Wisdom Teeth Removal?
The procedure varies depending on how the tooth is positioned:
- Simple extraction: If the tooth has fully erupted and is accessible, it can be removed under local anaesthetic in a straightforward procedure similar to any other tooth extraction.
- Surgical extraction: If the tooth is impacted or partially erupted, a small incision in the gum may be needed. The tooth may be divided into sections for easier removal. This is also performed under local anaesthetic at the practice.
Dr George Hedges performs both types of wisdom tooth extractions at Sydney Smile Centre. For complex cases that require general anaesthetic, a referral to an oral surgeon may be recommended.
Recovery After Wisdom Teeth Removal
Most patients recover within a few days to a week. To support healing:
- Apply an ice pack to the outside of your cheek for the first 24 hours (20 minutes on, 20 minutes off)
- Eat soft foods such as yoghurt, soup and mashed vegetables for the first few days
- Avoid hot drinks, alcohol, smoking and vigorous rinsing for 24 hours
- After 24 hours, gently rinse with warm salt water several times a day
- Take prescribed pain medication or over-the-counter paracetamol or ibuprofen as directed
- Rest and avoid strenuous exercise for 48 hours
What Happens If You Leave Impacted Wisdom Teeth?
Leaving impacted or problematic wisdom teeth untreated can lead to:
- Pericoronitis: Painful infection of the gum tissue around a partially erupted tooth
- Cysts or tumours: Rare but possible around impacted teeth
- Damage to adjacent teeth: Wisdom teeth growing at angles can push against and damage the second molars
- Decay: Partially erupted wisdom teeth are difficult to clean and prone to cavities
- Orthodontic complications: Crowding that can undo previous orthodontic work
Wisdom Teeth Removal at Sydney Smile Centre Pagewood
Our practice is at Shop 1, 16 Maroubra Road, Pagewood NSW 2035. We serve patients from Maroubra, Mascot, Botany, Kensington, Kingsford, Randwick, Coogee, Eastgardens and surrounding suburbs. Free parking is available via Glanfield Street and the practice has disabled access.
We accept all major private health insurance funds via HICAPS, Medicare CDBS for eligible children, and DVA. Interest-free payment plans are available for surgical procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does wisdom teeth removal cost in Pagewood?
The cost depends on whether the extraction is simple or surgical, and how many teeth are removed. We provide an accurate quote after your initial assessment and X-ray. Private health insurance with dental extras typically covers a portion of the cost.
Is wisdom teeth removal painful?
The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic, so you should not feel pain during the extraction. You may feel pressure. After the anaesthetic wears off, some discomfort and swelling is normal for a few days and is managed with pain medication.
How long does the procedure take?
A simple extraction takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes. A surgical extraction of an impacted wisdom tooth may take 30 to 60 minutes. If multiple teeth are removed in one session, allow extra time.
Can all four wisdom teeth be removed at once?
Yes, in many cases all four wisdom teeth can be removed in a single appointment. Your dentist will advise whether this is appropriate based on the complexity of each extraction and your overall health.
At what age should wisdom teeth be removed?
If removal is needed, it is generally easier in younger patients (late teens to early twenties) when the roots are not fully formed and the bone is less dense. However, wisdom teeth can be removed at any age if they are causing problems.
Do I need a referral for wisdom teeth removal?
No referral is needed to see a dentist at Sydney Smile Centre for wisdom teeth assessment and removal. Call 02 9349 2387 directly to book.
