Are you experiencing throbbing toothaches from wisdom teeth? For a friendly and local expert in wisdom teeth extraction, choose the trusted dentists at Dental Excellence.
For over 25 years, we’ve performed many wisdom teeth removals using state of the art technology, precise surgical skills in a safe environment, at affordable prices.
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What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth, commonly known as the third molars, are the very last teeth to erupt, at around 15 to 25 years of age.
Impacted wisdom teeth happen naturally because the modern human jaw lacks enough space for them to grow properly.
There are 2 types of impacted wisdom teeth:
- Partial impactions partially erupted over the gumline
- Full impactions are completely buried under the gums
- Mesial: this is the most common type
- Vertical
- Horizontal
- Distal: the rarest type
- They are impacted
- The wisdom tooth is causing pain, or has cavities
- Damage to neighbouring teeth or gum disease
- There is trapped food
- To prevent decay and infections
Common Symptoms and Problems
- Jaw pain
- Swollen gums
- Bad breath
- Difficulty opening the mouth
Pain and Infection Risks
- Pericoronitis, which is inflammation or infection of the gums
- Damage to surrounding healthy teeth and molars
- Headaches, jaw and temple pain
Why Choose Dental Excellence for Wisdom Teeth Removal?
We understand how daunting a wisdom tooth extraction can be. That’s why your comfort and wellbeing is prioritised with every visit to our clinic. With an emphasis on pain-free, anti-anxiety procedures, we incorporate the use of local anaesthetics and mild sedation to ensure that the process runs as smoothly as possible.
At Dental Excellence, we’re experts at wisdom tooth extractions, having performed many over 20+ years. Led by Dr Renu Karn, our team has a state-of-the-art surgical facility and recovery room, as well as advanced imaging technology to diagnose any wisdom tooth impactions, leading to a high surgical success rate. Rest assured that we always follow strict safety protocols to ensure complication-free results for all our patients.
Over 25 Years of Experience in Adelaide
AHPRA Registered & ADA Affiliated Practitioners
State-of-the-Art CAD/CAM & Laser Technology
Flexible Payment Plans Available
Our Wisdom Teeth Removal Process
Preparation for Surgery
At your initial consultation, we’ll perform a thorough assessment of your teeth, discuss your medical history, and take some X-Rays, or OPGs to diagnose the presence of a wisdom tooth.
During the Procedure
On the day of your wisdom teeth removal, we’ll apply a local anaesthetic to the extraction site.
We’ll then make a small incision, pull the tooth out, then thoroughly clean the socket before stitching up the wound.
Discuss Your Sedation Options
Anaesthesia Options
Our pain-free wisdom tooth extractions are always performed under local anaesthesia as a standard of care. We also offer oral sedatives or intravenous sedatives for anxious patients who require a bit more to settle the nerves.
For complex extractions which call for a general anaesthetic, we’ll refer you to an oral surgeon.
Recovery After Wisdom Teeth Extraction
Day 1-2: Rest and clotting
After the local anaesthetic wears off, you’ll initially experience an ache or discomfort at the extraction site, as well as swelling.
Day 3-4: Peak swelling
The swelling will reach its highest intensity, as will pain and discomfort.
Day 7+: Returning to normal
After the swelling begins to resolve, healing will speed up, the ache and discomfort will cease, and the extraction site should be fully healed after 14 days.
Post-operative pain and swelling can easily be managed with over-the-counter painkillers, using an icepack on the affected cheek and keeping your head elevated.
Until the wisdom tooth extraction site completely heals, it’s best to make sure that you protect the area by:
- Eating soft foods for a few days including yoghurt, smoothies, blended soup and mashed potatoes
- Avoid crunchy foods
- Avoid small seeds
- Avoid chewing on the affected side if possible
When a blood clot fails to form or becomes dislodged at the site of the wisdom tooth extraction, this is known as Dry Socket. Characterised by severe pain, Dry Socket arises when the absent blood clot leaves behind exposed bone nerve endings.
Here’s how to avoid it:
- Refrain from smoking, vigorous exercise, mouth rinsing and using a drinking straw for at least a few days
- When brushing your teeth, avoid the extraction site and rinse your mouth very gently afterwards
It’s important to take extra care with oral hygiene around a fresh wisdom tooth extraction site to avoid dislodging the blood clot which is important for an efficient healing process. We recommend:
- Avoid rinsing and flossing for the first day
- Do not use mouthwash
- Brush the surrounding teeth very gently
- If you must rinse, do so gently, with salt water.
We recommend rest and taking painkillers if you are feeling discomfort following your operation. You can apply ice over your jaw for relief as well.
In the first 1-2 days, avoid:
- Rinsing your mouth
- Using straws
- Spitting
- Smoking
Signs to Watch For
If you’re experiencing the following signs in the first 1-2 weeks after your wisdom teeth extraction, contact Dental Excellence on (08) 8423 1091 immediately:
- Excessive bleeding
- Fever
- Persisting numbness
- Severe pain
For life-threatening emergencies, dial 000. For urgent post-operative concerns, call Dental Excellence immediately on (08) 8423 1091.
Meet Our Dentist
You’re in capable hands with our team of dental surgeons, led by principal dentist Dr Renu Karn. With hundreds of wisdom teeth extractions performed throughout her 25+ year career, Dr Karn understands the importance of staying up to date with her oral surgical skills by regularly attending conferences, workshops and reading the latest research. She believes strongly in creating a safe, relaxed environment for optimised patient outcomes.
Costs and Insurance for Wisdom Teeth Removal in Adelaide
At Dental Excellence, prices for wisdom teeth removal can vary depending on the complexity of the procedure, but we’ll always provide exact quotes for you upfront.
- Simple extractions for wisdom teeth that are visible above the gums can cost up to $600 per tooth
- Complex impacted wisdom teeth removals for teeth located below the gum line may cost up to $1,200 each
There are many health fund providers which offer extras cover for wisdom teeth removals, and we accept most major health funds, including Bupa, Medibank Private, HCF and NIB.
In most cases, Medicare Australia does not cover dental work unless you are eligible under a certain scheme such as the Child Dental benefits Schedule.
We offer Buy Now, Pay Later flexible payment plan options such as Zip Pay and Afterpay.
Another popular long term direct debit payment solution we offer is Denticare, requiring only a 30% initial upfront payment.
About Our Approach to Patient Care
At Dental Excellence, we take the time to understand each patient’s individual circumstances, preferences and clinical needs. Our team works with you to discuss the available treatment options, expected timeframes, associated costs and any potential risks, so that you can make an informed decision about your care.
About Our Adelaide Patients
We are grateful to the Adelaide community for choosing Dental Excellence for their dental care. Our team is committed to providing considered, evidence-informed dentistry in a supportive clinical environment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wisdom Teeth Removal
No, the procedure itself is performed under local or general anaesthetic, so you won’t feel any pain.
We recommend managing post-operative pain with painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, using an icepack on your jaw and keeping your head elevated.
For simple extractions, you can return to work after 1-2 days. For more complex surgical extractions, you’ll likely need 3-4 days before returning to work.