Does medicare (Australia) cover wisdom tooth removal under general anaesthetic?

Question

I've seen my dentist and have 2 impacted bottom wisdom teeth which haven't erupted.
I also have one top one unerupted, and a top one which is erupted but growing sideways.

I have 2 questions.
Should I have them removed under general or local anaesthetic?
(I'm scared I have never even had a filling before).

The dentist said it is likely they will need to cut into the bone to remove the bottom ones.

Secondly, is it covered by medicare (in Australia) if you have it done under general, and is there a wating list?

I have private extras cover which I'm prety sure would cover the cost if I had it under local at dentists office, but I'm not sure about if it would cover the general anaesthetic removal, and if it does cover the cost of teeth removal do you then still have to pay anaesthatist fees etc?

Answer 1

Under a general anaesthetic, Medicare will cover part of the aneasethists charge, but nothing else.

I had 3 unerupted, impacted wisdom teeth removed not too long ago. I had them removed in the chair with a local, and it wasn't too bad. I had friends who had had it done under a general and a few of them had had severe bruising and swelling. One even had a bruise on her chest where she thinks the dentist leaned to pull the teeth out.

My logic was, if I am awake at least I know that the dentist has to be careful, because I could see everythin he was doing!

Answer 2

I had 2 wisdom teeth and 6 other teeth taken out under general anaesthetic in an NHS hospital. I don't know whether you've ever had the general anaesthetic before, but it is like drifting into a deep sleep. They put the stuff in you, and it'll just be like you're dozing off. You might even have a dream. I didn't- it seemed like i woke up straight away, but i'd been asleep for 90 minutes. You might feel a bit confused, a bit dazed, but the nurses will help you come round in your own time. You may also feel very drowsy for a day or two- this is natural, and an excuse for a bit of drama! :D You won't be able to feel any pain when you wake up, this is because of the local anaesthetic they give you. This numbs the mouth area, which means you'll need some help eating and drinking, because you won't be able to feel anything going into your mouth. It's very strange! They gave me enough to numb the mouth area for about 12 hours, and they also gave me antibiotics, painkillers and antiseptic mouthwash. The antibiotics and mouthwash help prevent infection, and the painkillers are, obviously, to help stop pain. I also recommend swilling your mouth with salt water every so often to help the healing process- it doesn't hurt, but tastes a bit odd. The hospital will tell you how often to take the tablets you've been prescribed. When you go home, it's best to have some old pillow covers, because you may bleed, but don't worry, it's normal and it'll stop after about a day. Because they've taken wisdom teeth out, your cheeks will be very swollen (sorry, i'm not going to hold back on that bit) and you may also have some bruising. The swelling and the bruises will eventually go, just give it time! Also, it'll be swollen inside. It might be hard to brush your teeth for a few days, but the mouthwash they prescribe helps clean the teeth. Also, it is quite hard to eat. Try staying with soft food until you feel comfortable with eating solids again. That's the important thing- only do what you're comfortable with. Overall, it took me about 5-7 days to fully recover, as in eating and brushing my teeth normally, and the swelling to mostly go down. However the bruises might last a bit longer. I hope everything goes okay, i'm sure you'll be fine! Just listen to the advice the surgeon and nurses give you, they know what they're on about! Hope this helps :)

Answer 3

Does Medicare Cover Dentist

Answer 4

Does Medicare Cover Dental

Answer 5

My son was covered under the child dental benefits scheme CDBS through medicare and he was able to have most of his wisdom teeth surgery covered (both surgery fees and anaesthesia). There is a surgeon in Sydney (drummoyne) who does it. Here is the number: 02 9181 1674

Answer 6

i don't think medicare will cover it and if you do it in the public system there is bound to be a decent wait.



If you have it you're better off doing it through your health cover (after all your paying for it) but as for the antisthetic fees that'd depend on your provider and level of cover.



Ring em up one arvo and check with them,

Good luck.

Answer 7

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i had 8 teeth pulled and was put under for it. i just remember them giving me a shot it my arm then said count down from ten and i guess i got to 7 and was out. i woke up kinda dizzy and had a little bit of a stomach ache but nothing too bad. I guess it was kinda like being drunk with a slight hangover at the same time, if that helped at all

Answer 8

Medicare does not cover any dental costs at all unless you have a health care card ie. you are a pensioner.

You should have said which state you are in because treatment options do vary around the country.