Wisdom Teeth

Safe, gentle wisdom tooth extraction in our Albury and Wodonga SJ Dental.

Many people in their late teens or early 20s need to have their third molars (aka wisdom teeth) removed. Wisdom tooth removal (extraction) helps prevent problems associated with impacted wisdom teeth which can seriously affect your overall dental health.

Not everyone develops wisdom teeth problems, and some people don’t ever develop wisdom teeth. However, they do cause serious problems for many, which is why dentists recommend that those in their late teens have an x-ray to see the status of their wisdom teeth.

How much does wisdom teeth removal cost in Albury and Wodonga?

At our Wagga dental clinic, the cost of wisdom teeth removal varies, but prices range between $250 to $500. Additional charges apply for initial consultation and x-rays. Health insurance rebates may apply depending on your health fund, level of cover and years covered.

Please check with your health insurance fund for further details.

Wisdom teeth problems

If wisdom teeth are not monitored, they can become impacted and cause serious problems:

  • abscesses or cysts
  • infections
  • teeth crowding
  • pain & swelling
  • gum disease

Sedation & pain-relief options

At SJ Dental, we perform wisdom teeth removal while you are sitting comfortably in the chair. You’ll have plenty of local anaesthetic and a variety of sedation options on hand. You can even have happy gas to make you more relaxed. After, you’ll be given analgesics to take home so that you remain comfortable while recovering from your procedure

Wisdom tooth extraction cost

The cost of wisdom tooth extraction is approximately $250-$500 per tooth, depending on the level of complexity.
Additional charges apply for initial consultation and x-rays. Health insurance rebates may apply.
Please check with your health fund.

Wisdom Teeth Removal FAQs

What are wisdom teeth?

Wisdom teeth are our third and final set of molars that most people get in their late teens or early 20s. These days, as our mouths are far smaller than they were in caveman days, we don’t have enough room for our wisdom teeth and for many of us, they can cause crowding, infection or other serious problems. However, some individuals do have room in their mouths for wisdom teeth, and they cause no problems.

Why do we have wisdom teeth?

It is believed that wisdom teeth were useful for our ancestors long ago who chewed and ripped through far tougher foods that we chew today, such as sticks and reed plants. Consequently, our teeth would grind down or fall out, so our third molars were replacement teeth to carry on the job of heavy chewing for our remaining days.

Where do my wisdom teeth sit in my mouth?

Your wisdom teeth sit at the back of your mouth, behind your back teeth. Usually, there are two wisdom teeth in the lower jaw (one on each side) and two in the upper jaw.

Can wisdom teeth get infected?

Yes, wisdom teeth can get infected because they are harder to clean. Food, along with and bacteria can get trapped between the gums and the tooth, with some bacteria causing infection. Sometimes, this infection can spread to other areas of the mouth and head and cause serious problems. Parts of bacteria that lead to a tooth infection include Streptococcus, Peptostreptococcus, Aggregatibacter, Fusobacterium, Actinomyce, Prevotella and Eikenella corrodens.

What happens if my wisdom tooth becomes infected?

If your wisdom tooth becomes infected, you should have it removed as soon as possible. In the short-term, you may be given medication such as antibiotics to treat the tooth and dental work to repair the tooth.

Do I have to go to hospital for wisdom teeth removal?

Most people don’t have to go to hospital for wisdom teeth removal and can have them safely and success removed in a dentist’s chair under local anaesthetic.

Is wisdom teeth removal painful?

At SJ Dental, wisdom teeth removal is not a painful procedure. We perform the procedure in-chair at the clinic, providing plenty of local anaesthetic and sedation options, so you remain completely relaxed and pain-free.

Can I claim my dental health insurance for my wisdom teeth removal?

Depending on your level of cover, you may be able to claim a rebate from your health insurance fund. SJ Dental is a preferred provider with HCF and BUPA.

Can I wait a while before I have my wisdom teeth removed?

If your dentist has told you that you need your wisdom teeth removed, we suggest you book an appointment as soon as you can. Delaying won’t make the problem go away, and it may make your dental problem worse. As time passes, it may also be harder to remove your wisdom teeth.

How long does it take to recover from wisdom teeth surgery?

Your recovery time will depend on the type of surgery you’ve had. Usually, people recover within three days to a week. However, sometimes it takes more time.

Why do wisdom teeth have to be removed?

Not everyone has to have their wisdom teeth removed, but for many, they must be removed because we no longer have room in our mouth for our third molars to erupt. If they are not surgically removed, our wisdom teeth can become impacted, causing pain, swelling, serious infection and alignment problems.

References:

Impacted wisdom teeth: https://www.healthline.com/health/impacted-wisdom-tooth
Wisdom teeth infection: https://www.healthline.com/health/wisdom-teeth-infection

Book An Appointment

To find out more about wisdom teeth, please don’t hesitate to contact us or book in with one of our dentist for an initial consultation.

Our Preferred Providers

Dr Stephen Jiang

Dr Stephen Jiang

Dr. Stephen Jiang is a highly skilled and experienced dentist with over 20 years of private practice experience. He obtained his dental degree from the University of Adelaide, where he excelled in his studies and received comprehensive training in various dental procedures. He also holds a PhD in medical and dental research.

Prior to establishing SJ Dental, Dr. Jiang worked in the public sector where he provided dental care to the general population. He has a passion for oral health and prevention, and he is committed to educating his patients on how to maintain optimal oral health.

Dr. Jiang has a broad range of expertise in all general dentistry, and he has a keen interest in oral surgery and complex dentistry. He is also experienced in both orthodontics and implant dentistry, and he is dedicated to staying up-to-date with the latest advancements in dental technology and techniques.

Outside of work, Dr. Jiang enjoys playing golf and spending time with his family and grandkids. He believes in maintaining a healthy work-life balance, and he brings that philosophy to his practice by creating a warm and welcoming environment for his patients.

Patients describe Dr. Jiang as a compassionate and skilled dentist who puts their comfort and well-being first. With so many years of clinical experience behind him, he is sure to provide the best care for the entire family. Whether you need routine dental care or more complex treatments, you can trust Dr. Jiang to provide the highest quality dental care while keeping your overall well-being in mind.

Dr John Xu

Dr John Xu

Dr. John Xu is a highly skilled and experienced dentist who has been working in the Riverina region and regional towns for the past ten years. He obtained his dental degree from the University of Sydney, where he received comprehensive training in various dental procedures.

Patients have always appreciated Dr. Xu's gentle and polite personality, and many have found him to provide excellent service for all aspects of dentistry. Dr. Xu has a keen interest in preventative care, root canal treatment, and Invisalign treatment, and he is dedicated to staying up-to-date with the latest advancements in dental technology and techniques.

Outside of work, Dr. Xu enjoys cooking, and he has worked as a Japanese chef in the past during his university years. He continues to pursue his passion for cooking in his free time. He also enjoys spending time with his young children and family.

Patients describe Dr. Xu as a caring and skilled dentist who puts their comfort and well-being first. With his gentle approach and dedication to excellence, he is sure to provide the best possible care for all of his patients. Whether you need routine dental care or more complex treatments, you can trust Dr. Xu to provide the highest quality dental care while keeping your overall well-being in mind.

Dr Louise Chew

Dr Louise Chew

Dr. Louise Chew is a highly skilled and experienced dentist who obtained her dental degree from the University of Sydney. For the past ten years, she has been practicing dentistry in both Newcastle and the Riverina area.

Dr. Chew has a keen interest in preventative dental care, cosmetic procedures, and Invisalign treatment. Patients appreciate her gentle touch and compassionate approach to dentistry, and she is dedicated to providing the highest quality dental care to all of her patients.

Outside of work, Dr. Chew enjoys spending time with her family, and she loves to travel with them. Her passion for exploring new places and cultures has taken her to many different parts of the world, and she brings that same sense of adventure and curiosity to her work as a dentist.

Whether you need routine dental care or more complex treatments, Dr. Chew is committed to providing the best possible care for all of her patients. With her gentle touch, compassionate approach, and dedication to excellence, you can trust Dr. Chew to help you achieve the healthy, beautiful smile you deserve.