Wisdom teeth removal in Cheltenham

What are wisdom teeth?

Wisdom teeth are the third molars at the very back of the mouth, and they are usually the last teeth to come through, most often between the late teens and mid-twenties. Most people have four, one in each corner, though some have fewer or none. When there is enough room and a wisdom tooth comes through in a good position, it can stay. Problems arise when a tooth is impacted, meaning it is stuck against the tooth in front or the jawbone and cannot fully emerge.

When do wisdom teeth need to come out?

Removal is considered when a wisdom tooth is causing trouble rather than simply because it is there. Common reasons include pain or repeated infection around a partly erupted tooth, decay in the wisdom tooth or the molar next to it, gum inflammation that is hard to keep clean, cysts around an impacted tooth, or crowding pressure on the other teeth. We assess your wisdom teeth with a clinical exam and 3D imaging, then explain whether removal is advised or whether the tooth can be monitored.

Why we use 3D CBCT imaging

Before any wisdom tooth is removed, we take a 3D cone-beam (CBCT) scan to see the exact position, roots and angle of each tooth. This scan shows how close a lower wisdom tooth sits to the nerve in the jaw and how an upper tooth relates to the sinus, which are the key structures to plan around. Seeing this in three dimensions lets us judge how straightforward removal will be, plan the safest approach, and decide whether a case is best handled in-house or referred to an oral surgeon.

The removal procedure, step by step

1. Assessment and 3D imaging. We examine the tooth and take a CBCT scan to plan the removal and map nearby nerves and sinuses.
2. Local anaesthetic. The area is fully numbed so you stay awake and comfortable, feeling pressure but not pain during the procedure.
3. Removal. The wisdom tooth is eased out, and an impacted tooth may be removed in sections to protect the surrounding bone and gum.
4. Aftercare. We place any stitches needed and give you written aftercare instructions before you go home.

Recovery and aftercare

Most people take it easy for a day or two after wisdom teeth removal, with some swelling and tenderness that ease over several days. We give you clear written aftercare covering pain relief, soft foods, gentle cleaning and rest, along with what to avoid, such as smoking, straws and vigorous rinsing in the first day, which can disturb healing. The gum settles over the following weeks, and we let you know when to contact us if you notice heavy bleeding, increasing pain or signs of infection.

When we refer to a specialist

Straightforward wisdom teeth are removed here under local anaesthetic. Some cases are better handled by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, and when that is advised we arrange the referral for you. This applies to deeply impacted teeth, roots that sit very close to the jaw nerve, difficult upper teeth near the sinus, or when you would prefer sedation or a general anaesthetic. Our 3D imaging helps us make this call early, so you have a clear plan from the start.

Costs and health funds

Every case is different, so the cost of wisdom teeth removal depends on how many teeth are removed and how complex each one is, with a simple extraction differing from an impacted tooth that needs a surgical approach. After your assessment we give you a clear treatment plan and a written quote before anything goes ahead. All major Australian health funds are accepted and claimed on the spot, so if you have dental extras cover you can claim your rebate at the practice and pay only the gap.