Removing problematic wisdom teeth can prevent infection, discomfort, and dental crowding. At Illawarra Dentists, we offer wisdom teeth removal in Wollongong that prioritises patient comfort, safety, and long-term oral health.
When wisdom teeth do not erupt properly, they can cause pain, swelling, and pressure on neighbouring teeth. They may also increase the risk of infection and tooth decay.
Early wisdom tooth extraction can help prevent future complications and help improve oral health over time. At Illawarra Dentists, treatment recommendations follow a comprehensive clinical evaluation. Each plan is tailored to the patient’s needs to achieve long-term function and minimise risks.
Wisdom teeth extraction may be recommended when symptoms or risk factors could affect a patient’s current or future oral health.
Wisdom tooth extraction may help prevent oral health complications while providing functional, preventative, and long-term benefits based on individual needs.
Feel supported at every step. Our team offers professional guidance so you can make informed decisions with confidence.
Reliable and professional dental care across three trusted locations, offering quality service, modern techniques, and a commitment to patient comfort every visit.
We believe great care starts with listening. Our team of dentists takes time to understand your concerns, explain options clearly, and prioritise your comfort at every step. With a gentle approach, we build long-term relationships with patients of all ages, from toddlers to grandparents. It’s the kind of care that grows with you—always personal, always thoughtful, and always delivered with genuine warmth.
Across all locations, our team brings decades of combined experience in preventive, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry. Whether you need a routine check-up or complex dental work, we’re committed to consistent, high-quality care delivered by people who genuinely enjoy what they do. You’ll benefit from trusted hands, collaborative advice, and a team that values your long-term oral health goals.
Our clinics are equipped with digital scanners and intraoral cameras, and our team uses the latest techniques to provide accurate and efficient dentistry. But what really sets us apart is our warm, community-based feel, where you’ll always be greeted by a friendly face that remembers your name. We combine advanced dental care with genuine connection, so your experience feels easy, familiar, and stress-free every time.
Our patients love the care they receive—professional, friendly, and life-changing smiles
that boost confidence and overall dental health.
Thank you for your quality dental work and information, it was very helpful and informative.
Rob Pet Ski Can not recommend enough, Friendly, gentle and affordable
Jessi S On time, did what was needed very well including photos and clear explanation of required follow-up. And good professional manner from whole team.
Peter Austin Great service and very friendly. Especially with my kids.
Roslyn Potter Lovely staff and the dentist explained everything . Very happy with the overall service
Renee JeffriesFriendly, experienced, and committed to your care, our team works together to deliver quality, modern dentistry in a supportive environment.
Associate Dentist
Dr. Beena Kurian brings a thoughtful, caring approach to general dentistry. She takes time to build trust with each patient, helping them feel informed and at ease. With a background in managing both preventative and restorative care, Dr. Kurian values patient education and takes a proactive approach to oral health. Her gentle chairside manner and commitment to quality care make her a comforting and trusted choice for patients of all ages.
Principal Dentist
Dr. Mohit Tolani is committed to creating a positive dental experience for every patient, combining a calm manner with clinical precision. He holds a strong interest in dental implants, smile restoration, and comprehensive treatment planning. Known for his approachable nature and attention to detail, Dr. Tolani works closely with each patient to understand their goals and deliver tailored results. His focus on long-term care helps achieve lasting oral health and confidence.
Associate Dentist
Dr. Natasha Khushalani is known for her patient-focused approach and commitment to delivering quality dental care. She enjoys all aspects of general dentistry, with a particular interest in helping patients feel confident about their smiles. Dr. Khushalani believes in making each visit stress-free, using her gentle communication style to put even the most anxious patients at ease. She takes pride in supporting both oral health and patient comfort.
Associate Dentist
Dr. Omar Ahsan provides compassionate and comprehensive care with a focus on long-term oral health. He takes the time to explain diagnoses and walk patients through their options clearly. Known for his friendly and respectful approach, Dr. Ahsan aims to make each visit as smooth as possible. He is experienced in a wide range of treatments, including preventative, restorative, and cosmetic procedures, supporting patients at every stage of their oral health journey.
Associate Dentist
Dr. Pat Pandey enjoys forming long-term relationships with his patients through open communication and personalised care. He focuses on preventative and restorative dentistry, aiming to create healthy and functional smiles with a conservative approach. With a professional yet friendly demeanour, Dr. Pandey checks that every patient understands their options and feels comfortable at each appointment. His goal is to make dental visits more relaxed and rewarding for the whole family.
Associate Dentist
Dr. Irena Kostoska Stojkovski graduated with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery in 2017 and has worked across both Australian and international dental settings. She provides comprehensive general dental care in a calm, welcoming environment. Known for her friendly and approachable manner, she connects well with patients of all ages. Dr. Stojkovski speaks English, Macedonian, and Serbian, and keeps her skills current through ongoing professional development.
Associate Dentist
Dr. Amy Min brings a gentle, detail-oriented approach to dentistry, with a strong focus on communication and trust. She enjoys working with patients of all ages and is particularly skilled in helping children feel safe and comfortable during their visits. Dr. Min believes in delivering high-quality care through thorough planning and personalised attention. Her warm nature and steady guidance help patients feel confident throughout their dental experience.
Associate Dentist
Dr. Maryam Kalo brings a warm, compassionate approach to general dentistry, making patients feel at ease from the moment they walk in. With a broad background in oral and maxillofacial care, she focuses on delivering tailored care with a gentle touch. Fluent in English and Arabic, she enjoys working with patients of all ages and backgrounds. Dr Kalo is committed to keeping her knowledge current through continuing education.
Associate Dentist
Dr. Abha Verma combines clinical precision with a kind, attentive manner to help patients feel comfortable and understood. She offers general dentistry services and enjoys working with patients to achieve healthy, natural-looking smiles. Dr. Verma values patient education and is committed to clear communication at every stage of care. Her thoughtful approach makes her a trusted choice for families seeking consistent dental support.
Associate Dentist
Dr. Chin Valsan has a passion for providing high-quality dental care with a gentle, patient-centred approach. He focuses on preventative and restorative dentistry and works closely with patients to develop treatment plans that suit their individual goals. Known for his calm and caring nature, Dr. Valsan helps reduce anxiety and make dental visits more comfortable. He believes in taking the time to listen, explain, and build trust at every appointment.
Have questions about wisdom teeth? This FAQ answers the most common concerns patients have about removal, recovery, pain, eating, and when treatment may be needed.
After the surgical removal of wisdom teeth, it is normal to experience a few short-term side effects as your mouth begins to heal. These symptoms are typically mild and improve on their own within a few days. Recovery time may vary based on the patient and the complexity of the procedure.
Common short-term side effects include:
Pain and swelling: Discomfort and swelling around the extraction site and jaw are common, especially in the first two to three days.
Bleeding: Mild bleeding or oozing may occur during the first 24 hours after surgery, which is a normal part of the healing process.
Bruising: Some patients develop bruising on the cheeks or jaw area.
Limited mouth opening (trismus): Temporary difficulty in fully opening the mouth may occur due to jaw stiffness or muscle inflammation.
Nausea: Feeling nauseous can happen after the procedure, often due to the effects of anaesthesia or pain medication.
Most patients describe the procedure as uncomfortable rather than painful due to the use of local anaesthetic or appropriate sedation. Your dentist may recommend sedation options for wisdom teeth removal based on your comfort needs and the complexity of the procedure.
In case of local anaesthetic use, pain is usually not felt during the procedure but patients usually notice pressure or movement as the tooth is removed.
Once the anaesthetic or sedation wears off, mild to moderate discomfort is common—particularly in the first 24 to 72 hours. Your dentist will recommend appropriate wisdom tooth pain relief, such as over-the-counter medication, to help manage during the recovery period. Swelling and tenderness often peak around day two and gradually improve after that. Your dentist will also explain how to manage swelling after extraction with practical care strategies during your appointment.
This depends on the complexity of your procedure and how you feel during recovery. If the extraction was straightforward and discomfort is minimal, some patients return to work the following day—particularly for desk-based or light-duty roles.
That said, many people choose to take one to two days off to manage swelling or discomfort. If multiple teeth were removed or sedation was used, allowing extra time to rest may be beneficial.
Recovery timelines vary between patients. Your dentist will advise when it is appropriate to resume work based on your healing progress. For physically demanding roles, waiting a few additional days may be recommended.
Dry socket can sometimes occur after a tooth is removed. It happens when the protective blood clot in the socket becomes dislodged or breaks down too early, exposing the underlying bone and nerves.
The risk is highest within the first one to four days after your extraction. After this period, the chances of dry socket decrease significantly as the site begins to heal and gum tissue closes over. Dry socket prevention focuses on protecting the blood clot and avoiding any disruption to the healing site. This includes refraining from smoking, using a straw, spitting, or vigourous rinsing during the initial recovery phase.
If you notice symptoms such as a sudden increase in pain, bad breath, or an unpleasant taste, contact your dentist for assessment. These may be signs of dry socket, and early treatment can help relieve discomfort.
After the surgical removal of wisdom teeth, it is normal to experience a few short-term side effects as your mouth begins to heal. These symptoms are typically mild and improve on their own within a few days. Recovery time may vary based on the patient and the complexity of the procedure.
Common short-term side effects include:
Eating is usually possible within a few hours of wisdom teeth removal once the effects of the anaesthetic have fully worn off. Dietary choices are an important part of wisdom tooth aftercare, particularly during the initial healing phase. Your dentist will explain what to eat after tooth extraction to support comfort and minimise disruption to the surgical site.
It is advisable to begin with soft, non-chewy foods that minimise jaw movement and avoid disturbing the extraction site. During the first 24 hours, options such as yoghurt, pureed soups, and mashed vegetables are recommended. Knowing what to eat after tooth extraction can help reduce irritation and promote early healing.
Stitches are sometimes used after wisdom tooth extraction. This depends on the tooth’s position and the extent of gum or bone involvement during the procedure.
In many cases, stitches are used to help control bleeding. They also support healing, especially if the tooth was impacted and the gum tissue was incised. Some stitches dissolve on their own over time, while others may need to be removed at a follow-up appointment. Your dentist will let you know what to expect based on your specific procedure.
You do not always need to be asleep for wisdom teeth removal. In many cases, the procedure can be performed under local anaesthetic, which numbs the area while you remain awake. This option is commonly used for simple extractions where the teeth are fully erupted.
For more complex procedures, such as the removal of infected wisdom teeth or impacted cases, your dentist may recommend sedation, especially if the patient is anxious or multiple teeth need to be removed. There are various sedation options for wisdom teeth removal, and these are selected based on the complexity of the case and the patient's comfort level. The most appropriate approach will depend on factors such as your medical history, the position of the tooth, and your treatment preferences.
Yes, it is normal to remove a single wisdom tooth when only one is causing concern. Wisdom teeth do not always need to be removed as a group; treatment decisions are based on individual patient circumstances. If a tooth is impacted, infected, or affecting nearby teeth, your dentist may recommend removing just that one. The remaining wisdom teeth can be monitored over time and addressed if issues arise.
Medicare generally does not cover wisdom teeth removal unless it’s performed in a hospital setting for specific medical reasons. Routine dental extractions are not included under standard Medicare benefits.
Some health funds may provide cover for wisdom teeth removal. This depends on your level of dental or hospital cover and where the procedure is performed. It’s important to contact your health fund directly to check what’s included in your policy and whether any waiting periods apply.
At Illawarra Dentists, we provide itemised quotes so you can review estimated costs and discuss your options before treatment. If you are considering wisdom teeth removal in Wollongong, our team can assist you in understanding your health fund cover. This allows you to plan your treatment with confidence.
Removing impacted wisdom teeth usually costs more than removing fully erupted teeth due to the added complexity of the procedure.
Several factors contribute to the increased cost:
Not all wisdom teeth require removal. However, if they’re causing symptoms or show signs of potential issues on X-rays, your dentist may advise taking them out.
Here are some common signs that removal may be needed:
Your dentist might still want to keep an eye on your wisdom teeth, even if they aren’t causing problems right now. A thorough exam and dental X-rays provide the clearest insight into whether removal may be necessary based on your specific oral health.
After having a wisdom tooth removed, it’s important to be mindful of what you eat. Patients recovering from oral surgery for wisdom teeth need to take extra care with their diet. This helps promote healing and reduces the risk of complications such as dry socket. Knowing what to eat after tooth extraction and what to avoid can help minimise discomfort and protect the surgical site.
Here are the main categories of foods and drinks to avoid:
The timing depends on how complex the removal was and how well your body is healing. Dentists often recommend avoiding strenuous exercise for at least three to five days, but this can vary depending on your situation. Exercise increases blood flow and may disturb the healing site, raising the risk of bleeding or dry socket. Light walking is usually fine after the first 24 hours.
You should only resume more intense activities, like running, weightlifting, or contact sports, once your dentist confirms that healing is progressing well. Your overall health, the presence of infection, and whether the teeth were impacted can all influence your wisdom teeth recovery time. Always follow your dentist’s advice based on your healing progress.
Whether it’s time for a check-up, you’ve got a dental concern, or you’re finally ready to transform your smile — we’re here to help. Book your appointment with our friendly Wollongong team today. It’s easy, fast, and you’ll be in great hands.
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All surgical and invasive procedures carry risks. Before proceeding, you may wish to seek a second opinion from another qualified health professional. It’s important to understand that results, possible complications, and recovery times can vary from person to person. Each individual’s experience is different, and outcomes may not be the same for everyone.
Excellent dentist and ran through everything with me in detail
Simone Peckman