No. Wisdom teeth that have fully erupted in a healthy position, are correctly aligned, not damaging adjacent teeth, and can be cleaned with a toothbrush do not need to be removed. Many people live with their wisdom teeth their entire lives without issue. Removal is recommended when wisdom teeth are impacted, causing infections, damaging adjacent teeth, developing cysts, or are likely to cause future problems based on their position. Your dentist will assess all four wisdom teeth on an OPG X-ray and recommend removal only when it is clinically justified.

Wisdom teeth removal at Paynless Dental starts from $300+ per tooth. A simple extraction of an erupted tooth (ADA item 311) is at the lower end. Surgical removal of an impacted tooth (ADA item 322, 323, or 324) costs more due to the complexity and time involved. The Sydney market range is approximately $300–$850 per tooth at general dental practices, depending on impaction level. An OPG X-ray is required before a price can be confirmed — anyone quoting a fixed price without imaging is estimating. A written itemised quote is provided after imaging.

The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic, so you should feel pressure and movement but not sharp pain. Topical gel is applied before every injection, and slow-delivery anaesthetic is used to minimise discomfort. IV sedation is available if you want to be in a more relaxed state throughout. After the procedure, some pain and swelling is expected and typically peaks at days 2–3. Most patients manage on paracetamol or ibuprofen (if not contraindicated) without needing stronger pain relief. If pain worsens after day 3 rather than improving, contact us — this may indicate dry socket.

Simple extractions of erupted wisdom teeth: most patients feel well within 3–5 days and can return to desk work the following day. Surgical removal of impacted wisdom teeth: 5–7 days before normal activities, with residual tenderness for up to two weeks. Full socket healing takes 4–8 weeks, with bone remodelling continuing for several months. Swelling is normal and peaks at days 2–3 before resolving. Applying an ice pack in the first 24 hours (20 minutes on, 20 off) reduces swelling significantly. Your written aftercare instructions cover all recovery steps in detail.

Dry socket (alveolar osteitis) occurs when the blood clot in the extraction socket is dislodged or fails to form, exposing the underlying bone and nerve. It causes pain that gets worse after day 2 rather than improving — often radiating to the ear or jaw. Wisdom tooth extractions have a higher dry socket rate than regular extractions (up to 1 in 10 lower molar sites). Risk is significantly increased by smoking, using straws, vigorous rinsing, and poor oral hygiene. To reduce risk: no straws, no smoking, and no vigorous rinsing for 72 hours. Call us the same day if you suspect dry socket — it requires a medicated dressing from your dentist.

Paynless Dental is a registered CDBS provider. Eligible children aged 2–17 on Medicare may receive wisdom tooth extractions at no out-of-pocket cost within the CDBS cap. For adults, most private health fund extras policies cover wisdom tooth removal under major dental cover. HICAPS on-the-spot claiming is available at both clinics. Contact your fund with ADA item 311 (simple) or 322/323/324 (surgical) to confirm your entitlement. Superannuation release may also be applicable — see our super release page.

Soft foods only for the first 48–72 hours: yoghurt, soup, mashed potato, scrambled eggs, and smoothies — but absolutely no straws. Avoid hot drinks on day one. No alcohol for 24 hours. Avoid seedy foods (rice, sesame, chia seeds) that can lodge in the sockets, and hard or crunchy foods for at least a week. Chew on the opposite side of your mouth. You can gradually return to a normal diet from day 5–7 as healing progresses and comfort allows. Your written aftercare instructions will specify this in detail.

Call 000 or go immediately to your nearest Emergency Department if you have: facial swelling spreading toward the eye or down the neck, difficulty swallowing or breathing, a high fever with facial swelling, or inability to open your mouth. These are signs of a potentially life-threatening spreading dental abscess. For wisdom tooth pain, localised swelling, or infection without spreading symptoms, call Paynless Dental on (02) 8677 9094 for same-day emergency assessment.