Wisdom Teeth · Norlane, Geelong

Wisdom tooth removal, planned around you.

Wisdom tooth extraction is the surgical removal of one or more wisdom teeth — the four molars at the very back of the mouth. When a wisdom tooth becomes impacted or starts to cause pain or infection, removal may be recommended after a clinical assessment.
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Call Us (03) 5278 2666
What it is

The teeth that often run out of room.

Wisdom teeth are usually the last adult teeth to arrive — and for many people, there simply isn't enough space for them to come through cleanly.

There are four wisdom teeth — two on the top, two on the bottom — sitting right at the back of the jaw. When the jaw is too small to fit them, a wisdom tooth can become impacted, emerging only partially or staying beneath the gum altogether.

An impacted or troublesome wisdom tooth may be recommended for removal after an examination and imaging. It's a surgical procedure, and like any surgery it's planned carefully and individually — never treated as routine.

Not every wisdom tooth needs to go.

Wisdom teeth that are healthy, sit in the right position and bite together properly can often be left exactly where they are. Removal is considered when a tooth is impacted, crowding its neighbours, or causing problems.
The goal is always the same — protect the teeth around it and keep you comfortable.
Why removal is considered

A few common reasons.

Whether a wisdom tooth needs to come out depends on your individual assessment. These are the situations where removal is most often recommended.
It's impacted
The tooth is trapped against bone or gum and can't emerge into its normal position.
It's at the wrong angle
The tooth comes through on a lean, pressing against or crowding the teeth beside it.
There isn't enough room
The jaw is too small for the tooth to sit comfortably at the back of the mouth.
Decay or gum disease
The tooth — or the gum around it — has developed decay or infection that's hard to manage.
What happens

A wisdom tooth removal, step by step.

Every case is planned individually after an examination and imaging. Before treatment begins, the area is numbed — and if you feel anxious, we can talk through sleep dentistry and happy gas options. A typical removal then involves:
  1. The gum over the tooth is gently opened to expose the tooth and bone.
  2. Any bone covering the tooth root is removed to allow access.
  3. If it makes removal easier, the tooth is divided into smaller sections.
  4. The tooth is removed.
  5. The site is cleaned of any debris from the tooth or bone.
  6. The area is stitched to support healing.
  7. Gauze is placed over the site to help control bleeding and allow a blood clot to form.
Recovery & aftercare

The days after matter most.

Healing is part of the treatment. A little care in the first few days goes a long way.

Most people recover within about a week, without complication.

How long it takes depends on the complexity of the procedure, the type of anaesthetic used, your diet, and how closely you follow the aftercare guidance you're given. Individual recovery varies, and your clinician will talk you through what to expect.

Looking after the area

For the first three days, keep your head elevated and try not to let it tilt below the level of your heart — propping yourself up with pillows when you lie down can help.

The treated site is a healing wound in the jaw, so give it time. You'll receive aftercare instructions tailored to your treatment before you leave.

If anything doesn't feel right during recovery, contact the practice — we'd rather you asked.

Related care

If you came here in discomfort.

Whether you're looking at saving a tooth, replacing one after removal, or dealing with a painful tooth right now, these pages may help.
01.
Sore right now
Toothache & dental pain
An aching tooth or jaw at the back of the mouth is a common reason people come in. Start here.
Discover more

02.

General
Tooth extractions
Removal of other damaged, decayed or problematic teeth — not just wisdom teeth.
Discover more

03.

Comfort
Sleep dentistry
IV sedation and general anaesthesia options for anxious adults and children, assessed individually.
Discover more
Frequently asked

The questions we hear most.

If yours isn't here, call us on (03) 5278 2666 — there are no awkward questions.
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1974

Practice founded

An independent, family-led practice. We've cared for the same Geelong community across four generations, with a focus on comfort, clear explanations and quality outcomes.

About the practice
Connect with us!

Wondering about your wisdom teeth?

Book a consultation and we'll assess whether removal is the right step for you. No referral needed.
Request a consultation
Call (03) 5278 2666
Location

Norlane Dental Aesthetics & Implants

21 Princes Highway
Norlane VIC 3214

Direct line

(03) 5278 2666

Or request a time online.

Hours

Mon – Thu · 8:30am – 6:30pm
Fri · 8:30am – 5:30pm
Sat · 8:30am – 4:00pm

Parking

Ample free on-site parking

Minutes from North Shore, near Northern Bay College.

Important information

Please read before booking

This page is general information about wisdom tooth removal and is not a diagnosis or a recommendation for any individual. We don't diagnose online.

  • Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
  • Suitability for treatment depends on an individual clinical assessment, including examination and imaging.
  • All treatment carries risks and benefits, which your clinician will discuss with you.
    Outcomes and recovery vary between patients.
  • A consultation is required before any treatment options can be confirmed.

Sedation and general anaesthesia, where appropriate, are delivered by a qualified medical anaesthetist in partnership with Geelong Sleep Dentistry.