Wisdom teeth are the last to develop in the mouth and usually emerge in the mid to late 20s. Most people have anywhere between one and four wisdom teeth. While some may grow in without issues, many experience problems, such as impaction or partial eruption, leading to infections that require extraction.

At Kelmscott Dental, we offer expert wisdom tooth removal under IV sedation, ensuring you stay comfortable throughout your procedure. Whether the extraction is simple or complex, our experienced team guarantees a smooth, stress-free process to help you recover quickly and return to your daily routine.

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Why Choose Kelmscott Dental for Wisdom Tooth Removal?

• Expert Care by Your Dentist: Our skilled dental surgeons have extensive experience in both surgical and non-surgical extractions.
• No Referral Needed: Book directly for a consultation and treatment, saving you time and hassle.
• Advanced Diagnostic Imaging: We use OPG x-rays and 3D CBCT scans for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
• Stress-Free and Safe IV Sedation: Ideal for nervous patients or more complex extractions, IV sedation offers a comfortable, stress-free option for wisdom tooth removal.
• Qualified Anaesthetist Onsite: IV sedation is administered by a professional, ensuring both safety and comfort.

Signs That Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed

Not everyone requires wisdom tooth removal, but certain symptoms may indicate extraction is necessary:

• Pain or discomfort at the back of the mouth
• Swelling or redness in the gums around the wisdom teeth
• Impacted teeth that don’t have enough space to emerge properly
• Recurring infections (pericoronitis) due to trapped food and bacteria
• Damage to neighbouring teeth caused by pressure from impacted wisdom teeth
• Cysts or tumours that can form around impacted wisdom teeth (rare cases)

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to consult with a dentist to determine the best course of action. Read more about the signs of impacted or infected wisdom teeth in our blog, 7 Signs Your Wisdom Teeth Need to Come Out.

Should I Get All Four Wisdom Teeth Removed?

If only one wisdom tooth is impacted and causing problems, your dentist may recommend removing just that tooth. However, there are several factors to consider:

• Future Problems: Even if your other wisdom teeth aren’t problematic now, they may cause pain, crowding, or infections later. Removing all four at once can prevent future surgeries.
• Easier Recovery: If you’re already undergoing sedation, it may be more convenient to remove all four teeth at once, rather than scheduling multiple procedures.
• Cost: Although removing just one tooth may seem more affordable upfront, multiple extractions over time can end up costing more.

Your dentist will assess your oral health, review your x-rays, and recommend the best plan for you.

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The Wisdom Tooth Removal Process

1. 1. 1. Consultation and Treatment Planning

         Your dentist will assess your wisdom teeth using an OPG x-ray. A 3D CBCT scan may be performed for complex cases. Based on your diagnosis, a tailored treatment plan will be created.

      2. Discuss Surgery and Sedation Options

         We’ll explain the type of extraction needed and recommend sedation options based on your comfort level. If you opt for IV sedation, your treatment will be carried out by both your dentist and anaesthetist. Prior to the procedure, the anaesthetist will call you to discuss the sedation process and any medical concerns. You’ll also receive pre-operative instructions, including fasting requirements, and will be asked to sign a consent form.

      3. Removal of Your Wisdom Teeth

         Your wisdom teeth will be carefully removed based on your treatment plan. If the extraction is simple, local anaesthesia will be applied to numb the area. For IV sedation, the anaesthetist will explain each step, then insert an intravenous drip. You’ll fall asleep as the anaesthetist counts down, and you’ll remain asleep until woken up post-procedure. If surgery is required, a small incision will be made in the gum to remove the tooth. After the extraction, dissolvable stitches will seal the gum, and a cold pack will be applied to reduce swelling.

      4. Discuss Aftercare

         The procedure usually takes around one hour. Afterward, you’ll rest in our dedicated recovery room until the sedation wears off. You’ll be provided with a post-op information sheet, and your carer will need to drive you home, as the effects of sedation can last up to 24 hours.

      5. Recovery

         Your mouth will begin the healing process. You’ll need to follow strict diet and hygiene instructions to aid in your recovery.

Types of Extractions

There are four types of dental extractions, categorised by complexity:

• Simple Extractions (Non-Surgical): For teeth that have fully erupted and can be easily accessed.
• Complex Extractions (Sectional/Surgical): For teeth that need to be divided into smaller parts or surgically removed without involving bone.
• Surgical Extractions: For teeth that require surgery and removal of bone.

Cost of Wisdom Tooth Removal under IV Sedation

The cost of wisdom tooth removal varies depending on the number of teeth, sedation used, and the complexity of the procedure. For a simple extraction of four wisdom teeth (#311), the cost is $912, plus the anaesthetist fee:

• Consultation (#014) – $85
• Panoramic OPG X-ray (#037) – $150*
• Simple extraction of four teeth (#311 x4) – $912
• Treatment under IV Sedation (#949) – $119
• Medication (#927) – $19

For complex or surgical extractions, your printed quote will include the following item codes:

• Complex extraction (#314 or #322) – $284 or $354 per tooth
• Surgical extraction (#324) – $458 per tooth

*If you’ve had an OPG x-ray in the past 12 months, we can use that for your treatment and waive this cost.

If you have private health insurance, we can process your claim through HICAPS during your consultation and check your eligibility for rebates. Payment plans are also available.

Anaesthetist Fee

The anaesthetist fee is billed separately and varies depending on the duration of treatment. If you have Medicare, you will receive a rebate. Your anaesthetist will provide a detailed quote.

Aftercare: Recovery, Diet, and Cleaning

Proper aftercare is essential to ensure a smooth recovery and prevent complications. Here’s what to expect:

Managing Pain and Swelling

• Apply an ice pack to reduce swelling.
• Take prescribed pain medication and antibiotics as directed.
• Avoid strenuous activity for at least 48 hours.

Diet Recommendations

• Stick to soft foods, such as yogurt, mashed potatoes, and soups, for the first few days.
• Avoid hot, spicy, crunchy, or hard foods that could irritate the surgical site.
• Stay hydrated, but avoid using a straw to prevent dry socket.

For meal ideas during your recovery, see our blog, The Wisdom Tooth Removal Diet.

Oral Hygiene and Cleaning

• Gently rinse with salt water (starting 24 hours post-surgery).
• Avoid brushing directly over the extraction site for the first few days.
• Do not smoke or consume alcohol, as this can hinder healing and increase the risk of infection.

In some cases, recovery may take months, especially if surgery was required. Maintaining a regular oral hygiene routine and following your dentist’s advice will aid in healing and help prevent infection.

Book Your Consultation Today

Thinking about sleep dentistry? Book your wisdom tooth removal under IV sedation with Dr Rainer Anderson

At Kelmscott Dental, we offer expert wisdom tooth removal with IV sedation for a stress-free experience, along with comprehensive aftercare support. If you’re experiencing discomfort from your wisdom teeth, don’t wait—book your consultation today and take the first step toward a healthier smile!

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References

1. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/surgery/removing-wisdom-teeth
2. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/wisdom-teeth