Removing All 4 Wisdom Teeth

Removing All 4 Wisdom Teeth: What You Need to Know

Wisdom teeth removal is one of the most common oral surgery procedures performed in Australia. If you’ve been advised to have all four wisdom teeth removed, it’s natural to have questions about the procedure, recovery, and what to expect. At Coastal Dental Care, your local family dentist, our team is here to guide you through every step with clear information and personalised care.

What Are Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth are the third molars located at the very back of your mouth. They typically emerge between the ages of 17 and 25. While some people have no issues, many experience problems due to insufficient jaw space.

Common concerns include:

Impacted wisdom teeth (stuck under the gum or bone)
Pain or swelling
Infection around partially erupted teeth
Damage to neighbouring teeth
Crowding or difficulty cleaning the area

Why Remove All 4 Wisdom Teeth at Once?

In many cases, dentists recommend removing all four wisdom teeth during the same procedure. This approach can:

Prevent future complications
Avoid multiple recovery periods
Reduce the risk of infection or decay in hard-to-reach areas
Address impacted teeth before they cause pain

Your dentist will assess your X-rays, symptoms, and overall oral health before recommending treatment.

The Wisdom Teeth Removal Procedure

The complexity of wisdom teeth removal depends on whether the teeth are fully erupted or impacted.

1. Consultation & Imaging

Your dentist will perform a clinical examination and take X-rays to evaluate tooth position and nerve proximity. This helps determine whether the procedure can be performed in the chair or requires referral to a specialist setting.

2. Anaesthesia Options

Wisdom teeth removal can be completed under:

Local anaesthetic
Nitrous oxide (happy gas)
IV sedation
General anaesthesia (in an accredited hospital setting)

The appropriate option will depend on the complexity of the extraction and your comfort level.

3. The Removal

If the teeth are impacted, a small incision may be made in the gum, and the tooth may be sectioned into smaller pieces for safe removal. Stitches are sometimes placed to support healing.

The procedure typically takes 45–90 minutes, depending on complexity.

Recovery After Removing All 4 Wisdom Teeth

Recovery is an important part of the process. Most patients can expect:

Swelling for 2–3 days
Mild to moderate discomfort
Limited jaw movement
Temporary dietary changes

Recovery Tips

To support healing:

Rest for the first 24–48 hours
Apply ice packs to reduce swelling
Follow prescribed pain relief instructions
Eat soft foods (e.g. yoghurt, soup, mashed vegetables)
Avoid smoking and straws
Maintain gentle oral hygiene as advised

Most people return to normal activities within a few days, though complete healing of the surgical site can take several weeks.

Potential Risks and Complications

As with any surgical procedure, there are risks to consider. These may include:

Dry socket
Infection
Temporary numbness
Swelling or bruising

Your dentist will explain potential risks and provide post-operative instructions to minimise complications.

When Should Wisdom Teeth Be Removed?

Wisdom teeth are often removed when:

They cause ongoing pain or infection
They are impacted
They increase the risk of decay or gum disease
Orthodontic treatment requires space
Preventative removal is recommended based on positioning

Not all wisdom teeth require removal. Your dentist will assess whether monitoring or extraction is the most appropriate option.

Cost of Removing 4 Wisdom Teeth

The cost varies depending on:

Whether teeth are impacted
Type of anaesthesia used
Whether treatment occurs in-chair or the hospital

Private health insurance may contribute to part of the cost, depending on your level of cover. Coastal Dental Care offers on-the-spot HICAPS claiming and flexible payment options to assist eligible patients.

Why Choose Coastal Dental Care?

At Coastal Dental Care, we provide comprehensive wisdom teeth assessments and personalised treatment planning across our locations. Our experienced team will discuss your options, explain the procedure clearly, and ensure you feel informed and supported throughout your care.