Wisdom Teeth Extraction

Wisdom Teeth Removal in Altona Meadows

Wisdom teeth do not always need to come out. When they are impacted, infected or causing pain, removal is often the right course, and the only way to know is an assessment with X-rays to see what is happening below the gum.

Your treatment is planned by a dentist with more than 25 years of clinical experience, with comfort options available if you feel anxious about the procedure.

What is Wisdom Teeth Removal?

Wisdom teeth are the last molars to come through, usually between the late teens and the mid-twenties. There is often not enough room left in the jaw for them, so they can come through at an angle, press against the tooth in front, or emerge only partly through the gum. A tooth in that position is described as impacted.

Wisdom teeth removal is the procedure to take out one or more of these teeth. Depending on how the tooth sits, it is either a straightforward extraction or a surgical one. It is recommended when a wisdom tooth is causing symptoms or creating a risk to the teeth around it.

Not every wisdom tooth needs to come out. If yours are healthy, fully through and easy to clean, leaving them alone may well be the right decision. We assess the risk and recommend only what is appropriate for you.

Why Wisdom Teeth Are Removed

Pain and Pressure at the Back of the Jaw
Where a wisdom tooth is pressing against the tooth in front or trapped against bone, removal addresses the source of the problem.
Repeated Gum Infections
A partly erupted wisdom tooth is difficult to clean, which can lead to recurring infection in the gum around it.
Protecting the Neighbouring Tooth
A wisdom tooth angled forwards can cause decay or damage to the second molar where the two meet.
Easier Cleaning
Removing a tooth you cannot properly reach makes the whole area simpler to keep clean.
Problems Found on X-ray
Some issues are visible on imaging before they cause any symptoms, which is why assessment matters even when nothing hurts yet.

Simple and Surgical Extraction

How a wisdom tooth is removed depends on its position, not on preference. Your dentist will confirm which approach applies after an assessment and imaging.
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Simple Extraction

Where a wisdom tooth has come through fully and is accessible, it can often be removed in a single appointment under local anaesthetic, using a similar approach to any other tooth extraction.

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Surgical Extraction

Where a tooth is impacted, lying at an angle, or still sitting under the gum, a surgical approach is needed. This usually involves a small incision in the gum, and the tooth may be removed in sections to limit the disturbance to the bone around it. Stitches are sometimes used afterwards.

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Which One Applies to You

This is confirmed after imaging rather than beforehand, because it depends on the position of the tooth and its roots. Your dentist will explain which approach your teeth need, what it involves, and what it will cost before anything is booked.

Should You Have Your Wisdom Teeth Assessed?

An assessment is not a commitment to having anything removed. It is how you find out whether your wisdom teeth need attention. It is worth booking one if:

Why Patients Across Melbourne's West Choose Us

More Than 25 Years of Experience

Dr Guneet Kaur has cared for patients across Altona Meadows, Altona, Laverton and Point Cook for over 25 years.

Removal Only When It Is Needed

We assess the risk and recommend removal when there is a reason for it, not as a routine step for everyone.

Comfort for Anxious Patients

Appointments are paced so that nothing feels rushed, and sedation is available for patients with dental anxiety.

Clear Treatment Plans and Costs

You receive a treatment plan and an estimate of fees before any procedure begins.

If You Feel Anxious About the Procedure

Feeling nervous about having wisdom teeth out is common, and it is worth saying so when you book rather than on the day. It changes how your appointment is planned.

Health Funds and Paying for Treatment

Health Funds

All major health funds are accepted, including Medibank, HCF, nib, AHM and CBHS, and our team can help process your claim. Instant claiming may be available. Cosmetic treatment is covered differently to general dentistry, so we recommend checking your level of cover, and we can help you understand what your benefit looks like.

An Estimate Before You Commit

Before any procedure begins, our team provides an estimate of fees and discusses your options. Payment is due on completion of your appointment, by EFTPOS or credit card.

If You Are in Pain Now

If a wisdom tooth is causing significant pain or swelling, call the clinic rather than waiting for an assessment appointment. See our emergency dentistry page for what to do outside opening hours.

Wisdom Teeth Removal FAQs

How do I know if my wisdom teeth are causing problems?
Common signs include pain at the back of the mouth, swelling, a bad taste, difficulty opening, or recurring infection. Some problems do not cause symptoms early on, so an assessment and imaging may be needed to tell.
Do all wisdom teeth need to be removed?
No. If they are healthy, fully through and easy to clean, removal may not be necessary. We assess the risk and recommend only what is appropriate for you.
Is wisdom tooth removal always surgical?
Not always. A fully erupted, accessible tooth may be straightforward to remove, while impacted teeth often need a surgical approach. We will confirm what applies to you after an assessment and imaging.
Is it painful?
The removal is done with local anaesthetic so that you are numb during the procedure. Some soreness and swelling afterwards is normal and is usually managed with simple pain relief and aftercare, which we will explain before you leave.
How long is recovery?
Recovery varies depending on the complexity of the removal and how you heal. We will give you clear aftercare instructions for your case and tell you what to watch for.

What if I am nervous about the procedure?

That is common. We will talk through comfort options at your consultation, including sedation for patients with dental anxiety, and keep the process clear and supportive. Your dentist will discuss what is suitable after an assessment.

What are the risks, and what about dry socket?

As with any procedure, there are some risks, which we will explain so that you can make an informed decision. Following your aftercare instructions helps healing, and if something does not feel right during recovery, contact us early.

How much does wisdom teeth removal cost in Melbourne?

It depends on how many teeth are involved and whether each removal is simple or surgical, so we quote for each case after an assessment. You will receive an estimate of fees before treatment begins, along with an indication of what your health fund may contribute.

How much time will I need to take off?

This depends on the complexity of the removal, the type of work you do, and how you heal, so it is worth asking your dentist once your treatment is planned. We will tell you what to expect for your case rather than give a general figure.

Do you remove wisdom teeth at the clinic, or do I get referred?

No referral is needed. We perform most wisdom tooth removals directly in our clinic. For complex cases requiring a specialist, we'll guide you through the referral process after your initial assessment.

Ready when you are

Book Your Wisdom
Tooth Assessment

If a wisdom tooth is bothering you, or you have been advised to have one checked, we can help you understand what is happening. Visit our Altona Meadows clinic for an assessment and a clear explanation of the options, costs and next steps.

Contact Us

Have a question about wisdom teeth extactons in Melbourne? Send us a message and our team will be in touch.

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