Oral Surgery
Wisdom Teeth Extractions in Wellington
Wisdom teeth (your third molars) are the last adult teeth to emerge, usually appearing in your late teens or early twenties. While some people never experience issues with their wisdom teeth, for many, there simply isn't enough room in the jaw to accommodate them.
When wisdom teeth do not have enough space to emerge properly, they become "impacted." This can cause significant discomfort, misalignment of your other teeth, and a range of serious oral health issues. At Newtown Dental, we specialise in expert wisdom teeth extractions, providing a safe, comfortable experience to protect your long-term oral health.
Why do wisdom teeth need to be removed?
Not all wisdom teeth need to be extracted. However, extraction is often the best preventative or restorative solution if you are experiencing:
- Pain and Swelling: Impacted wisdom teeth can cause severe pain, throbbing, and swelling in the back of the jaw.
- Infection (Pericoronitis): When a wisdom tooth only partially emerges, a flap of gum tissue can form over it, trapping food and bacteria and leading to painful infections.
- Crowding and Misalignment: As wisdom teeth push their way up, they can exert pressure on adjacent teeth, causing them to shift and undoing years of orthodontic work.
- Damage to Adjacent Teeth: An impacted wisdom tooth can push against the roots of the neighbouring second molar, causing root damage or creating a trap for decay that destroys both teeth.
- Cysts: In rare cases, a fluid-filled cyst can form around the unerupted wisdom tooth, which can damage the jawbone and surrounding nerves.
What is the wisdom tooth extraction process?
When you opt for wisdom teeth removal at Newtown Dental, you are choosing a practice that prioritises your comfort and well-being.
Consultation and X-rays
We begin with a thorough examination, including panoramic X-rays, to determine the exact position of your wisdom teeth and their proximity to nerves and sinuses.
Anaesthesia and Sedation
We discuss your pain relief options. Extractions are performed under local anaesthesia so you feel no pain. For patients who are anxious or undergoing complex surgical extractions, we highly recommend our IV Sedation service.
The Extraction
Our experienced dentists, including Dr Rafid Salih and Dr Graham Symes (who has a particular interest in oral surgery), use precise, modern techniques to remove the tooth efficiently.
Recovery
We provide you with comprehensive aftercare instructions to ensure a smooth, rapid recovery.
How much does wisdom tooth removal cost?
The cost of wisdom teeth extraction in NZ depends entirely on the complexity of the procedure. A simple extraction of a fully erupted wisdom tooth costs less than a complex surgical extraction of a deeply impacted tooth.
During your initial consultation, we will take X-rays to assess the difficulty of the extraction and provide you with a clear, transparent quote before any work begins. We accept various payment options, including Q Card, Afterpay, and Southern Cross health insurance.
What is the recovery time after extraction?
Most patients recover from wisdom teeth extraction within a few days to a week. Our advanced extraction techniques are designed to minimise tissue trauma, which often results in faster recovery times.
To ensure a smooth recovery, we advise patients to:
- Rest for the first 24-48 hours.
- Apply an ice pack to the outside of the cheek to reduce swelling.
- Eat a soft diet (soups, smoothies, mashed potatoes) for the first few days.
- Avoid using a straw, spitting forcefully, or smoking, as the suction can dislodge the blood clot and cause a painful condition called "dry socket."
- Keep the extraction site clean according to the specific instructions we provide.
Next Step
Take the Next Step Towards Relief
If you are experiencing jaw pain, swelling, or suspect your wisdom teeth are causing issues, do not wait for the problem to worsen.
Call us at 04 389 3808 or book online to schedule an assessment.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
Will I be awake during the extraction?
If you opt for local anaesthesia only, you will be awake but completely numb in the extraction area. If you choose IV sedation, you will be in a deeply relaxed, sleep-like state and will likely remember very little of the procedure.
Do all four wisdom teeth need to be removed at once?
Not necessarily. While it is common to remove all four at once to avoid multiple surgeries and recovery periods, we base our recommendation on your specific clinical needs. We will discuss the best approach for you during your consultation.
At what age should wisdom teeth be removed?
While wisdom teeth can be removed at any age, it is generally easier to extract them in the late teens or early twenties. At this age, the roots are not fully formed, and the surrounding bone is softer, making the procedure and recovery much faster.