Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this condition, answered by the team at Knoxfield Dental Care, Knoxfield.
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 Knoxfield Dental Care confirm their position.
Is wisdom tooth removal painful?
The procedure itself is done under local anaesthetic, 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 Knoxfield?
Yes — if you have pain, swelling, or recurring infection around the back teeth, book an assessment at Knoxfield Dental Care on (03) 9763 3339. Early evaluation lets us plan the safest approach and avoid emergency problems.
