Surgical removal of teeth

General dentists routinely manage straightforward extractions and many simpler oral surgical cases in their own rooms. Specialist oral and maxillofacial surgeon involvement is usually recommended when teeth are impacted within the jawbone, fractured at the gum line, or closely related to important structures such as the inferior alveolar nerve (which supplies feeling to the lower lip and chin) or the maxillary sinus, or when intravenous sedation (twilight anaesthesia) or general anaesthesia is preferred.

Most complex surgical extractions are performed under local anaesthesia with intravenous sedation (twilight anaesthesia) in one of our purpose-designed clinic rooms. Local anaesthesia alone is appropriate for simpler cases. General anaesthesia is reserved for multiple complex extractions, longer cases, or for patients who are particularly anxious.

Costs vary with the complexity of the procedure, the anaesthesia chosen, and whether private health insurance covers part of the treatment. At your consultation a full written estimate is provided covering the surgeon fee, anaesthetist fee (if applicable), theatre fee and follow-up appointments. Southern Cross and Nib commonly cover most procedures under their surgical plans.

Most patients return to desk-based work within 3 to 5 days. Soft diet, head elevation and prescribed pain medication are usually advised for the first few days, with swelling and bruising settling across the first week. Physical work and exercise can usually resume around 2 weeks.