Understanding Impacted Wisdom Teeth: Symptoms, Treatment & Removal Costs

Wisdom teeth are the last set of molars to emerge — usually between the ages of 17 and 25 — but they don’t always come in smoothly. When there isn’t enough room for them to erupt properly, you may end up with impacted wisdom teeth, which can cause discomfort, infection, and long-term dental issues if left untreated.

In this guide, we’ll break down what an impacted wisdom tooth actually is, when to consider removal, and what you can expect in terms of wisdom teeth removal cost.

What Are Impacted Wisdom Teeth?

An impacted wisdom tooth is one that fails to fully break through the gums because there’s not enough space in the jaw. This can happen in one or more of your wisdom teeth and can lead to pain, pressure, and potential damage to nearby teeth.

Common signs of impacted wisdom teeth include:

• Swollen, red, or bleeding gums at the back of your mouth

• Jaw pain or stiffness

• Bad breath or unpleasant taste

• Difficulty opening your mouth

• Headaches or earaches in some cases

Some people may not notice any symptoms at all — which is why regular dental check-ups and X-rays are key to early detection.

Do Impacted Wisdom Teeth Always Need Removal?

Not always — but often. If your impacted wisdom tooth is causing pain, crowding, gum infections, or has developed a cyst, your dentist or oral surgeon will likely recommend removal. Even if the teeth aren’t currently causing problems, some dentists suggest preemptive removal to avoid future complications.

Wisdom Teeth Removal Cost: What to Expect

If you're wondering about wisdom teeth removal cost, it can vary depending on a few key factors:

• How many teeth need to be removed

• Complexity of the extraction (simple vs. surgical)

• Type of sedation or anesthesia used

• Location and clinic pricing

Estimated costs in Australia:

• Simple extraction: $200 – $350 per tooth

• Surgical extraction (impacted): $400 – $600+ per tooth

• Hospital removal under general anaesthetic: $1,500 – $3,000+ (may be partially covered by private health insurance or Medicare under specific conditions)

To get an accurate quote, book a consultation. Some dental clinics offer payment plans or “wisdom teeth packages” to help make the cost more manageable.

Final Thoughts

If you're experiencing discomfort at the back of your mouth or have been told you have impacted wisdom teeth, don’t ignore the signs. Early action can prevent infection, pain, and long-term oral health issues.

Whether you're booking an assessment or researching the wisdom teeth removal cost, your dentist can walk you through your options and create a treatment plan tailored to your needs. Managing an impacted wisdom tooth might sound daunting — but with the right care, you’ll be back to feeling comfortable (and chewing normally) in no time.