Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to come through, usually between the late teens and mid-twenties. For many people there simply isn’t enough room in the jaw, and the teeth become stuck, come through at an angle or cause problems for the teeth around them. When removal is recommended, a common question is whether it can be done while you’re asleep.

This guide explains what’s involved in wisdom teeth removal under general anaesthetic: who it suits, how to prepare, what happens on the day, what recovery typically looks like, and the risks you should know about before deciding.

Signs your wisdom teeth may need to come out

Not every wisdom tooth needs removing. If yours have come through straight, can be cleaned properly and aren’t causing problems, your dentist may simply monitor them. Removal is more commonly recommended when:

• The tooth is impacted. It’s partly or fully trapped under the gum or bone, often at an angle.
• You have repeated infections. A partly erupted tooth can trap food and bacteria under a flap of gum, causing swelling, pain and a bad taste. This is known as pericoronitis.
• Neighbouring teeth are affected. A wisdom tooth pressing against the tooth in front can make it hard to clean, leading to decay or damage. Where a neighbouring tooth is lost, options such as dental implants may be discussed.
• There’s a cyst or other change around the tooth, visible on an X-ray.

Some people have no symptoms at all, and the problem is picked up on a routine X-ray. Your dentist will explain what they can see and whether removal is advisable now, later or not at all.

Local anaesthetic, sedation or general anaesthetic?

Wisdom teeth can be removed with different levels of anaesthesia. The right choice depends on how complex the extractions are, how many teeth are being removed, your medical history and how you feel about dental treatment.

General anaesthetic means all of your wisdom teeth can usually be removed in a single procedure while you’re asleep, so you only go through one recovery period. It isn’t right for everyone, and your medical history will be reviewed to make sure it’s a safe option for you.

Before your procedure

Your assessment

Your first appointment is a consultation with an examination and an OPG, a panoramic X-ray that shows all your teeth, the jaw bones and the position of each wisdom tooth. If a tooth’s roots sit close to a nerve, your dentist may recommend a 3D scan for a clearer view. You’ll then receive a treatment plan with your options, fees and what’s included.

Preparing for general anaesthetic

• Medical history. Tell us about any medical conditions, allergies and every medication or supplement you take, including blood thinners. You may be asked to adjust some medications, but only on advice from your doctor or dentist.
• You’ll be given specific instructions about when to stop eating and drinking beforehand. Following them closely is important for your safety.
• A responsible adult. Arrange for someone to take you home and stay with you for the first 24 hours.
• Time off. Plan a few days of rest. Many people take two to five days off work or study, depending on their job and how they recover.
• Home preparation. Stock up on soft foods, have ice packs in the freezer and prepare a comfortable place to rest with your head elevated.

On the day

Your procedure is performed [in our clinic / at an accredited day hospital: confirm], with the general anaesthetic given and monitored by an anaesthetist throughout. Here’s what generally happens:

• Check-in. The team confirms your details, medical history and fasting, and answers any last questions.
• The anaesthetist places a small cannula, usually in your hand or arm, and you drift off to sleep.
• Your dentist removes the wisdom teeth. Impacted teeth sometimes need a small amount of bone removed or the tooth divided into sections so it can be taken out more gently. Dissolving stitches may be placed.
• Waking up. You’ll wake in a recovery area, where you’re monitored until you’re ready to go home. It’s normal to feel drowsy, and your mouth will still be numb from local anaesthetic placed during the procedure.

The procedure itself often takes under an hour, although your total time on the day will be longer once preparation and recovery are included. For 24 hours after a general anaesthetic, you shouldn’t drive, drink alcohol, operate machinery or sign important documents.

Your recovery timeline

Everyone heals differently, and recovery after removing impacted teeth tends to take longer than after simple extractions. As a general guide:

Looking after yourself at home

• Protect the blood clot. For the first few days, avoid spitting forcefully, drinking through a straw and smoking or vaping. These can dislodge the clot that protects the socket.
• Rinse gently. From the day after surgery, gently rinse with warm salt water after meals, unless advised otherwise.
• Eat soft, cool foods. Yoghurt, soups (warm, not hot), mashed potato, scrambled eggs and smoothies eaten with a spoon are good choices. Avoid crunchy, spicy and very hot foods until you’re more comfortable.
• Manage pain and swelling. Take pain relief as recommended by your dentist, and use ice packs in the first 24 to 48 hours.
• Keep brushing. Brush your other teeth as normal, taking care around the surgical sites.
• Avoid strenuous exercise for a few days, as it can increase bleeding and swelling.

When to contact us

Get in touch if you notice bleeding that won’t stop with firm pressure, pain that gets worse after the third day, fever, increasing swelling after day three, pus or a persistent bad taste, or numbness that hasn’t resolved once the local anaesthetic should have worn off. If you have difficulty breathing or swallowing, call 000.

Possible risks and complications

As with any surgical procedure, wisdom teeth removal carries some risks. Your dentist will discuss how they apply to you based on your X-rays. The main ones are:

• Dry socket. This happens when the blood clot is lost from the socket, usually two to four days after surgery, causing increasing pain and sometimes a bad taste. It’s more common after lower wisdom teeth are removed and in people who smoke. It’s treatable, so contact us if you think you have it.
• Signs include worsening swelling, fever and discharge. Infections are usually managed with cleaning of the site and, where needed, antibiotics.
• Nerve-related numbness. Lower wisdom teeth can sit close to nerves that supply feeling to the lip, chin and tongue. Altered sensation after surgery is usually temporary but can occasionally be long-lasting. Your X-rays help assess this risk beforehand.
• Anaesthetic risks. General anaesthetic is commonly used and carefully monitored, but it carries its own risks, such as nausea and, rarely, more serious reactions. Your anaesthetist will discuss these with you.

How much does wisdom teeth removal under general anaesthetic cost?

The cost of wisdom teeth removal varies with the number of teeth, how complex the extractions are and the type of anaesthesia used. Surgical extractions are usually classed as major dental by health funds, so your benefit will depend on your extras policy and any waiting periods.

At Affordable Dental Clinics, wisdom teeth removal under general anaesthetic is offered at $2,999, which includes the general anaesthetic. [Confirm and list: number of teeth covered; whether the consultation, OPG X-ray and post-operative review are included; any eligibility conditions.]

After your assessment, you’ll receive a written treatment plan with item numbers and fees, which you can take to your health fund for an estimate of your benefit. Payment plan options are also available. Contact our team to talk through what suits you.

Thinking about cosmetic treatment afterwards?

If you’re also planning to improve the appearance of your smile, it’s generally best to have problem wisdom teeth treated first so your mouth has time to heal and settle. Our crowns vs veneers guide explains the differences between the two treatments, and you can learn more about crowns and veneers and our Smile Makeover options.

Wisdom teeth removal in Doncaster and Wantirna South

Affordable Dental Clinics has two locations in Melbourne’s east, at Doncaster and Wantirna South, welcoming patients from surrounding suburbs including Templestowe, Box Hill, Knox, Wantirna, Ferntree Gully and Rowville. You can find out more about us or browse our services.

If your wisdom teeth are causing problems, or you’d like to know whether they need to come out, book a consultation at the clinic closest to you.

Frequently asked questions

How long does wisdom teeth surgery under general anaesthetic take?

The procedure itself often takes under an hour, depending on how many teeth are removed and how complex they are. Allow extra time on the day for preparation and for recovering from the anaesthetic before you go home.

How much time off work will I need?

Many people take two to five days off, though this depends on your recovery and the type of work you do. Jobs involving physical exertion or a lot of talking may need a little longer.

Can I have only one or two wisdom teeth removed?

Yes. Your dentist will recommend which teeth need removing based on your examination and X-rays. Some people choose to have all four removed together under general anaesthetic so they only go through one recovery.

When can I eat normally again?

Most people return to their usual diet within about one to two weeks, starting with soft foods and gradually reintroducing firmer foods as comfort allows.

Is general anaesthetic safe for wisdom teeth removal?

General anaesthetic is commonly used and is given and monitored by an anaesthetist. Like any anaesthetic it carries some risks, which will be discussed with you after a review of your medical history.

Do I need a referral to have my wisdom teeth removed?

No referral is needed to book a consultation. Your dentist will assess your wisdom teeth and explain your options at that appointment.