Call

(07) 5526 0111
Gloved hands holding a full-mouth X-ray

Wisdom teeth removal on the Gold Coast

Wisdom teeth are the last molars to come through, usually between 18 and 25. Many cause no trouble. When there isn't room, they can get stuck or come through at an angle, and removal may be advised. We'll show you what's happening on an X-ray and explain your options.

Or call

(07) 5526 0111

Open Monday to Friday

Signs of a wisdom tooth problem

  • Pain or pressure at the back of the jaw
  • Swollen, red or tender gum around a tooth that's coming through
  • Difficulty opening your mouth fully
  • A bad taste or bad breath near the back teeth
  • Infections that keep coming back in the same spot

Some impacted wisdom teeth cause no symptoms, which is why they're checked on X-rays at regular visits.

From assessment to recovery

  1. Assessment

    We examine the area and take a full-mouth X-ray (OPG) to see where the teeth sit, the shape of their roots and how close they are to the nerve in the jaw.

  2. Your options

    If removal is advisable, we explain why and the risks, and whether it can be done here under local anaesthetic or needs a referral to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon or a hospital.

  3. Removal

    The area is numbed. Some teeth lift out simply; an impacted tooth may need a small cut in the gum, some bone removed, or the tooth taken out in pieces.

  4. Recovery

    Most people need a day or two of rest. The gum usually takes up to about two weeks to heal.

Good to know

What impaction means

An impacted wisdom tooth is stuck under the gum or has come through at an angle. It may cause no trouble, or it can lead to infection, pain, cysts, food trapping and decay in the tooth next to it.

A sore gum flap

When a wisdom tooth is only partly through, food and bacteria can collect under the gum and it can become inflamed. A small-headed toothbrush and warm salt water rinses help. See us if it's painful or swollen.

Crooked teeth

According to the Australian Dental Association, there's no evidence that wisdom teeth coming through make other teeth crooked. Removal is usually advised for problems like impaction, infection or decay.

All at once?

It's often possible to remove several in one appointment, which means one recovery. It depends on how complex they are and on your general health.

Risks to know about

  • Swelling, bruising and jaw stiffness for a few days.
  • Dry socket, which is more common after lower wisdom teeth are removed.
  • Infection.
  • Damage to nerves near the lower wisdom teeth, which can cause numbness or tingling in the lip, chin or tongue. This is usually temporary but can occasionally be permanent.

Looking after yourself afterwards

  • Bite on the gauze to help a clot form.
  • Rest, and avoid sport and heavy exercise for at least a few days.
  • Don't smoke or drink alcohol.
  • Don't rinse on the first day.
  • Rest with your head slightly raised, and hold a cold pack on your cheek for swelling.
  • Eat soft food and chew on the other side.
  • From the second day, rinse gently after meals with warm salt water.

Call us if

  • Bleeding that won't settle
  • A temperature over 38°C
  • Swelling that's getting worse after the third day
  • Pain that builds after the first few days
  • Numbness that hasn't worn off by the next day
(07) 5526 0111

After hours, call 13 HEALTH on 13 43 25 84, or 000 if you have trouble breathing or swallowing.

What it costs

  • Assessment with a full-mouth X-ray

    Items 014, 037

    [Total]

Individual items

  • 014

    Consultation

    Consultation

    [Fee]
  • 037

    Full-mouth X-ray (OPG)

    Panoramic radiograph, per exposure

    [Fee]
  • 311

    Tooth removal

    Removal of a tooth or part(s) thereof

    [Fee]
  • 322

    Surgical removal, no bone removed

    Surgical removal of a tooth or tooth fragment not requiring removal of bone or tooth division

    [Fee]
  • 323

    Surgical removal, some bone removed

    Surgical removal of a tooth or tooth fragment requiring removal of bone

    [Fee]
  • 324

    Surgical removal, bone removed and tooth divided

    Surgical removal of a tooth or tooth fragment requiring both removal of bone and tooth division

    [Fee]

Fees last reviewed [Fee review date]

The fee depends on how many teeth are removed and whether each is a simple or surgical extraction. You'll get an itemised quote after your assessment.

We accept all private health funds and claim on the spot with HICAPS.

All fees and health funds

Questions about wisdom teeth

Do all wisdom teeth need to come out?

No. Teeth that come through straight, can be cleaned and cause no problems can stay. Removal is usually advised for impaction, repeated infection, decay, or damage to the tooth next to it.

Is wisdom tooth removal painful?

The area is numbed, so you'll usually feel pressure and movement rather than pain. Soreness, swelling and some jaw stiffness for a few days afterwards are normal.

How much time off will I need?

Most people take one to two days off, depending on how complex the removal was. Avoid heavy physical work and exercise for about a week to lower the risk of dry socket.

Can you remove them here?

Many wisdom teeth can be removed in the chair under local anaesthetic. Deeply impacted teeth, or teeth very close to the nerve, may be referred to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon or done in hospital.

Will my health fund cover it?

Wisdom tooth removal usually falls under major or surgical dental in extras cover. If it's done in hospital, your hospital cover may also apply. Check with your fund using the item numbers from your quote.

Related treatments

Further reading

Clinical content reviewed by [Clinical reviewer and registration number] on [Review date].

Wisdom teeth at The Dental Studio

Who provides it here

Referred elsewhere

[Oral and maxillofacial surgeon or hospital we refer to]

Or call

(07) 5526 0111

Open Monday to Friday

After hours, call 13 HEALTH on 13 43 25 84, or 000 if you have trouble breathing or swallowing.

Call