Wisdom Teeth Removal in Albany

Patients in Albany and the Great Southern region can access specialist wisdom teeth surgery without needing to travel to Perth. Dr Franc Henze, an Oral and Maxillofacial surgeon with over 25 years of experience, has been consulting in Albany for approximately 15 years and has operated in Albany since 2019. He is the only specialist Oral and Maxillofacial surgeon who regularly travels to the Albany region.

Dr Henze provides consultations in Albany and performs all wisdom teeth surgery under general anaesthetic at Albany Day Hospital, offering the same standard of specialist care that patients would receive in Perth.

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Consultation & Surgery Schedule in Albany

Consultations: Dr Henze consults in Albany once per month at 290 Middleton Rd, Centennial Park.
Surgery: Dr Henze is accredited at Albany Day Hospital, where he operates twice a month on a Friday. Albany Day Hospital is fully equipped for general anaesthesia, meaning you sleep through the procedure just as you would in a major Perth hospital.
Timeline: The typical time between consultation and surgery is one to four weeks, depending on availability.

Travel and Accommodation Advice for Albany Patients

If you are travelling from Mount Barker, Denmark, or surrounding farms, we recommend staying overnight in Albany after your procedure, particularly if you are more than an hour's drive from the hospital. This is a general guideline for your safety and comfort. You will need a responsible adult to collect you from the hospital and drive you home, as you must not drive for 24 hours after a general anaesthetic.

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The Wisdom Teeth Removal Procedure

All wisdom teeth surgery is performed under general anaesthesia at Albany Day Hospital. This means you are fully asleep throughout the procedure, just as you would be in a major Perth hospital.

Surgery: The surgical technique depends on the position and complexity of each tooth. For a straightforward erupted wisdom tooth, the extraction may simply involve loosening and removing the tooth with forceps.
Impaction: For impacted teeth, a small incision is made in the gum, and in some cases, a small amount of bone around the tooth is removed to gain access. The tooth may be divided into sections to make removal easier and minimise the amount of bone that needs to be removed.
Cleaning: The wound is then cleaned and closed with dissolvable stitches, which typically dissolve within two to three weeks.

The procedure itself generally takes between 30 minutes and one hour, depending on how many teeth are being removed and the degree of impaction. Most patients are discharged from the hospital on the same day.

Post-Operation Recovery in Albany

Most patients see a significant improvement within about one week. Pain and swelling typically peak around days two and three, then gradually improve from day four. Facial swelling and bruising generally resolve within 10 to 14 days. You will receive detailed post-operative care instructions one week before your surgery, covering oral hygiene, diet, medication, and what to expect during recovery.

Wisdom Teeth Extraction Recovery: DO's and DON'Ts

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DO	DON'T
✓ Rinse gently with warm salt water after every meal for 1–2 weeks	✗ Smoke or vape for at least 1 week before and 2 weeks after surgery
✓ Use Colgate Savacol Alcohol-Free mouthwash (5 ml, twice daily) for 1–2 weeks	✗ Drink alcohol for 1–2 weeks post-operatively
✓ Resume brushing the day after surgery, avoiding surgical sites during week one	✗ Eat grainy foods (rice, multigrain bread) that can lodge in wounds
✓ Apply ice packs with a cloth barrier for the first 48–72 hours (30 minutes at a time)	✗ Eat or drink hot foods while your mouth is still numb
✓ Sleep with your head elevated on an extra pillow	✗ Drive or operate machinery for 24 hours after general anaesthetic
✓ Stick to a soft, cool diet for 1–2 weeks	✗ Engage in strenuous physical activity for at least 1 week
✓ Take paracetamol and anti-inflammatories as directed for up to 1 week	✗ Swim (freestyle/open water) for at least 2 weeks
✓ Complete the full course of antibiotics if prescribed	✗ Blow your nose forcefully (if sinus precautions apply)
✓ Contact the practice if bleeding does not slow down	✗ Use a straw (if sinus precautions apply)
✓ Arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home and stay with you	✗ Ignore persistent pain, swelling, or fever. Contact the practice if needed

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does wisdom teeth surgery cost in Albany? The cost of wisdom teeth surgery in Albany is the same as in Perth and depends on the complexity of the surgery. An itemised quote will be provided at your consultation.
I live in Albany. Do I need to travel to Perth for a consultation? No. Dr Henze consults in Albany once every month. Contact Dr Henze's friendly team on 9344 3907 to book a consultation.
How long has Dr Henze been operating in Albany? Dr Henze has been consulting in Albany for approximately 15 years and has operated at Albany Day Hospital since 2019.
Is the surgery the same quality as in Perth? Yes. Albany Day Hospital is fully equipped for general anaesthetic procedures, offering the same standard of specialist care that patients would receive in Perth.
How long is the wait for a consultation and surgery in Albany? Consultations are generally available within one to four weeks. Surgery is typically scheduled within one to four weeks of your consultation, depending on availability and urgency.
What if I have an emergency after Dr Henze has returned to Perth? You can call the after-hours number provided in your post-operative care instructions. Your local dentist or hospital emergency department can also assist, and your dentist can contact Dr Henze directly if needed.
Will I be under general anaesthetic? Yes. All wisdom teeth surgery is performed under general anaesthetic at Albany Day Hospital.
Can I drive myself home after surgery? No, after a general anaesthetic you are not allowed to drive or handle machinery for 24 hours. It is essential to organise a family member or friend to drop you off and pick up from the hospital.
Do I need a referral? Yes, a referral from your dentist is required to claim Medicare rebates. Patients can self-refer, but will not receive a rebate without a valid referral.

Book Your Wisdom Teeth Consultation in Albany

Contact the team at Western OMS today to schedule your consultation with Dr Franc Henze in Albany. Call (08) 9344 3907 or use our online contact form.