Our FAQ’s provide you with the answers to the most commonly asked questions we hear from patients. Click on the questions below to read the answer.

1. It’s Friday night and I can’t get to a Dentist but my wisdom teeth are hurting, what can I do?

   The use of heat packs will help with the pain, Take Nurofen which will help with the inflammation, keep head raised slightly so the blood doesn’t rush to your head which often increases the pain. If you experience excessive swelling and find your breathing is compromised or difficult go to the nearest hospital.

2. Will I need an x-ray?

   Yes, for most people an OPG or Panoramic full mouth x-ray. More difficult wisdom teeth or older people require a 3D x-ray as well

3. Can I be asleep to have my wisdom teeth out?

   Yes, under a general anaesthetic in a Private Hospital or via Intravenous sedation in the dental surgery rooms.

4. How long will I need off work following the removal of my wisdom teeth?

   This depends on the degree of difficulty and your age. The younger you are the less time you usually need to recover. Usually between 2 and 5 days covers most people.

5. What Hospital and what day can I have my wisdom teeth out?

   We have access to Private hospitals in the Hunter Valley and IV sedation facilities in Sydney and in the Hunter Valley. Days available depend on your preferred location.

6. How much swelling will I get after I get my wisdom teeth extracted?

   All patients are different but ice packs will help decrease the swelling that may occur. Nurofen will also help with decreasing the inflammation.

7. When can I eat after removal of wisdom teeth?

   Depends on age and degree of difficulty. For young people and simple ones, eating some soft foods within 6 hours is possible. For more difficult cases, eating anything other than liquids may take a day or 2.

8. How long will it take to heal?

   For initial healing and swelling to reduce - about 3 to 4 days. Full healing of the socket can take 2 weeks.

9. Will I need to see anyone after I have my wisdom teeth out?

   We will make you an appointment 5 to 7 days after you have your wisdom teeth out to review the healing process. This will be of no charge to you.

10. How long do I need off work/school after I have my wisdom teeth out?

    You are provided with a 4 day certificate where required. You shouldn’t need anymore time off than four days but if you do we can see you for a short review appointment (at no charge) and arrange another certificate if it is felt that it is needed.

11. How much will it cost?

    Depends on the difficulty of the procedure. For wisdom teeth on the bottom jaw, the maximum for each tooth is $341, but maybe less. For wisdom teeth on the upper jaw, the maximum is $276, but maybe less.

12. When do I have to pay?

    For people having Local anaesthetic only, on the day of procedure. For General Anesthetic and IV Sedation cases, payment of dental fees is required at least 2 days before.

13. What are the item numbers so I can check with my dental fund?

    For wisdom teeth on the lower jaw, it is usually item 324. For wisdom teeth on the upper jaw, if the tooth is erupted and not complex 311, or 323 if unerupted.

14. Will my health fund cover any of the costs?

    This depends on your level and type of cover. Your health fund covers part of Dental fees, Hospital Fees and Anaesthetist fees. It is best to check with your individual health fund. Medicare will cover a large portion of the Anaesthetist fees.

15. Will I feel any pain?

    If under a General Anaesthetic, you will be totally unaware of the procedure. If under IV sedation, you will not have any memory of the procedure. If under local anaesthetic then you are aware, but it will be numb. Should you feel any pain or discomfort, the procedure is paused and more anaesthetic given.

16. How long will I be asleep for?

    20 to 30 minutes if having a General Anaesthetic.

17. How long will I be in hospital for?

    Its only day surgery so about 4 to 5 hours in total.

18. Will I need sutures?

    Not usually for the upper, and in the lower, one self dissolving suture for each.

19. Why are they called wisdom teeth?

    It is said that due to them erupting around 20 years of age, this age is the same as when young people develop “wisdom” hence the name.

20. Can I get a 2nd opinion?

    Yes, if you can get a digital copy of your full mouth X-Ray email it to info@wisdomteeth.com.au for an opinion.