Recovery & Aftercare

Most patients return home on the same day.

Swelling, mild bruising, and tenderness are common and can be managed with prescribed medications and home care instructions.

Soft foods and gentle oral hygiene are recommended during the first few days.

A follow-up visit ensures proper healing and addresses any concerns.

Capital Oral & Facial Surgery - head wrap

Tips For A Smooth Recovery

Rest and avoid strenuous activity for the first 24–48 hours.

Use ice packs to manage swelling.

Follow a soft-food diet as recommended.

Take prescribed medications on schedule.

Avoid smoking, drinking through straws, or vigorous rinsing to prevent complications.

Why Should Wisdom Teeth Be Removed?

There’s not enough space in the jaw for your teeth to erupt.

Teeth are partially erupted or causing discomfort.

You’re undergoing orthodontic treatment and your orthodontist requires space to align your teeth.

X-rays show potential nerve involvement or future injury to the nerve if the wisdom teeth were to be removed later.

Protect the adjacent teeth from the impacted wisdom teeth.

Removal is generally easier in younger patients because roots are less developed and bone is softer, which supports faster healing and fewer complications.

Common Problems Caused By Wisdom Teeth

Infection – bacteria build-up around partially erupted teeth can cause gum swelling, pain, and bad breath.

Cysts – fluid-filled sacs may damage surrounding bone and teeth.

Crowding – wisdom teeth can push against nearby molars, leading to misalignment.

Decay & Resorption – trapped food can cause cavities or damage adjacent tooth roots.

Ulcers & Jaw Stiffness – misaligned wisdom teeth may rub on the cheeks or restrict jaw movement.

Wisdom Teeth Surgery

Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are the last teeth to develop, usually emerging in your late teens or early twenties. For many people, there isn’t enough space in the jaw for them to come through properly. This can lead to impaction, where the tooth is stuck or only partially erupted.

Impacted wisdom teeth can sometimes cause no issues, but they often lead to problems such as pain, swelling, infection, or damage to neighbouring teeth and jaw structures. It is usually recommended an Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon removes these teeth – it is one of the most common procedures we do at Capital Oral & Facial Surgery.

Wisdom Teeth Removal Process At Capital Oral & Facial Surgery

To book an appointment with one of our Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, a valid referral is required from a general practitioner with either a medical or dental background.

Your referral must be dated within the past 12 months and we require an OPG (orthopantomogram) x-ray, also no older than 12 months.
Your Surgeon will take a detailed medical and dental history. It’s important to provide complete and accurate information to ensure you receive the highest quality of care.

A comprehensive dental examination will be performed, along with advanced imaging—such as 3D cone-beam CT scans if needed—to accurately assess the position of your wisdom teeth and develop a personalised treatment plan.

Your surgeon will then discuss the most suitable anaesthesia option for your procedure, whether it’s performed in the clinic or in hospital. To ensure your comfort and safety during the procedure, we offer a range of anaesthesia choices.
Using advanced techniques and specialised instruments, a small incision is made in the gum to access the wisdom tooth. Bone may be shaved to facilitate extraction, and teeth may be sectioned into smaller pieces for safer removal.

Dissolving stitches are placed to aid healing.
You will be provided with clear aftercare instructions to aid healing and minimise discomfort.

A post-operative appointment is scheduled about three weeks after surgery to monitor healing and remove any non-dissolvable stitches if necessary but our team is always available for support if needed.

Risks & Possible Complications

While complications are rare, be aware of potential risks including:

Nerve Injury: Temporary or rarely permanent numbness or tingling in lips, tongue, or chin due to proximity of nerves.

Infection: Usually managed with antibiotics.

Dry Socket: A painful condition if the blood clot at the extraction site is dislodged.

Jaw Stiffness or Difficulty Opening: Typically temporary.

Sinus Issues: Possible with upper wisdom teeth removal but generally resolve on their own..

Your surgeon will discuss all risks with you prior to surgery to help you make an informed decision.

Why Choose Capital Oral & Facial Surgery For Your Wisdom Teeth Surgery?

Choosing the right team for wisdom teeth removal is essential to ensuring a safe, comfortable, and successful experience. At Capital Oral & Facial Surgery, we combine specialist expertise with compassionate, patient-centred care—delivering consistently high-quality outcomes you can trust. Whether your case is straightforward or complex, our team is equipped to handle it with precision and care.

Over the years, we’ve earned the confidence of both patients and referring dentists across Canberra for our reliable, expert care.

If you or a family member are experiencing discomfort or would like an expert assessment of your wisdom teeth, contact our friendly team at Capital Oral & Facial Surgery today. We’re here to guide you through the process with care, clarity, and confidence.