Wisdom Teeth Removal
By the time most people hit adulthood, they have experienced discomfort or pain from wisdom teeth. This may be due to the fact that the average adult has 32 teeth in their mouth. However, the mouth is only made to hold 28 teeth on average.
Wisdom teeth extraction is a common dental procedure that can help correct this issue.
Wisdom teeth removal can be both a straightforward and complex process. Wisdom teeth can often be impacted, stuck, or under the gums. Our dentists will assess your wisdom teeth with digital x-rays beforehand, and determine the best way to remove the tooth. Sometimes you may need to be referred to an Oral Surgeon.
Depending on the removal procedure the time it takes can range from 30 minutes to a few hours. We highly recommend someone accompany you home as you should not drive or operate machinery until the following day.
Reasons you may need to have your wisdom teeth removed
- Damage to teeth – wisdom teeth can push other teeth around your mouth resulting in pain and bite problems
- Sinus problems – issues from wisdom teeth can lead to sinus pain, pressure and congestion
- Cysts – cysts can form around the new teeth causing damage to your jaw and nerves if not treated
- Swollen gums – tissue around the area can swell and be hard to clean, which can lead to infection
- Cavities – decay and swollen gums can become a feeding ground for bacteria causing cavities to form.
Anxiety-free Treatment with IV Sedation
For added comfort, we can offer IV sedation. This common and safe option gives you a state of deep relaxation and often temporary amnesia, making you feel as though you slept through the procedure.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why do wisdom teeth need to be removed?
Wisdom teeth (third molars) often don’t have enough room to grow properly, which can cause pain, swelling, infection, or crowding. Removal helps prevent future dental issues and protects surrounding teeth.
2. How do I know if my wisdom teeth need to come out?
Common signs include jaw pain, swelling at the back of your mouth, difficulty opening your mouth, or recurring gum infection. We use digital X-rays at our Pakuranga clinic to assess whether removal is necessary.
3. Does wisdom teeth removal hurt?
No — the area is fully numbed with local anaesthetic, so you won’t feel pain during the procedure. For nervous patients, we also offer IV sedation for a calm, dream-like experience.
4. How long is the recovery after wisdom teeth removal?
Most patients recover within 3–5 days, with full healing in 1–2 weeks. Swelling peaks around day 2–3 then improves. We’ll give you detailed aftercare instructions and pain-relief guidance.
5. How much does wisdom teeth removal cost in East Auckland?
Costs depend on how many teeth and how complex the extraction is. At My Dentist Pakuranga,we recommend a consultation first so we can access what is required. You’ll receive a clear quote before any treatment.
6. Does ACC cover wisdom teeth removal?
ACC only covers extractions if the tooth damage or pain is a result of an accident or trauma, not general eruption or infection. We can help you check eligibility if you think your case may qualify.
7. What can I eat after having my wisdom teeth removed?
Stick to soft foods such as soup, yoghurt, smoothies, scrambled eggs, or mashed potatoes for the first 48 hours. Avoid hot, spicy, or crunchy foods until your dentist confirms it’s safe.
8. How do I care for my mouth after surgery?
Keep the area clean by gently rinsing with warm salt water after 24 hours. Avoid smoking, drinking through straws, or vigorous rinsing to prevent a dry socket. We’ll provide you with after-care instructions.
What Our Patients Say
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We've made booking an appointment nice and easy for you. Click the button below to book online.