Wisdom Tooth
Removal, done with
care.
Where wisdom-tooth roots sit close to the nerves, careful planning and modern imaging matter. We assess each case individually — because not every wisdom tooth needs to come out.
AccreditedAustralian Dental AssociationRACDSICOIAACD
Do they always need to come out?
Not necessarily. A wisdom tooth that has come through properly — or is impacted but not affecting anything — may be fine to leave.
If a wisdom tooth is impacted, though, removal is often recommended, because it can lead to problems such as cysts forming later on. We use imaging to see exactly how the tooth and its roots sit before advising you either way.
Why removal is often advised
The problems they can cause.
A tooth tilted forward
When a lower wisdom tooth leans forward, food gets trapped against the teeth in front — leading to decay in those important teeth. This is the most common issue.
An over-erupted upper tooth
When an upper wisdom tooth erupts too far, food gets caught and it can irritate the gum around the lower wisdom tooth, causing pain.
Decay in the wisdom tooth
Wisdom teeth are hard to clean, so they decay easily — and that decay can become painful.
Untreated infection
Left untreated, a badly decayed wisdom tooth can become inflamed at the root, causing severe pain, facial swelling and difficulty opening the mouth.
Aftercare
Caring for the extraction site.
Bleeding. Some bleeding is normal. Bite gently on the gauze pad to help it settle, replacing it as needed.
Swelling. Swelling is common. Apply an ice pack to the outside of your cheek — 30 minutes on, 30 off — for the first 24 hours.
Pain relief. Take pain medication as prescribed, or over-the-counter relief as directed.
Diet. Stick to soft foods for the first few days and avoid hot, spicy or hard foods that could irritate the site.
Oral hygiene. Keep brushing gently, avoiding the extraction site on day one. Rinse with saltwater or a prescribed mouthwash as directed.
Activity. Rest for at least 24 hours. Avoid straws and smoking, which can dislodge the clot and slow healing.
Follow-up. Attend any follow-up visits so we can check healing and remove stitches if needed.
Emergency. Contact us if you have heavy bleeding, severe pain or swelling, or signs of infection such as pus or fever.
Not sure if it needs to come out?
Book a consultation at Hornsby or Eastwood and we'll assess your wisdom teeth with imaging and give you honest advice — with dentists who speak English, 한국어 and 中文.
Whether extraction is needed, and any associated risks, depend on your individual circumstances and are assessed and discussed with you before treatment.