Wisdom Teeth Removal Melbourne
Wisdom teeth are the last adult teeth to emerge — and many people find they don’t have enough room to erupt properly, leading to impaction, crowding, decay or gum problems. At our Preston studio we offer expert advice, onsite dental X-rays and tailored treatment options for patients across Thornbury, Northcote, Reservoir, Coburg, Bundoora and Melbourne’s north.
- Onsite OPG & CBCT 3D imaging
- Simple & surgical extractions
- In-clinic or hospital options
- Payment plans available
Do I need my wisdom teeth removed?
Not everyone will need their wisdom teeth removed, but certain signs suggest it might be necessary. Pain towards the back of the mouth, crowding of nearby teeth, or swelling and tenderness in the gums are all red flags — as are recurring infections, bleeding gums, an unpleasant taste, or difficulty opening your mouth.
These issues often arise when wisdom teeth become impacted or fail to erupt properly. If left untreated, they can also affect adjacent teeth, leading to more complex dental problems. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, The Smile Designer in Preston, Melbourne can assess your situation and recommend whether removal is your best option.
We take the guesswork out of assessment with our own OPG and CBCT 3D imaging systems onsite — so we can capture the X-rays and detailed 3D scans needed to plan your treatment right here in the studio, without referring you elsewhere for imaging.
There are risks and benefits to all treatments. The content posted on our website does not constitute medical advice. Risks, results, complication and recovery times will vary between individuals. For specific treatment risks, please visit our treatment risks page.
Recovery & aftercare
After extraction, you may experience swelling for the first 72 hours. Manage any pain with over-the-counter or prescribed medication and use cold compresses to reduce discomfort and jaw stiffness. Get plenty of rest, stick to soft foods, and avoid using straws to prevent dislodging the blood clot. Maintain good oral hygiene, but be gentle around the extraction site. If you notice persistent bleeding, intense pain, an unpleasant taste, or signs of infection, get in touch with us immediately.
Making treatment affordable
We’ll always provide a clear estimate before any treatment, tailored to the complexity of your extraction. We offer flexible payment plans and accept most private health insurance — while Medicare does not usually cover wisdom tooth removal, your insurer may contribute depending on your level of coverage.
Types of wisdom tooth impactions
Impactions occur when the third molars don’t have enough room to erupt properly and become trapped in the jawbone or gum tissue — causing discomfort, affecting your oral health, and influencing which treatment options are most suitable.
Vertical impaction
Occurs when the wisdom tooth is angled upright but remains stuck beneath the gum line. While this type may cause minimal symptoms, it can still press against the tooth in front of it, which may lead to pressure, gum inflammation, or difficulty cleaning the area.
Mesial impaction
The most common form of impaction. As the tooth is tilted forward towards the front of the mouth, it places pressure on the adjacent teeth — and can lead to crowding, tooth decay, or discomfort over time. Early assessment and action are important to avoid long-term issues with alignment or gum health.
Distal impaction
The wisdom tooth is angled away from the neighbouring teeth and towards the back of the mouth. While less common, it can become lodged beneath the gum or bone — making eruption difficult and increasing the risk of infection or cyst formation.
Horizontal impaction
The most severe type. The tooth lies sideways, completely embedded in the gum, and often pushes directly against the roots of adjacent teeth.
The wisdom tooth removal procedure
Wisdom tooth removal is a common procedure performed to resolve pain, impaction, or dental crowding. At The Smile Designer in Preston, we tailor each extraction to suit your unique needs — with OPG and CBCT 3D imaging captured onsite so patients from across Melbourne’s north can be assessed and treated in one place.
Local anaesthetic vs general anaesthetic
For most wisdom teeth removal cases, a local anaesthetic is used to numb the area, allowing for a comfortable experience while you remain awake. In more complex cases or for patients with dental anxiety, a general anaesthetic may be offered — you’re fully asleep during the extraction, usually performed in a hospital environment under the care of a qualified oral or maxillofacial surgeon.
Simple vs surgical extraction
A simple extraction is most suitable when the tooth has properly erupted and can be easily removed. A surgical extraction is required when a tooth is impacted or located beneath the gum or bone — involving a small incision and, at times, dividing the tooth into smaller parts for easier removal. Complex cases are managed with the utmost care using advanced dental X-rays and surgical planning.
In-clinic vs hospital setup
Depending on several factors, you may be given the option to have your wisdom teeth removed in-clinic or in a hospital. At The Smile Designer, we offer both options to provide proper care for every patient.
Real smiles from our studio
Healthy foundations first — a glimpse of the smiles our care supports.
- Treatment: 8 Porcelain Veneers
- After photo taken: 4 weeks later
- Completed by: Dr Dev Boparoy · DEN0001145304 & Associates
- Treatment: Composite Bonding
- After photo taken: 4 weeks later
- Completed by: Dr Dev Boparoy · DEN0001145304 & Associates
The outcomes shown are only relevant to these patients and do not necessarily reflect the results other patients may experience. All photos are of actual patients of The Smile Designer, unaltered, with no filters. There are risks and benefits to all treatments; individual results vary. Treatment risks and considerations can be found here.
Why choose The Smile Designer for wisdom teeth removal?
We pride ourselves on combining clinical expertise with personalised care.
Experienced dental surgeons
Highly trained in everything from simple extractions to complex impacted wisdom teeth, using advanced imaging to plan each procedure precisely.
Sedation options
For anxious patients or complex procedures — sedation solutions including local anaesthetic and general anaesthesia referrals.
Payment plans & transparent pricing
Upfront pricing, flexible payment plans, and most private health insurance providers accepted.
Comfort-focused care
From your initial consultation to post-operative care, our compassionate team creates a calm environment where comfort is always prioritised.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to remove wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth are often best removed during early adulthood, usually between the late teens and early twenties. At this stage, the roots are not fully formed and the bone is softer, which can make the extraction easier and reduce recovery time. If there isn’t enough space for them to properly erupt, it’s best to act early to avoid problems with nearby teeth.
How long is the recovery?
Recovery time varies depending on the number of teeth removed and whether the extraction was simple or surgical. Most people feel better in three to five days, with full healing in a couple of weeks.
Are there risks?
While uncommon, risks include dry socket, infection, or damage to nearby teeth. These are minimised when the procedure is done by a skilled general dentist or dental surgeon.
Where can I get my wisdom teeth removed near me in Preston?
Our studio is on High Street in Preston, with onsite OPG and CBCT 3D imaging for wisdom teeth assessment and removal. We welcome patients from Preston, Thornbury, Northcote, Reservoir, Coburg, Bundoora and Heidelberg, with free parking out the front and Bell Station a short walk away.
Is it painful?
With an experienced dentist and proper anaesthesia, wisdom teeth removal is generally comfortable. Some discomfort may follow, but there are many pain management options available to keep you comfortable throughout recovery.
Can I work the next day?
You may be able to return to light duties the following day, but it’s best to rest for at least 24 hours after the procedure.
Can I drive home after the procedure?
If you receive general anaesthetic, you’ll need someone to drive you home. For extractions using local anaesthetic, driving may be possible — but it’s best to confirm with your dentist beforehand.
New patient exam & clean — $295
Comprehensive Dental Examination · Intraoral & Extraoral (OPG) X-rays and Dental Photos · Dental Hygiene Visit (Scale & Polish) · Fluoride Treatment · Oral Cancer Screening · Valued over $475, T&C’s apply
18+ years
caring for the Preston community with gentle, modern dentistry
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AHPRA
registered, experienced clinicians across general & cosmetic dentistry
Payment plans
flexible options available, with all health funds welcome
The clinicians behind your smile
Gentle, highly qualified clinicians providing cosmetic, restorative and general dentistry for all ages — in a studio designed to feel comfortable and welcoming. Every smile journey here begins with a conversation.
From the journal
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Prefer to talk? Call 03 9089 7574 — we’re happy to chat.
Visit us on High Street
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