They usually arrive between 16 and 23 — sometimes quietly, sometimes not. We assess honestly, extract gently in the chair when it's needed, and refer you to an oral surgeon when that's genuinely the better path.
Not every wisdom tooth needs to come out — here's how we decide, and what happens if it does.
Wisdom teeth typically erupt between the ages of 16 and 23, and every mouth handles them differently. We examine the area and take X-rays to see exactly how each tooth is sitting — whether it has room to come through, and whether it's pressing on the tooth next door.
Not every wisdom tooth needs to come out. If yours is coming through cleanly and you can keep it clean, we'll tell you so — and simply keep watch at your regular check-ups. If removal is the right call, we'll explain why in plain English, with the cost in writing before anything begins.
“…very safe hands”
Straightforward extractions are done here under local anaesthetic, in the same chair as your check-ups. Our approach is the gentlest possible care with recovery time kept to a minimum — unhurried, and at your pace if you're nervous.
Complex or multiple extractions are referred to an oral surgeon, where the work can be done under general anaesthetic. We'd rather send you to the right hands than press on ourselves — an honest referral is part of honest dentistry, and we're still your home practice for everything that follows.
No — and we'll never remove one that doesn't. Wisdom teeth usually erupt between the ages of 16 and 23, and some come through with enough room and never cause a problem. We assess each tooth honestly; if yours can stay, we'll say so and simply keep an eye on it at your regular check-ups.
Common signs include pain or tenderness at the back of the jaw, swollen or inflamed gum around the emerging tooth, and finding the area hard to keep clean. If you notice any of these, book an assessment — and if the pain is bad today, call us: we keep emergency appointments open every day.
If the tooth is straightforward to remove, we do it here under local anaesthetic. If it's complex — or several teeth are best removed at once — we refer you to an oral surgeon, who can do the work under general anaesthetic. We'll tell you honestly which path fits your mouth; we'd rather refer you than compromise on your care.
Everyone heals differently, so we won't invent a timeline for you. What we can promise is our approach: the gentlest possible care, with recovery time kept to a minimum, and clear aftercare instructions before you leave. If anything worries you afterwards — pain that's getting worse, swelling or bleeding — call us on (03) 9560 2702.
We don't publish set prices because no two mouths are the same. Once we've examined your wisdom teeth, you'll receive a quote in writing before any treatment begins — we'll always talk cost before we treat. We accept smile.com.au dental cover, and our patients claim with many other funds; call us and we'll help you check your cover. If your care is referred to an oral surgeon, we'll explain what that means for cost before anything is arranged.
Yes — we keep emergency appointments open every day and aim to fit you in as quickly as possible. Call (03) 9560 2702 and we'll do our best to see you promptly, or read what to do in a dental emergency.
“We'll always tell you when treatment isn't needed.”
Dr Michael Sawaya
Dr Barry Kave
