WISDOM TEETH ADELAIDE - MODERN DENTAL SURGERY
WISDOM TEETH
ADELAIDE
Wisdom teeth are the very last teeth to develop. They usually erupt between the ages of 18 and 23. Wisdom teeth are also called the 'third molars' or the 8th tooth.
They can cause a variety of problems and unfortunately, they often need to be removed.
Below you will find some information and answers to common questions about wisdom teeth.
WISDOM TEETH
ADELAIDE
REASONS FOR WISDOM TEETH REMOVAL
Not everybody needs their wisdom teeth removed, in many cases wisdom teeth never cause any issues. But when wisdom teeth do cause issues they often need to be removed.
The are 6 reasons a wisdom tooth may need to be removed
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Pain
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Pathology
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Part of another treatment (ie orthodontic treatment)
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Packing (food packing)
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Prevention of crowding
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Prophylactic
Note that preventative (prophylactic) removal of asymptomatic wisdom teeth is controversial under modern guidelines and it is not something we routinely recommend. And it is not clear if wisdom teeth do or do not contribute towards crowding.
At your first consultation at Adelaide Tooth Removals & Dental Implants, Dr Andrew Chan will perform a thorough assessment and run through the reasons you may (or may not) want to remove each of your wisdom teeth, and discuss the risks, potential benifits, alternatives and costs of treatment.
WISDOM TEETH
ADELAIDE
WISDOM TOOTH PAIN
Wisdom teeth can cause pain in a variety of ways.
The most common way a wisdom tooth causes pain is due to something called 'pericorinitis.' When wisdom teeth fail to erupt properly or fully into the mouth, it is often impossible for patients to brush and floss effectively around a partially erupted wisdom tooth. This allows food debris and bacteria to build up underneath the gum around the wisdom tooth, often causing an infection, swelling and pain.
Not being able to floss or brush around a partially erupted wisdom tooth can also cause cavities on the wisdom tooth itself or neighbouring teeth. Large cavities can cause severe toothaches.
Upper wisdom teeth sometimes erupt sideways and rub on patient's cheeks causing painful traumatic ulcers. An overupted wisdom tooth can cause patients to bite on to the opposing gum, again causing trumatic ulcers and pain.
ASYMPTOMATICWISDOM TEETH
ADELAIDE
Removal of asymptomatic wisdom teeth (ie wisdom teeth that haven't ever caused any pain) is controversial under modern guidelines. Dentist refer patient to us to have asymptomatic wisdom teeth removal very often.
We are hoping to educate dentists and patients on the latest guidelines for wisdom teeth removal suggest that only wisdom teeth that
The latest guidelines (
The are 5 reasons a wisdom tooth may need to be removed
-
Pain
-
Pathology
-
Part of another treatment (ie orthodontic treatment)
-
Packing (food packing)
-
Preventive or prophylactic
Note that preventative (prophylactic) removal of asymptomatic wisdom teeth is controversial under modern guidelines and it is not something we routinely recommend.
At your first consultation at Adelaide Tooth Removals & Dental Implants, Dr Andrew Chan will perform a thorough assessment and run through the reasons you may (or may not) want to remove each of your wisdom teeth, and discuss the risks, potential benifits, alternatives and costs of treatment.
WISDOM TEETH
ADELAIDE
WISDOM TEETH & CROWDING
Wisdom teeth may not cause crowding of teeth. And prevention of crowding is not necessarily a reason to have wisdom teeth removed.
Teeth tend to crowd as we get older regardless of the presence of wisdom teeth. We are not totally sure why this happens, but our teeth tend to move forward as we get older. This is called 'tertiary' crowding.
Currently all that can be said is that the cause of dental crowding is multi-factorial and, whilst wisdom teeth may play a significant role in some patients, the current state of knowledge does not allow us to identify with accuracy who is at risk.
The decision to prophylactically remove wisdom teeth in post orthodontic patients remains a patient preference derived decision. The evidence one way or another is lacking and unclear.
Whilst removal of wisdom teeth may not prevent crowding, the removal of teeth may be required to correct crowding.
It is common for dentists and orthodontist to request teeth be removed prior to starting braces or Invisalign. And your dentist or orthodontist may request for your wisdom teeth to be removed to prevent crowding.
References
1 - Hyam, D. M. (2018). The contemporary management of third molars. Australian Dental Journal, 63, S19-S26.
WISDOM TEETH
ADELAIDE
RECOVERY
AFTER WISDOM TEETH REMOVAL
The recovery time after having a wisdom tooth removed is variable and depends on many factors. It can not be accurately predicted.
Simple tooth extractions are often performed at our consultation rooms with only injection to numb the area, and removed whilst patients are awake. A simple tooth extraction can be completed in as little as 5 minutes in some cases. After a simple tooth extraction patients can often return to their usual activities immediately.
Complex (surgical) tooth extractions are often performed under general aneasthetic in a hospital. After a complex tooth extraction, patients should expect several days of swelling and discomfort. After a complex tooth extraction most patients will be ready for their usual activities after 2-5 days.
On rare occations patients may not be ready for their usual activities for up to 2-3 weeks.
Lower wisdom teeth are often complex whilst upper wisdom teeth are often simple to extract.
The advice above is general in nature. At Adelaide Tooth Removals & Dental Implants Dr Andrew Chan will discuss the specifics of your case and give you an estimate of how complex or simple your tooth extraction may be, and advise what your recovery time is expected to be.
Sedation & Aneasthesia
For Wisdom Teeth, Tooth Removals & Dental Implants
Full range of sedation and aneasthetic options available.
WISDOM TEETH
ADELAIDE
HOW ARE WISDOM
TEETH REMOVED
Many patients searching for Wisdom Teeth Adelaide treatment want to understand how their wisdom teeth will be removed and what the procedure involves. Knowing the process helps reduce anxiety and gives you confidence before your appointment.
At Adelaide Tooth Removals, most wisdom-tooth extractions fall into three main categories:
1. Simple Extractions
For some patients, wisdom teeth erupt normally and sit in a favourable position. In these situations, a simple wisdom-tooth extraction can be performed using gentle hand instruments. The tooth is carefully guided (“pushed” or “pulled”) from the socket with minimal discomfort. It can be as quick as 2 - 5 minutes in many instances.
2. Sectional Extractions
If a wisdom tooth cannot be removed in one piece, a sectional extraction is used.
The tooth is precisely divided into two, three, or four pieces with a dental drill, allowing each section to be removed individually. This is a very common technique for lower wisdom teeth, especially when they are partially erupted or have curved roots.
3. Surgical Extractions
For more complex cases—such as impacted wisdom teeth—a surgical extraction is required. A small amount of surrounding bone may be gently trimmed to create space to remove the tooth. Stitches are usually placed at the end to support healing. This method is routine for specialist practices managing complex wisdom teeth in Adelaide every day.
Your Wisdom Teeth Adelaide Consultation
At your appointment, Dr Andrew Chan will thoroughly assess each wisdom tooth, explain which extraction technique is most appropriate, and answer any questions you may have about pain, recovery, sedation options, or healing times.
If you are looking for safe, predictable and professional wisdom teeth removal in Adelaide, our practice provides the full range of extraction techniques—from simple to surgical—tailored to your individual anatomy.
RELATED BLOG ARTICLES
Here are some of our blog articles related to wisdom teeth and wisdom-tooth removal. These posts provide a deeper look into topics such as sedation options, what to expect during a general anaesthetic, common causes of pain, and how to manage or prevent complications:
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