Wisdom Teeth BRISBANE
Wisdom Teeth Removal Brisbane: an X-ray first, a clear plan, and sedation options to discuss
Avenue Dental offers wisdom teeth removal at all three of our Brisbane practices: North Lakes and Murrumba Downs in the north, and Woolloongabba just south of the CBD. We start with an X-ray to see how your wisdom teeth are sitting and tell you honestly whether they need to come out. If they do, your dentist will talk you through the sedation options that may suit you, including happy gas, oral sedation and IV sedation.
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 in Brisbane
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 options your dentist can discuss with you.
At Avenue Dental in Brisbane, 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 before anything is booked. Many people find the first week is when they notice the most swelling, though recovery varies from person to person.
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 Brisbane 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.
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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 Brisbane 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 Brisbane 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 Brisbane 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 Brisbane 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 Brisbane 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 Brisbane 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).
Brisbane Dental Clinic Locations
From awake to deeply relaxed
Sedation for wisdom teeth removal in Brisbane
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.
Risks
Happy gas carries risks, which your dentist will go through with you at your consultation. Read more about treatment risks.
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.
Risks
Oral sedation carries risks, which your dentist will go through with you at your consultation. Read more about treatment risks.
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.
Risks
IV sedation carries risks, which your dentist will go through with you at your consultation. Read more about treatment risks.
Sedation is not suitable for everyone. General anaesthetic isn’t currently offered at our Brisbane practices; if it may be suitable for you, your dentist can discuss your options. 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 Brisbane note
Give the gym, the pool, parkrun and the Mt Coot-tha trails a few days off while the sockets settle. Hard exercise can disturb the clot, and your dentist will tell you when you’re clear to get back into it.
Why choose Avenue Dental for wisdom teeth removal in Brisbane
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 at our Brisbane practices. 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.
Three practices, north and south
North Lakes and Murrumba Downs for Moreton Bay and the northside, and Woolloongabba for the inner south, with 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.
Wisdom teeth removal in Brisbane: your questions answered
How much does wisdom teeth removal cost in Brisbane?
At Avenue Dental Brisbane, wisdom teeth removal starts from $250 per tooth. 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 in Brisbane remove wisdom teeth?
All three: North Lakes, Murrumba Downs and Woolloongabba. Book at your nearest Brisbane practice.
What sedation options are available for wisdom teeth removal in Brisbane?
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 at our Brisbane practices. 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. General anaesthetic isn’t currently offered at our Brisbane practices. If it may be suitable for you, your dentist can talk you through your options.
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 carries its 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 in Brisbane?
Yes. Call any of our Brisbane 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 three Brisbane 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.
