HealthInfo Waitaha Canterbury
Removing wisdom teeth
Tangohanga a ngā niho kōrahi tuatoru
How easy it is to remove your wisdom teeth depends on where they are. A wisdom tooth that has fully come through your gum can be taken out the same way as any other tooth. But if a wisdom tooth is underneath your gum and embedded in your jawbone, your gum will have to be lifted and a part of the bone lying over the tooth will have to be removed. A tooth embedded like this may have to be taken out in several small sections.
How wisdom teeth are removed
Easier cases can sometimes be done under local anaesthetic in your local dental clinic. More complicated wisdom teeth can be removed under general anaesthetic or lighter "conscious sedation" in hospital or a dental clinic. Your oral and maxillofacial surgeon or dentist will let you know which is best for you.
Eligibility for subsidised treatment
You may be able to be treated by the Hospital Dental Service if you're:
- an adult with serious and complex medical problems
- an adult with special needs, such as an intellectual disability
- an adult on a Work and Income (WINZ) benefit
- a student receiving a student allowance.
Ask your dentist or GP if you think you may be eligible.
On the next page: Recovery after having your wisdom teeth removed
Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed March 2022.
Review key: HICPA-75368
