Wisdom Tooth
Adults have up to 32 teeth, of which four are wisdom teeth and these are the last to come through the gum. They are the ones right at the back of the mouth and usually appear between the ages of 17 and 25 although sometimes they can appear in later years.
If there is enough room in the mouth the wisdom teeth will come through (erupt) in a useful position and there will only be minor discomfort as they erupt. However, wisdom teeth can cause problems if there is not enough room in the mouth, as the wisdom tooth erupts at an angle and gets stuck against the tooth in front; the dentist will describe this as 'Impacted'. Impacted teeth can be uncomfortable, and can often cause disruptions to your daily routine. In such cases, a wisdom tooth extraction at your preferred Maryborough clinic may be recommended.
- The teeth are not able to fully erupt through the gum and are causing an infection in the surrounding tissue; this is known as Pericoronitis.
- There is decay present - wisdom teeth will often decay as it is very difficult to clean them as thoroughly as your other teeth.
Following the removal of wisdom teeth, there is likely to be some discomfort. However, this will vary depending on how difficult it was to remove the tooth; it is not uncommon to experience some swelling for a few days. The dentist will advise on how best to reduce this discomfort and may recommend pain killers such as Paracetamol or Ibuprofen. A further dental appointment will be necessary for the dentist to check the healing process and remove any stitches.
WHY CHOOSE TEETH SOMETIMES NEED REMOVAL
LMany people first notice their wisdom teeth when they start feeling discomfort at the back of their mouth, swollen gums, or difficulty chewing. While this is common, not every case requires immediate extraction. The best way to know is through a proper dental assessment. At Maryborough Family Dental, we use detailed X-rays and scans to check the position of your wisdom teeth and help you make an informed decision about whether extraction is necessary.
Common reasons for recommending wisdom tooth extraction in Melbourne include:
- Impaction (when the tooth grows sideways or doesn’t erupt fully)
- Pain and swelling at the back of the mouth
- Repeated gum infections (pericoronitis)
- Decay or cavities that are hard to clean
- Pressure on neighbouring teeth causing misalignment
- Formation of cysts or other jaw problems around impacted teeth
THE WISDOM TOOTH EXTRACTION PROCESS
At Maryborough Family Dental, we will be able to assess whether there is sufficient room for the teeth to erupt by taking an x-ray which will show the position of the root. Once the x-rays have been taken, we’ll be able to tell how easy or difficult it will be to remove the tooth. Your dentist will only recommend a wisdom tooth extraction if:
- The teeth haven’t fully erupted through the gum and are causing an infection in the surrounding tissue; known as Pericoronitis.
- There is decay present - wisdom teeth will often decay as it is very difficult to clean them as thoroughly as your other teeth.
Here’s a step-by-step process for wisdom tooth extraction at our Maryborough clinic:
Step 1: Assessment and Planning
Your dentist will examine your mouth and review your X-rays to plan the best approach for safe removal.
Step 2: Local Anaesthesia
The area around the tooth will be numbed to ensure you remain comfortable throughout the procedure.
Step 3: ExtractionFor a simple extraction, the tooth is gently loosened and lifted out. If the tooth is impacted or partially trapped under the gum, a small incision may be made for easier removal.
Step 4: Cleaning and Closure
Once removed, the area is cleaned to prevent infection. Stitches may be placed to assist healing.
For many patients, the entire procedure is completed in one visit. Depending on the complexity, your dentist will advise whether you’ll need to see a specialist oral surgeon.
After wisdom tooth extraction, some swelling, mild discomfort, or bruising is expected for a few days. Following your dentist’s instructions can make the recovery smoother and faster.
POST-EXTRACTION TIPS TO HELP WITH RECOVERY
Once your wisdom tooth extraction in Maryborough is complete, proper aftercare plays an important role in ensuring healing and preventing complications.
- Use an ice pack on the outside of your cheek to reduce swelling.
- Avoid hot food and drinks for the first 24 hours.
- Eat soft foods like soups, yoghurt, and mashed potatoes.
- Avoid using straws, as suction can disturb the healing area.
- Rinse gently with warm salt water after 24 hours to keep the area clean.
- Take prescribed medication or over-the-counter pain relief as directed.
Your dentist will usually schedule a follow-up visit to check healing and remove stitches if needed.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
With local anaesthesia and modern techniques, most patients experience minimal discomfort during the procedure. Mild soreness afterward is normal and temporary.
Most people recover within 3–5 days. Complex extractions may take a little longer, but you can usually resume normal activities within a week.
Not always. If your wisdom teeth are healthy, fully erupted, and easy to clean, they may not need removal. Your dentist will assess and advise accordingly.
Soft, cool foods like yoghurt, soup, or scrambled eggs are ideal. Avoid hard or crunchy foods that might irritate the area.
If your job doesn’t require physical exertion, you can usually return the next day. However, it’s best to rest for 24 hours after surgery.
Untreated impacted wisdom teeth can lead to infection, pain, damage to nearby teeth, or even cyst formation. Timely removal helps avoid these issues.
Your dentist will assess your X-rays. If the roots are close to nerves or the tooth is deeply impacted, a referral to an oral surgeon may be recommended.
Health Fund Providers
Request an Appointment
Our opening hours are:
Monday to Friday – 9am to 6pm
Saturday – Closed
Sunday – Closed