Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth are your third molars, located at the very back of your mouth. They usually erupt into the mouth around the ages of 16-25. While some people may have their wisdom teeth erupt normally and successfully, most people will have some degree of impaction. Some people’s wisdom teeth may also cause trouble to the adjacent teeth if left to its own device. It’s important to visit the dentist when you start to notice your wisdom teeth coming or when you feel pain or tenderness around that area. At McKinnon Dental Care, we provide wisdom tooth consultations so we can assess your unique situation and provide tailored advices. Following an assessment, we can then offer a variety of options on the best steps moving forward.
Call us on 03 9957 5199 to book a consultation for your wisdom teeth removal!
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It’s our firm belief that everyone should be able to access quality dental care, regardless of their financial circumstances. If you are due for your regular dental check-up, or require specialised dental treatments, we encourage you to chat with our friendly team and explore our many flexible payment solutions and affordable treatment options. We welcome all patients – including those who have private health insurance and those who do not.
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Dental technology advances rapidly, and our dental team are committed to acquiring the latest dental tools and equipment to continually improve our clinic. Our modern dental equipment enables pain-free and quick treatments. We wholeheartedly understand that excellent dental care requires a combination of modern technologies and educated dentists – at McKinnon Dental Care, we are proud to be providers of both.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this condition, answered by the team at McKinnon Dental Care, McKinnon.
What are impacted wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the last molars to erupt, usually in the late teens or early twenties. When there isn’t enough room, they can become impacted — stuck partially or fully beneath the gum or angled against the neighbouring tooth.
What problems can impacted wisdom teeth cause?
They can cause pain, swelling, repeated gum infections, decay in the wisdom tooth or the tooth in front, crowding pressure, and occasionally cysts. Some impacted teeth cause no symptoms but still need monitoring with X-rays.
Do all wisdom teeth need to be removed?
No. If they are healthy, fully erupted, correctly positioned, and cleanable, they can be kept. Removal is recommended when they cause pain, infection, decay, or damage to nearby teeth, or when problems are likely in future.
How do I know if my wisdom teeth are impacted?
Common signs include aching or pressure at the back of the jaw, swelling, bad taste, difficulty opening wide, or food trapping around a partly erupted tooth. A dental examination and X-ray at McKinnon Dental Care confirm their position.
Is wisdom tooth removal painful?
The procedure itself is done under local anaesthetic (or sedation if needed), so you should not feel pain during it. Some swelling and discomfort afterwards is normal and is managed with pain relief and simple aftercare instructions.
What is recovery like after wisdom teeth removal?
Most people recover within a few days to a week. Expect some swelling and tenderness that peaks around day two or three. Rest, soft foods, cold compresses, and following your aftercare advice help you heal comfortably.
What can I eat after having a wisdom tooth out?
Stick to soft, cool foods such as yoghurt, smoothies, mashed potato, and soup for the first day or two, then gradually return to normal. Avoid hot, crunchy, spicy foods and straws, which can disturb the healing site.
What is a dry socket?
A dry socket occurs when the protective blood clot at the extraction site is dislodged, exposing bone and causing sharp pain a few days later. Avoiding smoking, straws, and vigorous rinsing lowers the risk; if it happens, we can treat it easily.
At what age should wisdom teeth be assessed?
It is worth assessing wisdom teeth in the late teens, when roots are still developing and removal, if needed, is generally simpler with a smoother recovery. Your dentist will monitor them with periodic X-rays.
Should I see a dentist about my wisdom teeth in McKinnon?
Yes — if you have pain, swelling, or recurring infection around the back teeth, book an assessment at McKinnon Dental Care on (03) 9957 5199. Early evaluation lets us plan the safest approach and avoid emergency problems.
About Us
We are trusted by hundreds of local families and individuals who want safe, effective, affordable and comfortable dental treatments. It is our mission to provide quality advice that helps you smile brighter.
Contact Us
181 McKinnon Rd, McKinnon VIC 3204
Monday – Friday 8:30am – 5:00pm, Saturday: By Appointment Only, Sunday Closed
Servicing Suburbs
We service McKinnon and its neighboring suburbs which includes but not limited to: Glen Huntly, Elsternwick, Brighton, Murrumbeena, Bentleigh, Bentleigh East, St Kilda, St Kilda East, Caulfield East, Caulfield, Caulfield North, Caulfield South, Chadstone, Ormond, Gardenvale, Oakleigh, Oakleigh East, Carnegie, Brighton East, Malvern
