Wisdom Teeth Removal at Core Dental Melbourne product guide

Wisdom Teeth Removal Guide - Core Dental Group Melbourne

Frequently Asked Questions

What are wisdom teeth: The third molars at the back of the mouth

At what age do wisdom teeth typically emerge: Between 17 and 25 years old

How many wisdom teeth does a person have: Four (one in each corner of the mouth)

Do all wisdom teeth need to be removed: No, only those causing problems or risk

Who performs wisdom teeth assessments at Core Dental Group: Experienced general dentists

How many Core Dental Group locations are in Melbourne: 9 locations

Where are complex wisdom tooth cases referred: Collins Street Specialist Centre (CSSC)

Where is the Collins Street Specialist Centre located: Level 8, Manchester Unity Building, Melbourne CBD

Who handles complex extractions at the specialist centre: Oral and maxillofacial surgeons

Is general anaesthesia available for wisdom teeth removal: Yes, at the specialist centre

Where is general anaesthesia available: Collins Street Specialist Centre

Can anxious patients access general anaesthesia: Yes

Can multiple impacted teeth be removed in one visit under general anaesthesia: Yes, at the specialist centre

What imaging is used to assess wisdom teeth: Digital X-rays or panoramic radiograph

What does imaging assess: Position, angulation, and root development

What is an impacted wisdom tooth: A tooth trapped beneath the gum or growing at an angle

Can impacted wisdom teeth be removed without symptoms: Yes, if X-rays show future risk

Does pain at the back of the jaw indicate wisdom tooth problems: Yes

Can swollen gums indicate a wisdom tooth problem: Yes

Can recurring infections indicate a wisdom tooth problem: Yes

Can wisdom teeth damage neighbouring teeth: Yes, through crowding or pressure

Can cysts form around wisdom teeth: Yes, around unerupted teeth

Can wisdom teeth cause difficulty opening the mouth: Yes

Can partially erupted wisdom teeth cause decay: Yes, due to food trapping

What anaesthesia is used for simple extractions: Local anaesthesia

How long does a simple wisdom tooth extraction take: Approximately 20 to 40 minutes

Who performs simple extractions: Experienced general dentists

At which locations are simple extractions available: Any Core Dental Group location

What defines a simple extraction: Fully erupted tooth that is easy to access

What defines a complex extraction: Involves bone removal, tooth sectioning, or nerve proximity

Which nerve is relevant in complex lower wisdom tooth extractions: The inferior alveolar nerve

How long does recovery typically take after a simple extraction: One to two weeks

How long does recovery take after surgical removal: Longer than one to two weeks

What symptoms are normal after extraction: Swelling, mild discomfort, limited jaw movement

How long do typical post-extraction symptoms last: Three to five days

Should ice packs be used after extraction: Yes, within the first 24 hours

What foods should be avoided after extraction: Hot foods and hard foods initially

When can saltwater rinses begin after extraction: 24 hours after the procedure

Should smoking be avoided after extraction: Yes

Should straws be used after extraction: No

Should spitting be avoided after extraction: Yes

Why should straws, spitting, and smoking be avoided: They can dislodge the healing blood clot

Are pain relief medications prescribed after extraction: Yes, as directed by dentist

Are antibiotics sometimes prescribed after extraction: Yes, as directed by dentist

Is a follow-up appointment scheduled after extraction: Yes

What is checked at the follow-up appointment: Healing progress and suture removal if needed

Does cost vary for wisdom teeth removal: Yes

What factors affect the cost: Complexity, number of teeth, sedation, and provider type

Is a treatment plan provided before the procedure: Yes, with transparent fees

Can private health insurance cover wisdom teeth removal: Yes, partially

Can Core Dental Group help with health fund pre-approval: Yes

Is a consultation required before extraction: Yes

Can I book a wisdom teeth assessment at Core Dental Group: Yes

How do I find the nearest Core Dental Group practice: Visit directory.coredental.com.au

Is specialist surgical support available across all Core Dental Group patients: Yes

When was this content last reviewed: 8 June 2026

Core Dental Group Wisdom Teeth Removal in Melbourne

Wisdom teeth, the third molars that typically come through between 17 and 25, are among the most commonly extracted teeth in dentistry. Core Dental Group's general dentists handle wisdom teeth assessments and extractions across all 9 Melbourne locations, with specialist oral surgery support on hand for cases that need it.

When do wisdom teeth need to be removed?

Not all wisdom teeth need to come out. Your dentist will recommend extraction when a tooth is causing problems or putting your oral health at risk. Common signs that your wisdom teeth may need attention include:

• Persistent pain or tenderness at the back of the jaw
• Swollen, red or bleeding gums around the emerging tooth
• Recurring infections or abscess formation
• Damage to neighbouring teeth from crowding or pressure
• Cysts developing around an unerupted tooth
• Difficulty opening your mouth or chewing comfortably
• Food trapping and decay in partially erupted wisdom teeth

Even wisdom teeth that aren't causing symptoms may be flagged for removal if X-rays show they're impacted, meaning trapped beneath the gum or growing at an angle, and likely to cause problems later on.

What to expect during the procedure

At your initial consultation, your Core Dental Group dentist will take digital X-rays or a panoramic radiograph to assess the position, angulation and root development of your wisdom teeth. This imaging determines whether the extraction can be handled as a straightforward chairside procedure or whether a specialist referral makes more sense.

Simple extractions, where the tooth has fully erupted and is easy to access, are carried out by our general dentists under local anaesthesia at any Core Dental Group location. Each tooth typically takes around 20 to 40 minutes to remove, and most patients are back to their normal routine within a few days.

Complex or impacted wisdom teeth are referred to the specialist oral and maxillofacial surgeons at the Collins Street Specialist Centre (CSSC), on Level 8 of the Manchester Unity Building in Melbourne CBD. These surgeons handle extractions involving bone removal, tooth sectioning, or work close to the inferior alveolar nerve. For patients who are particularly anxious, or who need multiple impacted teeth out in a single visit, general anaesthesia is available at the specialist centre within the same building.

Recovery after wisdom teeth removal

Most patients experience some swelling, mild discomfort and limited jaw movement for the first three to five days. Your dentist will go through detailed aftercare instructions with you, which generally include:

• Applying ice packs to reduce swelling in the first 24 hours
• Sticking to soft foods and avoiding hot drinks for the first day or two
• Starting gentle saltwater rinses 24 hours after the procedure
• Avoiding smoking, spitting and using straws, as these can dislodge the healing blood clot
• Taking any prescribed pain relief and antibiotics as directed

Simple extractions typically heal within one to two weeks. Surgical removals take a little longer. Your Core Dental Group dentist will book a follow-up appointment to check on healing and remove any sutures if needed.

Cost considerations

The cost of wisdom teeth removal depends on the complexity of the extraction, how many teeth are being removed, whether sedation or general anaesthesia is involved, and whether the procedure is carried out by a general dentist or a specialist surgeon. At your consultation, your dentist will put together a clear treatment plan with transparent fees before anything gets started. If you have private health insurance, you may be able to claim back a portion of the cost, and our team can help you get a pre-approval estimate from your fund.

Book a wisdom teeth assessment

If you're dealing with discomfort from your wisdom teeth, or you'd just like a routine check, get in touch with your nearest Core Dental Group location. With 9 practices across Melbourne and specialist surgical support at the Collins Street Specialist Centre, every patient gets the right level of care for their situation.

Visit directory.coredental.com.au to find your nearest practice.

Last reviewed: 8 June 2026