We always aim to save your natural teeth where possible. However, sometimes, an extraction is the best way to protect your overall oral health—especially if a tooth is infected, broken beyond repair, or a wisdom tooth is causing problems. You can trust us to make the process as gentle and comfortable as possible, and we will support you through every step of healing.
At Beale and Cullen Dental, we provide specialized care for the management and extraction of third molars (wisdom teeth). While these teeth typically emerge between the ages of 18 and 24, they often become impacted, leading to clinical complications that necessitate surgical intervention.
Wisdom teeth are often removed to treat or prevent the following:
A comprehensive assessment begins with an OPG (Panoramic X-ray) to map the tooth’s position relative to the mandibular nerve. In complex cases, a 3D CT scan (CBCT) may be utilized for enhanced surgical precision. (CBCT) may be utilized for enhanced surgical precision.
The complexity of wisdom tooth removal varies based on the tooth’s position and root structure. While routine extractions may be completed in minutes, complex impactions require a more detailed surgical approach including incision of the gums to expose the tooth and dental drill to remove bone from around the tooth to loosen it from the jaw bone.
around the tooth to loosen it from the jaw bone.
We offer two primary levels of Patient Comfort Solutions:
Recovery typically spans 5 to 10 days. Patients should anticipate localized swelling (peaking at day three) and mild bruising. Temporary jaw stiffness and minor sensitivity in adjacent teeth are common as the site heals.
Post-operative discomfort is managed through a tailored analgesic regimen. While rare, risks such as Dry Socket (clot displacement) or temporary nerve sensitivity will be discussed in detail during your consultation to ensure you are fully prepared.
If non-dissolvable sutures are required, we will schedule a clinical review 7–10 days after your procedure. For routine cases, no formal follow-up is necessary unless requested.
Results from treatment typically start becoming noticeable within 3 to 7 days post-treatment, with full effects usually visible within twoweeks.This can vary with individual toxins
The effects of toxin typically last around 3 to 4 months. However,individual results may vary based on metabolism and muscle activity. Some specific areas can last a shorter or longer time.
Dental crowns protect damaged teeth by completely encasing the tooth structure, providing more support for chewing than a filling or onlay can. Stability is particularly crucial for molars, which absorb much of the force from chewing.
Skilled administration by a qualified provider ensures natural-looking results, allowing for facial expression while reducing wrinkles and lines.
Typically, treatments are repeated every 3 to 4 months to maintain results. We will create a personalized treatment plan based on your needs.
Toxin is used to address dynamic wrinkles caused by repeated muscle movements. The appropriate time to begin varies; a consultation will help determine if it aligns with your aesthetic goals.
Dermal fillers are injectable gels used to restore volume, smooth wrinkles, and enhance facial contours. As we age, we can develop laxity in the skin, deepening of wrinkles and a loss of facial volume, leading to a sunken or hollow look. Filler can be used to replace some of the lost volume to create a more youthful look.
Dermal fillers can be used to treat various facial areas, including lips, cheeks, nasolabial folds, marionette lines, and jawlines. A full facial assessment will identify where best to place filler to improve your areas of concern.
The initial injections can be painful, but the product contains local anaesthetic, so the tissues begin to numb quickly once treatment starts. We can offer dental nerve blocks to fully numb some areas if required. A topical numbing cream can be applied before the procedure to enhance comfort.
The duration of dermal fillers varies based on the type of filler used and the treated area, but they typically last between 6 months to 2 years before gradually being absorbed by the body. Generally the type of filler we use will last up to 12 months.
Skin boosters aim to improve skin quality by hydrating and rejuvenating the skin’s texture using microinjections, while dermal fillers focus on adding volume and reshaping facial contours by injecting substances to specific areas.
Profhilo, Sunekos and Rejuran all enhance skin quality, yet each offers a different type of rejuvenation. Profhilo provides deep hydration and a radiant lift, Sunekos targets fine lines and collagen support, and Rejuran focuses on tissue repair, redness/darkness reduction and overall skin resilience.”
You may notice initial improvements in skin texture and hydration shortly after treatment. However, the full effects often become apparent after a few weeks. Results can last for several months, but maintenance sessions may be needed to prolong the benefits.
Most patients experience minimal discomfort during these injectables. A topical numbing cream can be applied before the procedure to enhance comfort.
They are are commonly used on the face, neck, hands, and décolletage to address issues like fine lines, wrinkles, dullness, and dehydration.
All of these products will require multiple sessions and this varies depending on the product. We will advise the best regimen to follow to get the ideal outcome.
Can’t find what you’re looking for? Contact us and we’ll try our best to help you.
Ben Taylor
BDS
Dentist
Fionnuala Cowhie
BDS (NUI), MFDS
Dentist
Rohit Bedi
BDS, PGDipHSc(Akl), NZREX
Dentist
Payment Options:
Ben Taylor, a principal dentist at Beale & Cullen Dental, brings over 17 years of experience to the practice. Graduating from the University of Manchester in 2006, he was drawn to New Zealand’s beauty and decided to make it his home.
This extensive experience allows him to provide patients with advanced care across a wide range of dental needs. Ben is passionate about helping anxious patients overcome their dental fears, offering IV sedation for those who need it. He enjoys all aspects of dentistry, with a particular interest in cosmetic dentistry and creating beautiful smiles with composite veneers.
Committed to providing the best possible care, Ben combines his clinical skill with a gentle and reassuring approach, making him a valuable addition to the Beale & Cullen team. When not in the practice, you’ll find him climbing, mountain biking, mountaineering, or spending time with his family.
Fionnuala graduated from University College Cork in Ireland with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery in 2010. In 2011 she gained an MFDS from the Royal College of Surgeons and Physicians, Glasgow. After graduating, Fionnuala worked in Australia, the Torres Strait Islands and spent several years in the North East of England working in an oral surgery and facial trauma centre. A move to New Zealand in 2017 brought her to Wellington initially and Christchurch has been home since 2021.
Fionnuala’s particular areas of interest are difficult extractions, wisdom tooth removal, advanced IV sedation, facial aesthetics and single visit crowns.
She is passionate about working with patients to help them feel comfortable and empowered about their dental treatment. Advanced sedation is an amazing tool to help patients to overcome any barriers that may prevent them from completing a part of their dental journey, whether it’s a surgical procedure or a complex tooth repair.
Outside of work, music and exploring the outdoors are her passions. So whether it’s running around the Port Hills or playing with the Celtic Orchestra, Christchurch is the perfect spot to keep her busy.
