Most people only have space in their jaws for 2 molars not 3 and as the wisdom teeth are last to erupt, they can become misaligned if there isn’t enough space. These are referred to as impacted teeth and can make cleaning the area very difficult, thereby jeopardising the adjacent teeth. Wisdom teeth may cause the following issues and necessitate removal to solve these issues:

• • Bad breath
  • Infection
  • Decay
  • Crowding
  • Pain
  • Cyst formation
  • Recurrent sore throats
  • Bleeding gums

Antibiotics will only mask the signs and symptoms and usually only for the short term. In most problematic wisdom teeth cases the only treatment is extraction.

The procedure for wisdom tooth removal and the associated cost depends on the position of the specific tooth. In some cases where the wisdom tooth fully erupts through the gums, it can be simply extracted, the same way as removing other teeth and can cost $182. If a wisdom tooth is under their gums and impacted this would require a surgical extraction where there is a need for an incision into the gums and the tooth is removed in small sections. This procedure can cost up to $440 per tooth.

At Above and Beyond Dental, we offer the removal of all 4 wisdom teeth for up to $999.

As people differ a lot there is great variation in the recovery from wisdom tooth removal, but this depends on the degree of difficulty of the extractions. Here is a general outline of recovery and what to expect.

• Bleeding: This is to be expected within the first 24 hours. To control the bleeding, you will be given clean gauze to place over the socket and by biting down firmly for 30 minutes then replace with a clean gauze until the bleeding has lessened and a clot has formed. To allow this clot to not be dislodged is it important to avoid sucking actions (ie- smoking, drinking through a straw) and avoiding hot liquid such as coffee.
• While you are still numb, be careful to avoid biting the inside of your cheek, lip and tongue.
• Do not lie flat as it will prolong bleeding. Use pillows to prop up your head.
• Do not smoke for at least 48 hours post-operation. The inhalation and exhalation act as a sucking action that can dislodge the blood clot and delay healing. Smoking also introduces contaminants and reduces blood flow which delays healing.
• Facial swelling in the area where the tooth was removed is normal. The swelling is usually the worst on the 3rd or 4th day post-operation. We recommend placing an icepack wrapped in a cloth on that area of your face for 20 minutes, followed by taking it off for 20 minutes.
• In some cases, we prescribe pain medication or antibiotics for post-operative recovery. These medications help to manage the pain after the surgery and to prevent infection from forming.
• Diet – we recommend soft foods for 24-48 hours post-surgery. Foods like mashed potato, ice cream, smoothies (not through a straw), scrambled egg and soup.
• After 24 hours you will be required to do some rinsing to keep the socket clean and free of food. We are recommending rinsing 3-5 times a day especially after eating with an antiseptic mouthwash such as Savacol or salt water (½ tsp salt in a cup of warm water).
• Your dentist will give you post-operative instructions specific to your case and depending on the difficulty of your extractions following the procedure and may arrange a free review in 7-10 days if required.

Dry Socket

A dry socket is a common complication, that usually occurs if a blood clot fails to form or becomes dislodged in the remaining socket the tooth was removed from.

Dry socket usually occurs 3-4 days post-extraction and is accompanied by pain and a foul mouth odour/taste.

If you start experiencing the symptoms of a dry socket, it is best to make an appointment to see the dentist. The dentist will place a medicated dressing in the socket that will aid healing, and this may need to be done several times.

 Paraesthesia

This refers to a numbness that affects the tongue, lip or chin which can last days, weeks, months or be permanent. This can occur in rare cases where there is a close association between the wisdom tooth and the nerve that runs along the jaw (Inferior Alveolar Nerve). Sometimes these nerves can be bruised or damaged during the tooth removal process. If your dentist suspects a close association between your wisdom teeth and the nerve you may be recommended to have a 3D scan so that we can track the nerve location and avoid damaging the nerve during extraction.

Very Rare complications

• Fractured Jaw
• Communication between the sinus and the mouth

If you are nervous about the procedure, we offer options to help you ranging from TVs, streaming services and noise cancelling headphones to sedation options.

There are 3 forms of sedation:

• Orals sedation with an antianxiety drug which will only incur a cost of $40
• Twilight sedation: whereby an anesthetist will be present in the surgery to provide a deep level of sedation. This will cost an extra $900 per hour.
• Referral to an Oral Maxillofacial surgeon for a full General Anesthetic

It is best to have a consultation with one of our highly experienced dentists at Above and Beyond dental. We have had experience successfully removing over 40,000 wisdom teeth and can remove 99% of teeth and for the other 1% we can refer you to the right person. An OPG x-ray will be required to check the orientation of the wisdom teeth, the roots, and the nerves. In some cases, a further 3D image will be required. Once the dentist has assessed your wisdom teeth they can advise you the degree of difficulty, your likely recovery time, sedation options if required, cost and answer any further questions.

Bear in mind that in younger people (late teens early 20s) the roots may not be fully developed, and the jawbone is less dense making removal and recovery easier. It is rarely harmful to your health to have your wisdom teeth removed.