Wisdom Teeth Assessment and Removal in Fortitude Valley
Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to develop, usually emerging in the late teens or early twenties. For some people, they come through without issue. For others, there is not enough room, and wisdom teeth can become stuck, erupt at an angle or cause pain, infection and damage to nearby teeth.
At Precision Dental, we assess your wisdom teeth carefully and give you honest advice about whether they should be monitored or removed.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the third molars, located at the very back of the mouth. Most people have four, although some have fewer or none at all.
When a wisdom tooth does not have enough space to erupt fully, it is described as impacted. Impacted wisdom teeth may be partially visible through the gum or remain entirely hidden within the jawbone. They can grow at various angles, sometimes pressing against the tooth in front.
Is Wisdom Teeth Removal Right for You?
Not every wisdom tooth needs to be removed. Removal may be recommended if you experience:
- Pain or swelling at the back of the mouth
- Repeated gum infections around a partially erupted tooth, known as pericoronitis
- Decay in the wisdom tooth or the neighbouring molar
- Damage to the tooth in front
- Difficulty cleaning around the wisdom tooth
- Cysts or other changes seen on X-rays
If your wisdom teeth are healthy, fully erupted and easy to clean, we may simply monitor them at your regular check-ups. Teenagers and young adults may benefit from an assessment as part of preventive care for young adults.
What Happens at Your Appointment
Assessment and Imaging
We examine the area and take a digital OPG, a panoramic X-ray that shows all of your teeth, the position and angle of your wisdom teeth, and their relationship to nearby nerves and sinuses. Additional 3D imaging may be recommended in some cases.
Discussing Your Options
We explain what we see, the benefits and risks of removal or monitoring, and the costs involved. Depending on the complexity of your case, removal may be performed at our practice, or we may refer you to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, particularly where treatment under general anaesthetic is more appropriate.
Removal at Our Practice
For suitable cases, wisdom teeth are removed under local anaesthetic, with happy gas available to help you relax. Some teeth can be removed in one piece, while others need to be sectioned. Stitches may be placed, and you will receive written aftercare instructions.
Aftercare and Ongoing Care
Swelling and discomfort are common for several days and usually peak around the second or third day. Use cold compresses, take pain relief as advised, and eat soft, cool foods. Avoid smoking, straws, alcohol and vigorous rinsing for the first 24 hours. From the following day, rinse gently with warm salt water. Contact us if you have increasing pain after a few days, persistent bleeding, fever, or numbness that does not resolve.
Why Choose Precision Dental for Wisdom Teeth
We use digital OPG imaging to assess your wisdom teeth accurately, and we always give honest advice about whether removal is necessary. When a referral is more appropriate, we tell you why. For those who feel nervous, happy gas can make treatment more comfortable.
Fees, Health Funds and Payment Options
The cost of your treatment depends on your individual needs. After your examination, we talk you through your options and the expected fees before any treatment begins. We accept most major health funds, process claims on the spot through HICAPS and are a preferred provider for Bupa, HCF and CBHS. Payment plans are available through DentiCare for eligible patients, subject to terms and conditions. You can learn more on our Prices and Payment Options page.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Healthy wisdom teeth that are well positioned and easy to clean may simply be monitored.
An assessment in the mid to late teens is often helpful, as it allows us to monitor development before problems arise.
Most people feel better within about a week, although it varies. Surgical removal of impacted teeth may take longer to recover from.
At our practice, removal is performed under local anaesthetic, with happy gas available. If general anaesthetic is more suitable, we can refer you to an oral surgeon.
Risks include pain, swelling, infection, dry socket and, particularly with lower wisdom teeth, a small risk of temporary or permanent numbness. We discuss these with you before treatment.
In some circumstances, early release of superannuation may be available for eligible patients. Services such as SuperCare can help you explore eligibility.
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Book Your Visit at Precision Dental
Whether you are due for a routine visit or ready to talk through a treatment you have been considering, our Fortitude Valley team would be glad to welcome you. Call us on (07) 3852 1160 or book online, and we will find a time that suits you.
The information on this page is general in nature and is not a substitute for personalised advice from a registered dental practitioner. Individual needs, experiences and results vary.
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
