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Wisdom Tooth Removal

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What Are Impacted Wisdom Teeth?

Not all wisdom teeth erupt fully and upright. An impacted wisdom tooth refers to third molars that are partially erupted because they do not have enough space to grow properly or they may even be fully submerged below the gums. When this happens, they can cause pain, infection, or damage to nearby teeth.

Wisdom teeth usually appear between late teens to early 20s. Removing it can prevent these dental issues from getting worse over time.

Most wisdom tooth removals are performed under local anaesthesia to keep the area numb during treatment. For those who feel anxious about the procedure, sedation options such as Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas) or IV sedation is also available.

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Wisdom Teeth Can Cause Decay to Another Tooth

 

Wisdom teeth, especially those that grow at an awkward angle can be difficult to clean properly. Food and bacteria can become trapped around the tooth which increases the risk of damage to adjacent teeth. Removing a problematic wisdom tooth can prevent these issues from developing further.

Benefits Of Removing a Wisdom Tooth

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Pain & Swelling: Bacteria trapped around the wisdom tooth will cause pain and swelling and wisdom teeth infections will keep recurring even with medication. 

Cleaning wisdom teeth located at the back of the mouth can be challenging, increasing the risk of cavities and gum issues. When wisdom teeth are impacted, proper cleaning becomes even more difficult, as the blocked access makes it nearly impossible.

If you're dealing with crowded teeth, you might be exploring the option of using Invisalign or braces to achieve a straighter smile. In some cases, rather than removing functional teeth, non-functional wisdom teeth can be extracted as an alternative to create space.

Impacted wisdom teeth can create pockets where bacteria thrive, causing flare up infections such as pericoronitis that may require emergency dental treatment, potentially disrupting your lifestyle at any time.

How Dentists Plan For Wisdom Tooth Removal

Prior to undergoing wisdom tooth surgery, a comprehensive oral examination will be performed to support the planning process.

At our clinics, we use digital X-ray machines, including OPG and 3D CBCT, to check the position of your wisdom teeth and reveal important details like the number of roots, their shape or curvature, and how close they are to neighbouring teeth.

After wisdom tooth removal, there may be mild bleeding, swelling, and soreness. These symptoms usually subsides within a few days. Dentists may prescribe medication and advise using ice packs to reduce swelling after wisdom tooth removal.

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Wisdom Tooth Extraction vs Wisdom Tooth Surgery

What's the difference?

When your dentist suggests removing a wisdom tooth, it may be done with or without the need of surgery. A straightforward wisdom tooth removal is often indicated when the tooth has fully erupted through the gums. This is called Wisdom Tooth Extraction.

If the wisdom tooth is still partially or fully trapped under the gum, Wisdom Tooth Surgery will be required. During the procedure, the dentist will make an opening in the gum and may also have to remove bone covering the impacted tooth. The tooth may then be taken out in smaller pieces.

Your dentist may refer you to an oral surgeon specialist for wisdom tooth surgery for more complex cases.

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Do I Need Wisdom Tooth Removal In Singapore?

You may need wisdom tooth removal if you exhibit the following symptoms: 

  • Red, swollen or bleeding gums: Gums that appear red, swollen or bleed easily around the wisdom tooth are typical signs of an underlying gum problem. These symptoms are commonly seen when wisdom teeth start to come through the gums, creating tight spaces that are hard to clean.

  • Bad breath: Bad breath or halitosis is another common concern. This occurs because of the difficulty that comes with cleaning impacted teeth. As plaque and bacteria build up, oral hygiene becomes poorer, causing bad breath.
  • Swelling around the jaw: Swelling can occur when a wisdom tooth becomes infected. The infection causes inflammation in the surrounding tissues, causing visible puffiness. Although dental issues are a common cause, jaw swelling can sometimes be related to injuries or other medical conditions.

  • An unpleasant taste in the mouth: Having an unpleasant taste in the mouth can be frustrating. The taste is often characterised as bitter, metallic or sour in nature. The symptoms will persist if the issue is not addressed.

Meet Our Doctors Behind Wisdom Tooth Removal

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Dr Noah Teo
Specialist Oral Surgeon
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Dr Jo Ann Wong
Dentist
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Dr Dustin Lee
Dentist
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Dr Jaclyn Toh
Dentist
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Dr Ho Ying Yao
Dentist
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Dr Soo Peng Ru
Dentist
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Dr Peter Tang
Dentist
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Dr Erin Fu
Dentist
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Dr Phillip Miller
Dentist
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Dr Amanda-Mae Nguee
Dentist
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Dr Bernard Siew
Senior Dentist
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Dr Nabilah Islam
Dentist

Treatment Review by Doctors

See how our doctors plan and perform wisdom tooth removal effectively, with real patient cases.

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Impacted Wisdom Teeth In An X-Ray | BEFORE & BEYOND EP53
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What To Expect After Wisdom Tooth Removal?

It is advised to follow the instructions given by your dentist after tooth removal. They help to promote healing properly and reduce the risk of complications.

Numbness
It may take a few hours for the anaesthetic to wear off. Be careful not to bite your lip or tongue and avoid hot food/drink until the numbness fades.
Pain and Discomfort
You may experience some pain and discomfort in the first few days. Over-the-counter pain relievers (as directed) can help manage this.
Swelling

Swelling around the extraction site is common. They peak within 24-48 hours after extraction. Apply an ice pack in 15-minute intervals during the first 24 hours.

Bleeding
Minor bleeding or slight oozing for the first 24 hours is common. It is normal to see a little blood in the saliva when spitting out.
Stitches
If you have stitches, it's essential to keep them intact so avoid disturbing them with your tongue or any objects.

Wisdom Tooth Removal Recovery Timeline

The recovery period for wisdom tooth extraction varies from person to person. Generally, the healing process takes 1-2 weeks, with discomfort and swelling gradually improving after the first few days.

• Bleeding and some swelling are fairly common

• Apply an ice pack in 15-minute intervals to manage swelling

• Eat soft meals and drink plenty of water. Avoid using a straw to drink fluids

• Swelling may increase

• Bleeding should completely stop by now

• Eating and opening the mouth may feel slightly uncomfortable

• Follow all prescribed medication instructions

• Swelling and soreness usually begin to subside

• Most patients can return to their normal daily routine

• Soft foods can gradually be replaced with regular meals

• Gum tissue is still in the process of healing

• Any remaining tenderness usually settles

• Attend follow-up visit (if needed)

Care Instructions After Wisdom Tooth Removal

  • Physical Activity Restriction: Strenuous physical activities should be restricted for the initial few days after extraction of wisdom teeth.

  • Soft Diet And Rest: Eat soft foods for the initial days, slowly working your way up to solid foods. Avoid foods that are hard, spicy or difficult to chew such as peanuts and seeds as they may get lodged into the extracted or healing area.

  • Maintain Proper Oral Hygiene: Patients can start to brush and floss the day after the extraction.

  • Rinse with Mouthwash: Avoid vigorous rinsing for the first 24 hours. After that, rinse carefully up to three times a day to keep the extracted site clean.

  • Smoking and Alcohol: Refrain from smoking and consuming alcohol for at least 48 hours.

Process Of Wisdom Tooth Removal At Dental Designs Clinic

Step 01
1. Consultation

During the consultation, the doctor will discuss your dental concerns with you. A digital X-ray of the jaw will be taken taken to assess the position of the tooth, the number of roots it has, and whether those are curved or narrow. It helps identify nearby structures such as nerves and sinuses. The tooth's proximity to adjacent teeth and the amount of surrounding bone are assessed as well.

Our dentists will discuss treatment pros and cons as well as any risks specific to your treatment with you.

Step 02
2. Anaesthesia Options

There are 3 main types of anaesthetic available for your wisdom tooth surgery:

  • Local Anaesthetic: The most common of the three, only the area of the wisdom tooth is numbed and you are fully awake.

  • Sedation: Intra-venous medication is administered, putting you in a sleep-like state.

  • General Anaesthesia: Performed in a day hospital, it is the deepest form of sedation that renders you completely unconscious and unaware.

Step 03
3. Wisdom Tooth Removal

If a wisdom tooth has fully emerged through the gum, its extraction is as straightforward as any other tooth. This is known as Wisdom Tooth Extraction.

However, if the wisdom tooth is below the gum line and embedded in the jawbone, Wisdom Tooth Surgery will be necessary. It is a local surgical procedure that involves making an incision to access the gums and removing the portion of bone that covers the tooth. In such cases, the tooth is often removed in smaller sections to minimise the amount of bone that needs to be removed.

Step 04
4. Review Check

A follow-up review will be scheduled about a week after the treatment.

During our follow-up review, the dentist will check in on how you are doing as well as on the progress of healing and if necessary, remove the stitches placed for wisdom tooth surgery.

Can MediSave Be Used For Wisdom Tooth Removal?

In Singapore, MediSave is only applicable for approved dental surgical procedures that are considered medically necessary. So, Wisdom Tooth Surgery procedures may qualify for MediSave claims. This does not include straightforward wisdom tooth extraction that is not classified as a surgery.

 

The claim amount depends on factors such as the number of wisdom teeth removed. During the consultation, the dentist will assess your condition, take the necessary x-rays and advise whether the procedure qualifies for MediSave use.

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Cost of Wisdom Tooth Removal in Singapore

The cost of wisdom tooth removal is determined by the individualised treatment plan created by the dentist for the patient. One key factor influencing the cost is whether the tooth has fully emerged in the mouth or if the tooth is partially or fully concealed beneath the gums. Wisdom teeth that have fully emerged can often be removed through a relatively straightforward procedure called Wisdom Tooth Extraction, which is generally less expensive.

Your dentist may refer you to an oral surgeon specialist if the wisdom tooth has multiple or curved roots that pose a higher risk of fracturing during removal, or if the roots are close to vital structures in the jaw such as nerves or sinuses. Such cases, as well as impacted wisdom teeth may require Wisdom Tooth Surgery procedure.

During your consultation, your dentist will assess your specific needs and provide you with a detailed breakdown of the costs involved, enabling you to make an informed decision about your treatment and budget accordingly.

Starts From

$457.80*

Wisdom Tooth Extraction $457.80 - $907.97
Wisdom Tooth Surgery, Single tooth (Medisave Claimable is up to $1950) $1,471.50 - $1,798.50
Wisdom Tooth Surgery, Two teeth (Medisave Claimable is up to $2750) $2,943 - $3,237.30
Local Anaesthetic (Per site) $31.61 - $34.88
IV Sedation/General Anaesthesia  
  • Anaesthetist fee (First hour)
 $1,510.74 
  • Anaesthetist fee (Per subsequent 15 mins)
 $348.80
Day Hospital Charges for General Anaesthesia $3,000.00 (estimate)

 

*Inclusive of 9% GST

**You may use your Medisave to offset the Wisdom Tooth Surgery amount, if applicable.

Hear From Our Happy Patients

The service and doctor is the best in town! The customer service and receptionists are very friendly! Dr Phillip Miller and Dr Noah Teo is very nice and very professional on their skill! They also very patient to explain to me about the treatment!

Will come back again!

Thank you very much!

李岳侨

Beautiful and friendly dental clinic, was recommended by my colleague. Been coming here for dental cleaning and fillings. Always a good visit!

J. Kho

This dental clinic has very good staff who are well trained and friendly. The dentists are also very good and will explain the treatment in detail before starting treatment. The equipment is very high tech and I believe they are able to do high quality work as I did my crown here and it looks much better than my colleague who also recently did his at another place. The waiting room is also very comfortable. good job!

C. Zheng De

This clinic is one of the best I have ever seen. I saw dr Justin for my implant which I did many years ago, the tooth was loose, and other drs told me to remove it as they could not find out what brand it was but dr Justin was able to take 3d xrays and locate the brand and specially ordered the part in. he saved me from having to do a surgery to remove and put a new implant which would have cost me a bomb. the tooth looks even better than the original thanks to the experieced dental technician Katsuya from Japan. 

Very happy and will keep coming back for my regular dental. 

G. Hock An

my workplace is close by and I had a problem with my tooth for a few days, so I made an appointment to come down. The receptionist who booked my appointment was very helpful and friendly to explain the way to the clinic from my office. I saw Dr Nicholas who was able to do a root canal treatment on the same visit so that I didn't need to come back. I felt safe and comfortable to do my dental treatment here as the dental picks are all wrapped up and sterilized and only opened before each treatment when im inside. 

P. Wendy

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Based on 1000+ Google reviews

Creating Smiles, Changing Lives

Over 28 reviews

The service and doctor is the best in town! The customer service and receptionists are very friendly! Dr Phillip Miller and Dr Noah Teo is very nice and very professional on their skill! They also very patient to explain to me about the treatment!

Will come back again!

Thank you very much!

李岳侨
Beautiful and friendly dental clinic, was recommended by my colleague. Been coming here for dental cleaning and fillings. Always a good visit!
J. Kho

This dental clinic has very good staff who are well trained and friendly. The dentists are also very good and will explain the treatment in detail before starting treatment. The equipment is very high tech and I believe they are able to do high quality work as I did my crown here and it looks much better than my colleague who also recently did his at another place. The waiting room is also very comfortable. good job!

C. Zheng De

This clinic is one of the best I have ever seen. I saw dr Justin for my implant which I did many years ago, the tooth was loose, and other drs told me to remove it as they could not find out what brand it was but dr Justin was able to take 3d xrays and locate the brand and specially ordered the part in. he saved me from having to do a surgery to remove and put a new implant which would have cost me a bomb. the tooth looks even better than the original thanks to the experieced dental technician Katsuya from Japan. 

Very happy and will keep coming back for my regular dental. 

G. Hock An

my workplace is close by and I had a problem with my tooth for a few days, so I made an appointment to come down. The receptionist who booked my appointment was very helpful and friendly to explain the way to the clinic from my office. I saw Dr Nicholas who was able to do a root canal treatment on the same visit so that I didn't need to come back. I felt safe and comfortable to do my dental treatment here as the dental picks are all wrapped up and sterilized and only opened before each treatment when im inside. 

P. Wendy
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Frequently Asked Questions on Wisdom Tooth Removal in Singapore

Wisdom teeth often develop issues over time, such as impaction, infection risk, teeth crowding or cyst formation. Even if you currently have no pain, the need for wisdom tooth extraction can still be present. 

These problems might not immediately cause discomfort but they can lead to significant dental complications in the future. 

Early removal is often recommended to prevent future pain and maintain your oral health.

If your wisdom tooth is not erupting and is causing no pain or issues, it may not need to be removed. However, impacted wisdom teeth that do not erupt properly may lead to problems such as infections, damage to adjacent teeth and cysts or tumors. It's best to consult with your dentist or oral surgeon to evaluate the situation. They can assess the position of your wisdom tooth and determine if it is likely to cause problems in the future.

There are 3 main types of anaesthetic options for your wisdom tooth surgery:

a) Local Anaesthetic: The most common of the three, only the area of the wisdom tooth is numbed and you are fully awake.

b) Sedation: Intra-venous medication is administered, putting you in a sleep-like state.

c) General Anesthesia: Performed in a day hospital, it is the deepest form of sedation that renders you completely unconscious and unaware.

The duration of the wisdom tooth surgery procedure can vary based on several factors, including the intricacy of the case, the proximity of nearby anatomical structures like the dental nerve, experience of the dentist and the ease of access (mouth opening). The procedure time is a range of half an hour to 2 hours per tooth.

In very rare instances, there is a possibility of encountering serious infections during the procedure, which could potentially lead to damage to nerves and blood vessels. This may result in bleeding and a temporary loss of sensation in the tongue or face. However, rest assured that the muscles will still function normally, allowing for regular eating, smiling and movement. It is crucial to note that this sensation is the only aspect that may be affected. While extremely uncommon, there is a remote chance that the numbness could become permanent. Consequently, it is of utmost importance to thoroughly identify the anatomical structures prior to beginning the wisdom tooth surgery.

Wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars that most people get in their late teens or early twenties. If these teeth are healthy and properly aligned, they can be left in the mouth for normal function. However, if they are causing pain or swelling, they may need to be removed.

No, not everyone gets wisdom teeth. While many people get all four of their wisdom teeth, some people may only develop three, two or even just one. Some people do not even develop any wisdom teeth.

You might experiences symptoms such as pain, swelling, jaw stiffness and general illness. Therefore, if the wisdom teeth are in an unfavourable position, it is better to remove them so as to prevent any problems to the adjacent teeth or gums.

Some symptoms of wisdom teeth are pain in the jaw, tenderness, swelling around the gums or discharge if an infection is present. You may see it poking through the gum behind your second molar. Some people don’t have any symptoms of wisdom teeth, or the symptoms may come and go.

Surgical removal of wisdom teeth is claimable under MediSave at Dental Designs Clinic. For child patients, you may also use the parents’ MediSave to claim for wisdom tooth surgery. 

Straightforward removal of wisdom teeth are not claimable under MediSave. Please consult with your dentist to see which category your tooth falls under.

Ask your dentist about the positioning of your wisdom teeth. He or she will usually need to take an x-ray to evaluate for the presence and alignment of your wisdom teeth. Without an x-ray, many wisdom teeth which are impacted beneath the gum are not visible.

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