Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom Teeth Removal Sunshine Coast: an X-ray first, a clear plan, and sedation options to discuss.
Avenue Dental offers wisdom teeth removal at all eight of our Sunshine Coast practices, from Caloundra to Tewantin and out to Beerwah. We start with an X-ray to see how your wisdom teeth are sitting, tell you honestly whether they need to come out, and if they do, you can choose happy gas, oral sedation, IV sedation or, at our Maroochydore practice, a general anaesthetic.
Sore right now? Call before 10am and we’ll see you the same day. The emergency appointment is $95 and covers your consult and X-rays.
Wisdom teeth removal on the Sunshine Coast, in short
Wisdom teeth are the third molars, usually coming through between the late teens and mid-twenties. Many come through without trouble. Others get stuck (impacted) against the tooth in front or under the gum, which can cause pain, swelling, infection or decay. Removal is a surgical procedure, usually done in the chair under local anaesthetic, with sedation available if you’re anxious or having several teeth out.
At Avenue Dental on the Sunshine Coast, every removal starts with an examination and an OPG X-ray, and a 3D scan where the roots sit close to the nerve. You get a written plan and quote, and recovery for most people takes around a week.
The information on this page is general in nature and does not constitute clinical advice. Individual suitability, treatment and costs depend on an assessment specific to you. Before proceeding, seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner. View treatment risks here.
Is it your wisdom teeth? What our Sunshine Coast dentists see most
Most people don’t book in asking for wisdom teeth removal. They come in because something at the back of the mouth doesn’t feel right. Pick the one that sounds like you.
You said
“There’s an ache right at the back of my jaw”
A dull ache behind your last molar, sometimes spreading to the ear or the side of the head, is one of the most common signs of a wisdom tooth pushing through or sitting against the tooth in front.
It can also come from a cracked tooth, grinding or a sinus problem, which is why an X-ray comes before any decision. If it’s your wisdom tooth, we’ll show you on the scan and explain your options, including leaving it and keeping watch.
Book at your nearest Sunshine Coast practice
This information is general in nature and isn’t a substitute for an examination. If swelling spreads to your face, neck or eye, or you have trouble swallowing or breathing, go to your nearest hospital emergency department.
You said
“The gum behind my last tooth is swollen”
When a wisdom tooth is only partly through, a flap of gum can sit over it and trap bacteria. The infection that follows is called pericoronitis, and it tends to flare, settle, then flare again.
We can clean the area and settle the infection at your appointment. If it keeps coming back, removing the tooth is often what stops the cycle. Call before 10am and we’ll see you the same day.
Book at your nearest Sunshine Coast practice
This information is general in nature and isn’t a substitute for an examination. If swelling spreads to your face, neck or eye, or you have trouble swallowing or breathing, go to your nearest hospital emergency department.
You said
“Food keeps getting stuck back there”
Wisdom teeth that are partly through or angled leave pockets that a toothbrush can’t reach. Food and plaque collect there, and over time that can cause decay in the wisdom tooth or the molar in front of it.
Sometimes a better cleaning routine is enough. Where decay has already started on the molar in front, removing the wisdom tooth is usually what protects the tooth you want to keep.
Book at your nearest Sunshine Coast practice
This information is general in nature and isn’t a substitute for an examination. If swelling spreads to your face, neck or eye, or you have trouble swallowing or breathing, go to your nearest hospital emergency department.
You said
“My jaw feels stiff and it’s hard to open”
Swelling around an infected wisdom tooth can make the jaw muscles tighten, so opening wide, chewing or yawning becomes difficult.
This needs seeing promptly so the infection can be treated before the tooth is assessed. Call before 10am and we’ll see you the same day. If swelling spreads to your face, neck or eye, or you have trouble swallowing or breathing, go to your nearest hospital emergency department.
Book at your nearest Sunshine Coast practice
This information is general in nature and isn’t a substitute for an examination. If swelling spreads to your face, neck or eye, or you have trouble swallowing or breathing, go to your nearest hospital emergency department.
You said
“My dentist says it’s impacted”
Impacted means the tooth can’t come through fully, because it’s angled into the tooth in front, lying on its side, or still under the gum or bone.
An impacted tooth doesn’t automatically need to come out. We look at the angle, any symptoms, any damage to nearby teeth and how close the roots are to the nerve, then talk through removing it or monitoring it.
Book at your nearest Sunshine Coast practice
This information is general in nature and isn’t a substitute for an examination. If swelling spreads to your face, neck or eye, or you have trouble swallowing or breathing, go to your nearest hospital emergency department.
You said
“Nothing hurts, but I’ve been told to keep an eye on them”
Plenty of wisdom teeth stay quiet for years. If yours have come through straight and you can clean them, monitoring with an X-ray every so often may be all they need.
Some people prefer to plan removal in their late teens or twenties, when the roots are less developed and healing tends to be quicker. Your dentist will give you the pros and cons so you can decide without pressure.
Book at your nearest Sunshine Coast practice
This information is general in nature and isn’t a substitute for an examination. If swelling spreads to your face, neck or eye, or you have trouble swallowing or breathing, go to your nearest hospital emergency department.
Our approach
Do wisdom teeth always need to come out?
No, and we won’t recommend removal because it’s routine. Healthy wisdom teeth that have come through straight, can be cleaned and aren’t affecting the teeth beside them can often stay, with an X-ray every so often to keep an eye on them.
Usually monitored
Fully through, upright, easy to clean, no symptoms and no damage to the tooth in front.
Often removed
Repeated gum infections, decay that can’t be fixed, damage to the molar in front, or a cyst around the tooth.
Talk it through
Impacted but quiet teeth. The angle, your age and nerve position all matter, and the choice is yours.
What decides it
An examination and an OPG X-ray, plus a 3D scan when the roots sit close to the nerve.
How wisdom teeth get stuck: the four common types of impaction
The way a wisdom tooth is angled shapes how it’s removed, how long it takes and what recovery looks like. Your X-ray shows which of these you have.
Illustration only. The tooth on the left of each diagram is the second molar; the outlined tooth is the wisdom tooth.
gum line
Angled forward
Tilted into the tooth in front (mesioangular). The most common type, and the one most likely to trap food and cause decay next door.
gum line
Upright
Sitting straight (vertical) but without room to come through fully. Sometimes it erupts on its own; sometimes it stays partly covered.
gum line
Lying on its side
Fully sideways (horizontal), pushing into the roots of the tooth in front. Usually removed in sections.
gum line
Partly through
Part of the tooth shows through the gum with a flap over the rest. Prone to repeated gum infections (pericoronitis).
Sunshine Coast Dental Clinic Locations
From awake to fully asleep
Sedation for wisdom teeth removal on the Sunshine Coast
Every removal uses local anaesthetic. Depending on your medical history and your dentist’s assessment, sedation may also be an option. Your dentist will talk you through what’s suitable for you.
Minimal sedation
Happy gas
Nitrous oxide is breathed through a small mask over the nose, alongside local anaesthetic. It’s intended to help you feel more relaxed while you stay awake and able to respond. Whether it’s suitable for you depends on your medical history and your dentist’s assessment.
What you may notice
Effects vary from person to person. Some people feel calmer or light-headed.
Getting home
You’ll most likely need someone to drive you to and from your appointment. Your dentist will discuss this with you.
Available at
All eight Sunshine Coast practices
Risks
Possible side effects include nausea, dizziness, headache and tingling. It isn’t suitable for everyone, and your dentist will check your medical history first.
Minimal to moderate sedation
Oral sedation
A prescribed sedative medication taken before your appointment, alongside local anaesthetic, intended to help reduce anxiety. Your dentist will give you instructions on when and how to take it.
What you may notice
Effects vary between individuals. Some people feel drowsy and calm. You remain awake and able to respond.
Getting home
A responsible adult needs to take you to and from your appointment. You shouldn’t drive, operate machinery or make important decisions until your dentist advises it’s safe, often 24 hours.
Available at
[CONFIRM PRACTICES]
Risks
Possible side effects include prolonged drowsiness, dizziness, nausea and, rarely, breathing difficulties or an allergic reaction. The effect of a tablet can be less predictable than other forms of sedation. Your dentist will review your medical history and medications first.
Moderate sedation
IV sedation
Sedative medication given through a small cannula in the hand or arm, alongside local anaesthetic, with your breathing, heart rate and oxygen levels monitored throughout. It’s intended to help you feel deeply relaxed during the procedure.
What you may notice
Responses vary. Some people have limited memory of the procedure. You’re not unconscious and can usually respond.
Getting home
A responsible adult needs to take you home and stay with you. You shouldn’t drive or make important decisions for at least 24 hours, or as advised.
Available at
[CONFIRM PRACTICES]
Risks
Possible risks include bruising or irritation where the cannula is placed, nausea, drowsiness and, rarely, slowed breathing, low blood pressure or an allergic reaction. Fasting or other preparation may be required.
General anaesthesia
General anaesthetic
Medication that places you in a controlled state of unconsciousness for the procedure, given and monitored by an anaesthetist. Your dentist may discuss it where several teeth are being removed or other options aren’t suitable for you.
What you may notice
You’re unconscious and unaware during the procedure. How you feel as the anaesthetic wears off varies between individuals.
Getting home
Fasting is required beforehand. A responsible adult needs to take you home and stay with you, and you shouldn’t drive or make important decisions for at least 24 hours, or as advised.
Available at
Our Maroochydore practice
Risks
General anaesthetic carries additional risks, including nausea and vomiting, sore throat, drowsiness and, rarely, serious complications such as an allergic reaction or breathing problems. Your suitability is assessed beforehand.
Sedation and general anaesthetic are not suitable for everyone. Effects, recovery and how much you remember vary between individuals. Your dentist will assess your suitability and explain the risks relevant to you before you consent. Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
Wisdom teeth removal recovery: a day-by-day guide
Everyone heals differently, and your dentist will give you instructions for your own mouth. This is what recovery typically looks like.
Your first two weeks
Rest and protect the clot
Bite on gauze as instructed, use cold packs on and off, and keep your head raised. Avoid rinsing, spitting, straws, smoking and hot drinks so the clot can form.
Swelling usually peaks
Swelling and jaw stiffness are often at their most noticeable now. Gentle warm salt-water rinses usually begin, as your dentist instructs.
Back to most things
Swelling eases and many people return to work or study. Pain that gets worse rather than better around now can be dry socket, so call us and we’ll see you.
Settling down
Most swelling has gone. Dissolving stitches fall out on their own, and the gum keeps closing over the socket for a few more weeks. A review checks it’s all healing well.
Tap a day to see what to expect.
Illustrative only. Swelling, comfort and healing vary from person to person.
A Sunshine Coast note
Give the surf, the pool, parkrun and hinterland trails a few days off while the sockets settle. Hard exercise and salt water can disturb the clot, and your dentist will tell you when you’re clear to get back out there.
Why Choose Avenue Dental for wisdom teeth removal on the Sunshine Coast
Assessed before anything is removed
An OPG X-ray for every patient, and a 3D scan when roots sit near the nerve, so the plan is based on what’s actually there.
Sedation options
Happy gas, oral and IV sedation, plus general anaesthetic at our Maroochydore practice. Your dentist will discuss which options are suitable for you.
Seen the same day when it hurts
Call before 10am and we’ll see you that day. The $95 emergency appointment covers your consult and X-rays.
Eight practices, coast to hinterland
Caloundra to Tewantin and out to Beerwah, with the same prices at each, and your follow-up at the practice you chose.
Locally owned and operated
Each practice is led by a managing partner who is in every day, with a team of locals. Avenue Dental has been caring for Queenslanders since 1990.
Clear costs, flexible payments
A written quote with item numbers before you book, and interest-free payment plans through Humm, with approval and terms assessed by Humm.
The information on this page is general in nature and does not constitute clinical advice. Individual suitability, treatment and costs depend on an assessment specific to you. Before proceeding, seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner. View treatment risks here.
What affects the cost of wisdom teeth removal on the Sunshine Coast
How impacted the tooth is. A tooth that lifts out whole is quicker than one under bone that needs dividing.
How many teeth. Having two or four out in one visit is usually better value than separate appointments.
Sedation. Happy gas, oral, IV or general anaesthetic each carry a different fee.
Your health fund. If you’re paying for extras cover, use it. Many funds contribute towards removals, and we give you the item numbers to check. Interest-free payment plans through Humm are also available, with approval and terms assessed by Humm.
Wisdom teeth removal on the Sunshine Coast: your questions answered
How much does wisdom teeth removal cost on the Sunshine Coast?
At Avenue Dental Sunshine Coast, simple removal starts from [PRICE] per tooth and surgical removal from [PRICE] per tooth, with sedation from [PRICE]. The final cost depends on how the tooth is impacted, how many teeth are removed and the sedation that’s suitable for you. You receive a written quote with item numbers before anything is booked.
Do all wisdom teeth need to be removed?
No. Wisdom teeth that have come through straight, can be cleaned and aren’t causing problems can often stay and be monitored with X-rays. Removal may be recommended for repeated infections, decay that can’t be repaired, damage to the neighbouring molar or a cyst around the tooth.
Which Avenue Dental practices on the Sunshine Coast remove wisdom teeth?
All eight: Caloundra, Maroochydore, Bli Bli, Kawana, Baringa, Sippy Downs, Tewantin and Beerwah. General anaesthetic is available at our Maroochydore practice. Book at your nearest Sunshine Coast practice.
What sedation options are available for wisdom teeth removal on the Sunshine Coast?
Every removal uses local anaesthetic. Depending on your medical history and your dentist’s assessment, happy gas, oral sedation or IV sedation may also be options, and general anaesthetic is available at our Maroochydore practice. Sedation isn’t suitable for everyone, and your dentist will explain the options and risks relevant to you.
Can I have wisdom teeth removed without going to hospital?
In many cases, yes. Most wisdom teeth are removed in the dental chair under local anaesthetic, with or without sedation. Where general anaesthetic is suitable, it’s available at our Maroochydore practice, given and monitored by an anaesthetist.
How long does wisdom teeth removal take?
It depends on how many teeth are being removed and how they’re positioned. A single tooth that has fully come through is usually quicker than several impacted teeth. Your dentist will give you a time estimate when your plan is made.
How long is recovery after wisdom teeth removal?
Swelling often peaks around days two to three, and many people return to work or study within about a week. The gum closes over in the following weeks, and the bone fills in over a few months. Recovery varies between individuals, and your dentist will give you aftercare instructions for your own mouth.
Can I have all four wisdom teeth removed at once?
In many cases it’s possible, which means one recovery period instead of several. Your dentist will discuss whether it’s suitable for you, including which sedation options may apply.
What are the risks of wisdom teeth removal?
Wisdom teeth removal is a surgical procedure, and any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. These can include pain, swelling, bruising, bleeding, infection, dry socket, jaw stiffness, damage to nearby teeth or fillings, temporary or, rarely, permanent numbness or altered sensation of the lip, chin or tongue, and for upper teeth, an opening into the sinus. Sedation and general anaesthetic carry their own risks. Your dentist will explain the risks relevant to you before you consent. Read more about treatment risks.
Does health insurance cover wisdom teeth removal?
Many extras policies contribute towards wisdom teeth removal, depending on your level of cover and waiting periods. If you’re paying for extras cover, it’s worth using. We give you the item numbers so you can check with your fund before you book.
What is dry socket?
Dry socket happens when the blood clot in the socket is lost or doesn’t form properly, leaving the bone exposed. It usually shows up as pain that gets worse a few days after removal. Avoiding smoking, straws and vigorous rinsing early on can lower the risk. If you think you have it, call us and we’ll see you.
Can I be seen the same day for wisdom tooth pain on the Sunshine Coast?
Yes. Call any of our Sunshine Coast practices before 10am and we’ll see you the same day. The emergency appointment is $95 and includes your consult and X-rays, and any treatment is quoted once we know what’s going on.
Do I need a referral for wisdom teeth removal?
No. You can book directly with any of our eight Sunshine Coast practices. We’ll examine your teeth, take an X-ray and explain your options.
Flexible payment plans
At Avenue Dental on the Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, Adelaide and Melbourne, we understand that dental treatment can be difficult to fit into your budget, which is why we offer a range of different dental payment plan options.
