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Call (02) 4216 99117/9-25 Captain Cook Dr, Barrack Heights NSW 2528Wisdom Tooth Removal
A sore, infected or stuck wisdom tooth can be checked with an examination and X-ray. A dentist can explain whether to remove it or keep watching it.
A $50 refundable deposit is required to claim a consultation. Treatment suitability and fees are explained after assessment.
Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth are the last adult teeth, and they generally come through the gums at about 18 to 25 years of age. If one is sore, swollen, hard to clean or only partly through the gum, it is worth having it checked. Wisdom teeth removal is one of the services at Shellharbour Dentists, and it sits within general dentistry in Shellharbour.
A dentist examines the area and uses an X-ray to see how the tooth sits, the shape of its roots and how close it is to nearby teeth and nerves. Not every wisdom tooth needs to come out. Removal is usually discussed when a tooth is impacted (stuck against nearby teeth or bone), is at risk of decay or gum disease, or is causing repeated infection or pain. Removal can be done by a general dentist or by a specialist such as an oral surgeon, so ask who would treat you.
Local anaesthetic numbs the treatment area while you remain awake. IV sedation uses medicine through a vein to help you relax and may be considered after assessing your health and the procedure. We can explain whether it is suitable and how it differs from general anaesthesia. Read our IV sedation information.
Call 000 or go to an emergency department for trouble breathing or swallowing, a very swollen mouth or tongue, or substantial bleeding into the throat. For a sore wisdom tooth, seek prompt advice through our emergency dentist information or call (02) 4216 9911.
Wisdom tooth removal ranges from $350 to $600. The fee depends on the tooth and complexity, with any sedation costs explained separately. We provide a treatment plan and confirm fees before you decide. See our questions about dental fees, patient offers and terms and payment options, or contact our team. A $50 refundable deposit is required to claim a consultation. Our dental check-up and clean information and tooth coloured fillings information cover related care.
Wisdom teeth do not always cause trouble. These are the reasons a dentist is most likely to talk about removal.
Removal carries risks including dry socket, infection, swelling, bleeding, jaw stiffness and nerve injury that may affect feeling in the lip, chin or tongue. Recovery varies with the procedure and your health. We explain your risks, likely time off and aftercare before treatment. Contact your treating team if pain worsens after the first few days. Smoking increases dry socket risk.
Use the form below to request a consult. Please avoid sharing sensitive health information through a website form.
A $50 refundable deposit is required to book a consultation.
If the form is not showing, open the form in a new tab, call (02) 4216 9911 or book online.
Frequently Asked Questions
These general answers can help you prepare questions for an individual conversation.
A wisdom tooth can stay in place when assessment supports keeping it. Wisdom tooth removal in Shellharbour is considered when a tooth causes problems or has a reason for removal. The decision concerns that individual tooth; having wisdom teeth does not, by itself, mean you need an extraction.
Related information: general dentistry page.
Call or book online and say what you would like help with. Ask what your visit includes and what it costs. At the visit, discuss your concerns with the dentist; you can review any proposed treatment and its costs before deciding.
