Wisdom Teeth Removal | Procedure, Cost & What to Expect

Overview

Wisdom teeth removal is recommended when third molars are repeatedly infected, impacted, causing decay to neighbouring teeth, gum problems, cysts, or pain that is not manageable with hygiene alone. The best next step balances diagnosis, urgency, long‑term oral health, comfort, cost and your preferences.

• Keep and monitor when quiet and cleanable
• Treat infection/inflammation and reassess
• Remove simply in-chair under local anaesthetic
• Remove surgically (complex impaction) with local, IV sedation, or general anaesthetic
• Plan recovery and risk reduction (dry socket prevention, pain control)

Wisdom teeth removal procedure (Australia)

1. Assessment and imaging: problem‑focused exam plus X‑rays. Often a panoramic X‑ray (OPG). A 3D CBCT scan may be advised if roots are close to nerves or sinus.
2. Anaesthesia choice: local anaesthetic (numbs the area), IV sedation (twilight) in‑chair, or general anaesthetic in hospital/day surgery.
3. Removal:
   • Simple extraction: gentle elevation of the tooth once loosened.
   • Surgical extraction: a small gum incision, removal of a little bone, and sectioning of the tooth if needed. The site is flushed and sutured.
4. Post‑op: pressure with gauze, instructions for pain relief, swelling management and oral care. Dissolving stitches are common.
5. Review: check healing and remove any non‑dissolving sutures ~7–10 days if used.

Choice of setting depends on anxiety level, medical history, impaction complexity, and cost. Many people do well with local anaesthetic; others prefer IV sedation. Hospital general anaesthetic is usually reserved for complex cases or when multiple teeth are removed at once.

In‑chair vs hospital: how to choose

Discuss your goals (comfort, time off work, budget) with your dentist or oral and maxillofacial surgeon (OMFS).

Wisdom teeth removal costs in Australia

Costs vary by complexity, location, imaging and anaesthesia. Typical ranges (AUD):

• Consultation: $60–$120
• OPG panoramic X‑ray (ADA 037): $80–$130
• CBCT 3D scan: $150–$300
• Simple extraction per tooth (ADA 311): $200–$350
• Surgical removal per tooth (ADA 322): $350–$700
• IV sedation (in‑chair) per session: $450–$900
• Hospital theatre/bed fee (day surgery): $1,200–$2,500
• Anaesthetist (GA): $600–$1,500

Itemised examples

Example — two lower impacted wisdom teeth in‑chair with IV sedation:

• Consult + OPG (ADA 037): $180
• 2 x surgical extractions (ADA 322): $1,000–$1,300
• IV sedation: $600–$900
• Typical total: $1,780–$2,380

Example — four impacted wisdom teeth under GA in hospital:

• Consult + OPG/CBCT: $250–$400
• Surgeon fee (4 x ADA 322 equivalents): $1,600–$2,800
• Hospital: $1,200–$2,500
• Anaesthetist: $800–$1,500
• Typical total: $3,800–$7,200

Private health extras may rebate part of dental item numbers (e.g., 311/322/037) depending on your policy limits and waiting periods. Hospital and anaesthetist fees are usually covered by hospital cover, not extras. Medicare does not generally cover private dental extractions; public hospital treatment may be available with a referral and waiting list. Children may be eligible through the Child Dental Benefits Schedule.

Before your appointment (pre‑op checklist)

• Fasting: if you’re having IV sedation or GA, no solid food for 6 hours and only clear fluids up to 2 hours before, unless instructed otherwise.
• Medications: tell your clinician about blood thinners, bisphosphonates, diabetes meds and allergies. Do not stop anticoagulants without written advice from your GP/specialist.
• Smoking/vaping: stop at least 48–72 hours before and 7 days after to reduce dry socket risk.
• Escort: an adult escort is mandatory after IV sedation/GA and recommended if you’re anxious.
• What to bring: list of medications, health fund card, previous X‑rays if available.

Recovery and aftercare

Bleeding control (first hours)

1. Bite firmly on the provided gauze for 20–30 minutes.
2. If oozing persists, replace with clean gauze or a dampened tea bag and bite another 20–30 minutes.
3. A small amount of blood‑tinged saliva is normal for 24 hours. If bleeding is brisk or continuous beyond 2–3 hours, contact your clinic or after‑hours service.

Pain and swelling

• Use prescribed or over‑the‑counter pain relief as directed (often alternating paracetamol and ibuprofen unless contraindicated).
• Ice packs 15 minutes on/off for the first 24–48 hours reduce swelling. Swelling peaks around day 2–3.

Oral hygiene

• Do not rinse vigorously on day 0.
• Start gentle warm salt‑water rinses 24 hours after surgery, 3–4 times daily (especially after meals) for a week.
• Brush teeth the night of surgery, carefully avoiding sockets. Resume normal brushing as comfort allows.

Food and activity

• No straws, smoking or vaping for at least 72 hours.
• Cool liquids and soft foods first 24–48 hours; advance diet gradually.
• Light activity after 24–48 hours; vigorous exercise after 7–10 days.
• No alcohol for 24 hours after local anaesthetic and 48–72 hours after IV/GA or while taking strong pain medicines.
• Driving: okay after local anaesthetic. Do not drive for 24 hours after IV/GA.

Watch for dry socket

Increasing pain after day 2–3, bad taste or odour, and visible empty socket can indicate dry socket (more common in lower teeth and smokers). Contact your clinic for dressing and pain control.

Risks, complications and informed consent

• Dry socket (alveolar osteitis): around 2–5% overall; higher with difficult lower extractions and smoking.
• Infection: about 1–3%; may need antibiotics and/or drainage.
• Sinus exposure (upper molars): small risk (up to ~0.5–2%). You may be advised to avoid nose‑blowing; additional care may be needed.
• Nerve injury: temporary altered sensation to lower lip/chin (inferior alveolar nerve) or tongue (lingual nerve) in about 0.2–1% of cases; permanent change is uncommon (<0.5%). Careful imaging and technique reduce risk.
• Other: jaw stiffness, bruising, delayed healing, reaction to medications/sedation.

Red flags needing urgent review: fever, worsening swelling after day 3, difficulty breathing or swallowing, spreading facial/neck redness, uncontrolled bleeding, or persistent numbness or vision changes. For severe breathing or swallowing difficulty, chest pain, or rapidly spreading infection, call 000 or attend the nearest emergency department.

When it’s urgent

Seek same‑day care if you have facial swelling, trismus (can’t open mouth), fever, pus discharge, or severe pain not controlled with over‑the‑counter medication. If swelling affects breathing or swallowing or you feel systemically unwell, call 000 or go to an emergency department.

FAQs

Related pages

References (Australia)

• Australian Dental Association. Teeth and Wisdom Teeth. https://www.ada.org.au/Your-Dental-Health/Adults-31-64/Wisdom-teeth
• ANZAOMS (Aust. & NZ Assoc. of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons). Wisdom Teeth Patient Info. https://www.anzaoms.org/patients/wisdom-teeth
• Queensland Health. Having your wisdom teeth removed. https://www.health.qld.gov.au/news-events/news/wisdom-teeth-removed
• SA Health. Dental care – public dental services. https://www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/public+content/sa+health+internet/services/dental+services
• Services Australia. Child Dental Benefits Schedule. https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/child-dental-benefits-schedule

This page provides general information only and does not replace personalised advice from your dentist or oral and maxillofacial surgeon.

About this page

Author: James Carter, Health Writer

Clinical reviewer: Dr Sarah Nguyen, BDSc (Hons), FRACDS

Last updated: 18 April 2026