Tooth & Wisdom Teeth Removal
Over 2,000 5-star reviews
Tooth & Wisdom Teeth Removal
Over 2,000 5-star reviews
Tooth & Wisdom Teeth Removal
Tooth Extractions
We always aim to save a tooth where possible — but when an extraction is the right call, we make the process as comfortable and straightforward as we can. Most patients are surprised by how quick and pain-free it is.
Experienced in Everything from Simple to Complex Extractions
Not all extractions are the same, and the experience of the person performing them makes a real difference to how smoothly the procedure goes — and how well you recover.
At DentalCare Carnegie, several of our dentists have a strong focus on oral surgery and extraction work, with advanced training and years of hands-on experience across the full range of cases. From a straightforward single-root extraction to a deeply impacted wisdom tooth or a surgical removal requiring careful management of surrounding tissue and bone — we have the skill and clinical knowledge to handle it confidently in-house.
This means most patients can have their extractions completed right here at our Carnegie clinic, without the need for a referral elsewhere. We use the latest techniques and instruments, and take the time to plan each procedure carefully — whether it's a routine case or something more involved.
If you've been told your extraction is complicated, or you've had a difficult experience elsewhere, we're well placed to help. We'll assess your situation thoroughly and talk you through exactly what's involved before anything is done.
When Does a Tooth Need to Be Removed?
Extraction is usually a last resort, recommended when a tooth can't be saved or when leaving it in place would cause problems. Common reasons include:
- Severe decay that puts surrounding teeth at risk
- Infection that can't be resolved with a root canal
- A tooth that is cracked or broken beyond repair
- Overcrowding — often as part of orthodontic treatment to create space
- A baby tooth that isn't falling out on its own, blocking a permanent tooth from coming through
- Wisdom teeth causing pain, infection, or other complications
Your dentist will always explain why an extraction is recommended and discuss your options before proceeding.
Orthodontic Extractions
Sometimes teeth need to be removed not because they're damaged, but because there isn't enough space for them. When crowding is significant, removing specific teeth — most commonly the upper and lower premolars — allows the remaining teeth to be moved into proper alignment with braces or clear aligners.
Orthodontic extractions are carefully planned as part of your overall treatment. Your dentist will assess your bite, jaw structure, and X-rays to determine exactly which teeth to remove and when, so that the end result is a stable, well-aligned smile.
If you've been referred for extractions prior to orthodontic treatment, we work closely with orthodontists to make this as seamless as possible. Just let us know when you book and we'll make sure everything is coordinated.
What Happens During an Extraction?
The procedure is typically straightforward and completed in a single visit.
Your dentist will numb the area with local anaesthetic so you won't feel pain — just some pressure as the tooth is loosened and removed. Once the tooth is out, gauze is placed over the socket to help a blood clot form, which is the start of the healing process.
For more complex cases — such as an impacted wisdom tooth that hasn't fully come through — a small amount of bone or gum tissue may need to be moved to access the tooth. In these cases your dentist may section the tooth into smaller pieces to minimise the amount of tissue disturbed.
The whole appointment is usually 30–60 minutes depending on complexity.
Wisdom Teeth Removal in Carnegie
Wisdom teeth are the last molars to come through, usually in the late teens or early twenties. Many people don't have enough room in their jaw for them to erupt properly, causing them to become impacted — stuck partially or fully beneath the gum.
Impacted wisdom teeth can be difficult to clean and are prone to decay, infection, and gum disease. Common signs you may need yours removed include:
Pain or pressure at the back of your mouth
Swelling or tenderness in the gum around the tooth
Repeated infections in the area
Decay in the wisdom tooth or the tooth next to it
When is the best time to have wisdom teeth removed?
The late teens to early twenties is generally ideal — the roots are often not yet fully formed and the surrounding bone is less dense, which makes the procedure simpler and recovery faster. That said, wisdom teeth can be removed at any age when needed.
Recovery — What to Expect
Most people feel back to normal within 5 to 10 days, though more complex extractions can take up to two weeks. Swelling and mild discomfort in the first few days is normal and manageable with over-the-counter pain relief.
In the first 24 hours:
- Bite gently on the gauze provided to control bleeding
- Apply an ice pack to your cheek — 15–20 minutes on, 10 minutes off — to reduce swelling
- Avoid rinsing, spitting, or using a straw, as this can dislodge the blood clot and cause a painful condition called dry socket
- Avoid smoking and alcohol
- Eat soft foods and cool drinks; avoid anything hard, crunchy, or chewy
In the first week:
- Rinse gently with warm salt water after meals to keep the area clean (½ teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water)
- Avoid strenuous exercise — your reduced food and fluid intake may leave you feeling light-headed
- If your jaw feels stiff, apply a warm, moist cloth to the outside of your face to ease the muscles
Your dentist will give you tailored aftercare instructions at your appointment and let you know what to watch out for.
What About the Gap Left Behind?
When a permanent tooth is removed, the surrounding teeth can gradually shift into the space over time, which can affect your bite and jaw function. Your dentist will talk to you about options for replacing the tooth — such as a dental implant or bridge — so you can make an informed decision about next steps.
Book Your Appointment
Experiencing pain around a wisdom tooth or been told you need an extraction? Don't put it off — infections can worsen quickly. Call us or book online and we'll get you seen as soon as possible.
Email:
dentalcarecarnegie@gmail.com
Phone:
(03) 9571 6667
Frequently Asked Questions
With local anaesthetic, you should feel no pain during an extraction — just pressure and movement as the tooth is loosened and removed. Our team takes care to ensure you're fully numb before beginning. Mild soreness for a few days afterwards is normal and manageable with over-the-counter pain relief.
Wisdom teeth are typically removed in the late teens or early twenties because there is a greater chance that the roots may have not fully formed and the bone surrounding the teeth is less dense. These two factors can make extraction easier and shorten recovery time.
To remove a wisdom tooth, the dentist first needs to numb the area around the tooth with a local anaesthetic. Since the impacted tooth may still be under the gums and embedded in your jawbone, the dentist will need to remove a portion of the covering bone to extract the tooth. To minimise the amount of bone that is removed with the tooth, the dentist will often “section” your wisdom tooth so that each piece can be removed through a small opening in the bone.
Once your wisdom teeth have been extracted, the healing process begins. Depending on the degree of difficulty related to the extraction, healing time varies from 5 days to 2 weeks. The dentist will share with you what to expect and provide instructions for a comfortable, efficient healing process.
For permanent teeth, yes — in most cases replacement is recommended. When a gap is left unfilled, surrounding teeth gradually drift into the space over time, which can affect your bite, jaw function, and the ability to clean your teeth properly. Options include dental implants, bridges, or partial dentures. Your dentist will discuss these at your appointment.
In some straightforward cases, yes. In others, particularly where the wisdom tooth is impacted or requires surgical removal, a separate appointment will be scheduled to allow proper planning, X-rays, and preparation. We'll always assess what's safest and most appropriate for your individual situation.
Very likely yes. Several of our dentists have advanced training and extensive hands-on experience in oral surgery and complex extractions, including deeply impacted wisdom teeth and surgical removals. We also have a visiting oral surgery practitioner who consults at our clinic — meaning complex cases that many practices refer elsewhere can be managed right here, without the need to navigate multiple locations or providers. We'll assess your situation thoroughly and let you know the most appropriate approach before anything is done.
Usually, you can avail our services in the suburbs like: Murrumbeena, Moorabbin, Chadstone, Ashburton, Caulfield, Malvern, Glen Iris, Malvern East, Bentleigh, Bentleigh East.
We’re also happy to see patients from any suburb, town or country.
Preferred Providers:
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Why Choose DentalCare Carnegie?
- Open 7 days, with extended hours and public holiday availability.
- Flexible payment plan options available, including Afterpay, ZIP Money, Humm and SmileFund.
- On-the-spot health fund claiming with HICAPS.
- Preferred provider status with Medibank, Bupa and NIB.
- Comfort-focused care, including modern local anaesthetic techniques to help minimise discomfort during treatment.
