First: do they actually need removing?
Wisdom teeth that erupt cleanly and can be kept clean are often best left alone. Trouble starts when they come through at an angle, trap food against the neighbouring molar, cause repeated gum infections (pericoronitis), or develop decay that can't be treated. An examination and X-ray tell us which camp yours are in, and we'll give you a straight answer either way.
If removal is the right call
- Straightforward extractions are done here at the practice under local anaesthetic
- We take our time with anaesthesia, you should feel pressure, never pain
- Complex or deeply impacted teeth are referred to trusted oral surgeons, with everything explained first
- You'll leave with clear written aftercare and direct contact details if anything worries you
Recovery
Most people are back to normal life within a few days. Swelling peaks around day two or three and then settles; we'll show you how to manage it and what's normal versus what warrants a call to us.
What wisdom tooth removal costs
As a broad Sydney guide, per tooth unless stated:
| Situation | Typical Sydney range | Where it happens |
|---|---|---|
| Fully erupted, straightforward | Roughly $250 to $500 | In the dental chair, under local anaesthetic |
| Impacted, surgical removal | Roughly $450 to $700 | In the chair, or with an oral surgeon for complex cases |
| All four under general anaesthetic | Roughly $2,500 to $5,500, plus anaesthetist fees | In hospital, with an oral surgeon |
Broad Sydney market ranges. An X-ray shows how each tooth sits in the bone, and your quote is written after it.
Medicare doesn't cover extractions in the dental chair, though it contributes to hospital and anaesthetist costs for surgery in hospital. Health fund extras usually rebate part of the fee, and eligible teenagers can have covered extractions bulk-billed under the CDBS. More detail is in our wisdom teeth cost guide.