Wisdom Tooth Removal

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All About Wisdom Teeth

WHAT ARE WISDOM TEETH AND WHEN DOES IT ERUPT?

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.

DOES EVERYONE HAVE WISDOM TEETH?

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.

HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE WISDOM TEETH?

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. Your dentist may also decide to send you to an oral surgeon for further evaluation.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF WISDOM TEETH?

Some symptoms of wisdom teeth are pain in the jaw, tenderness, swelling around the gums, 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.

WHAT ARE WISDOM TEETH AND WHEN DOES IT ERUPT?

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.

DOES EVERYONE HAVE WISDOM TEETH?

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.

HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE WISDOM TEETH?

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. Your dentist may also decide to send you to an oral surgeon for further evaluation.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF WISDOM TEETH?

Some symptoms of wisdom teeth are pain in the jaw, tenderness, swelling around the gums, 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.

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WHAT ARE IMPACTED WISDOM TEETH?

A wisdom tooth is considered impacted if there is not enough room after the second back molar for the tooth to emerge or develop normally. They tend to be enclosed within the soft tissue and/or the jawbone or only partially break through or erupt through the gum.

When wisdom teeth are misaligned, its position may be horizontal, be angled toward or away from the second molars, or be angled inward or outward.

PROBLEMS WISDOM TEETH CAUSE

A badly aligned wisdom tooth can damage adjacent teeth as they cause food and bacteria to be trapped, resulting in cavities or gum disease. This is likely to develop at a much faster speed than in other teeth, as their hard-to-reach location and awkward positioning makes brushing and flossing difficult. This can affect the wisdom tooth itself, or even extend to the tooth next to it.

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.

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Why Should I Remove My Wisdom Tooth?

Wisdom teeth, especially partially erupted or impacted ones, often need removal due to the following potential issues:

  • Pain & Swelling: Bacteria trapped around the wisdom tooth will cause pain and swelling, which will keep recurring even with medication. 
  • Infection Risk: Impacted wisdom teeth can create pockets where bacteria thrive, causing infections such as pericoronitis.
  • Oral Hygiene: Cleaning wisdom teeth at the back of the mouth is challenging, making them prone to cavities and gum problems.

HAVING PROBLEMS WITH YOUR WISDOM TEETH?

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I HAVE NO PAIN, DO I STILL NEED WISDOM TOOTH EXTRACTION?

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

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.

Preparing for your Wisdom Tooth Surgery

DO I NEED A SPECIALIST FOR MY WISDOM TOOTH SURGERY?

In more complicated cases, for example when the wisdom tooth is buried deep inside the bone, or if the wisdom tooth has multiple roots or curved roots with a higher risk of breakage, or if the jaw nerve or sinuses are very close to the wisdom tooth, your dentist may refer you to a oral surgeon specialist for the wisdom tooth surgery.

MY WISDOM TOOTH IS NOT ERUPTED, DO I NEED TO EXTRACT IT?

In younger patients, if the wisdom teeth are present in x-rays and appear to be impacted, your dentist may recommend wisdom tooth surgery to avoid a more painful or more complicated surgery in the future as there are less complications when the wisdom teeth roots are not yet fully developed. Wisdom teeth may also be removed for orthodontic reasons.

IS WISDOM TOOTH SURGERY MEDISAVE CLAIMABLE?

Surgical removal of Wisdom teeth is claimable under Medisave at Dental Designs Clinic. For children, you may also use your parents’ Medisave to claim for wisdom tooth surgery. 

However, simple extractions of wisdom teeth are not claimable under Medisave. Please consult with your dentist to see which category your tooth falls under.

WHAT OPTIONS DO I HAVE FOR ANAESTHESIA?

There are 3 main types of Anaesthetic 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 Anesthesia: Performed in a day hospital, it is the deepest form of sedation that renders you completely unconscious and unaware.

DO I NEED A SPECIALIST FOR MY WISDOM TOOTH SURGERY?

In more complicated cases, for example when the wisdom tooth is buried deep inside the bone, or if the wisdom tooth has multiple roots or curved roots with a higher risk of breakage, or if the jaw nerve or sinuses are very close to the wisdom tooth, your dentist may refer you to a oral surgeon specialist for the wisdom tooth surgery.

MY WISDOM TOOTH IS NOT ERUPTED, DO I NEED TO EXTRACT IT?

In younger patients, if the wisdom teeth are present in x-rays and appear to be impacted, your dentist may recommend wisdom tooth surgery to avoid a more painful or more complicated surgery in the future as there are less complications when the wisdom teeth roots are not yet fully developed. Wisdom teeth may also be removed for orthodontic reasons.

IS WISDOM TOOTH SURGERY MEDISAVE CLAIMABLE?

Surgical removal of Wisdom teeth is claimable under Medisave at Dental Designs Clinic. For children, you may also use your parents’ Medisave to claim for wisdom tooth surgery. 

However, simple extractions of wisdom teeth are not claimable under Medisave. Please consult with your dentist to see which category your tooth falls under.

WHAT OPTIONS DO I HAVE FOR ANAESTHESIA?

There are 3 main types of Anaesthetic 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 Anesthesia: Performed in a day hospital, it is the deepest form of sedation that renders you completely unconscious and unaware.

What Happens During Wisdom Tooth Surgery

 

Prior to wisdom tooth surgery, a comprehensive x-ray of the jaw is conducted to precisely determine the wisdom tooth's positioning, including the number of roots it has and whether they are curved or thin. Additionally, the x-ray helps identify important structures such as nerves, sinuses, proximity to neighboring teeth, and the amount of bone present.

If a wisdom tooth has fully emerged through the gum, its extraction is as straightforward as any other tooth. However, if the wisdom tooth is below the gum line and embedded in the jawbone, a minor local surgical procedure is necessary. This 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 extracted in smaller sections to minimize the amount of bone that needs to be removed.

During your pre-extraction consultation, your dentist will provide you with a clear understanding of what to expect during the procedure.

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What Happens After Wisdom Teeth Surgery?

HOW SOON I EAT AFTER WISDOM TEETH SURGERY?

After the surgery, the area will still be numb so avoid eating completely until the local anaesthetic wears off. Typically, patients can begin eating soft foods, slowly working their way up to more solid foods. Avoid foods that are hard, spicy or difficult to chew. Patients should follow their dentist’s instructions regarding diet and care after wisdom tooth removal.

HOW LONG WILL I TAKE TO RECOVER AFTER WISDOM TEETH SURGERY?

We usually estimate 7-10 days for a recovery period, however some people may experience shorter or longer recovery times. Most pain and swelling improves after the first 3-5 days of the surgery. At our clinic, the wisdom tooth surgery is done via a minimally invasive technique whereby the least amount of bone and gum is removed.

WILL I HAVE PAIN AFTER WISDOM TOOTH SURGERY?

After wisdom teeth surgery, it is normal to experience swelling and bruising for a few days up to 1-2 weeks, depending on how complicated the wisdom tooth surgery was. It also varies due to individual healing rates.

If wisdom tooth pain persists or worsens after 1-2 weeks, please contact your dentist as there is a small possibility of post-op infection or failure to heal.

HOW SOON I EAT AFTER WISDOM TEETH SURGERY?

After the surgery, the area will still be numb so avoid eating completely until the local anaesthetic wears off. Typically, patients can begin eating soft foods, slowly working their way up to more solid foods. Avoid foods that are hard, spicy or difficult to chew. Patients should follow their dentist’s instructions regarding diet and care after wisdom tooth removal.

HOW LONG WILL I TAKE TO RECOVER AFTER WISDOM TEETH SURGERY?

We usually estimate 7-10 days for a recovery period, however some people may experience shorter or longer recovery times. Most pain and swelling improves after the first 3-5 days of the surgery. At our clinic, the wisdom tooth surgery is done via a minimally invasive technique whereby the least amount of bone and gum is removed.

WILL I HAVE PAIN AFTER WISDOM TOOTH SURGERY?

After wisdom teeth surgery, it is normal to experience swelling and bruising for a few days up to 1-2 weeks, depending on how complicated the wisdom tooth surgery was. It also varies due to individual healing rates.

If wisdom tooth pain persists or worsens after 1-2 weeks, please contact your dentist as there is a small possibility of post-op infection or failure to heal.

CARE INSTRUCTIONS AFTER WISDOM TOOTH SURGERY

What to Expect:

  • 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.
  • Bleeding: Some bleeding is normal. As the extraction site will not dry out completely, you might notice slight oozing for the first 24 hours. It is normal to see a little blood in the saliva when spitting out.
  • Swelling: Swelling around the extraction site is common and may peak within 24-48 hours after the procedure. Applying an ice pack in 15-minute intervals during the first 24 hours can help reduce swelling.
  • 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.
  • Healing Time: The initial healing process typically takes about 1-2 weeks. Complete healing can take several weeks to months.
  • Stitches: If you have stitches, it's essential to keep them intact so avoid disturbing them with your tongue or any objects.

Helpful Tips:

  • Minimise Physical Activity: Avoid strenuous physical activities and rest for the first 3 days after the extraction.
  • Soft Diet: Consume only soft and easy-to-chew foods during the initial days. 
  • Gentle Oral Hygiene: You can resume gentle brushing and flossing the day after the extraction. 
  • Rinse with Mouthwash: Rinse gently, up to two times a day, to promote healing. Avoid vigorous rinsing which can dislodge the blood clot.
  • Smoking and Alcohol: Refrain from smoking and consuming alcohol for at least 48 hours.

Creating Smiles, Changing Lives

28 Overall 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

I had an amazing experience at this dental clinic. Dr. Justin Giam is a skilled dentist who explained everything thoroughly. The staff was friendly, and the clinic is conveniently located near my workplace. Highly recommended!

S. Goh

I am so glad I found Dental Designs, it was recommended to me by an expat friend. Dr Rares is the best dentist I have ever encountered. He is extremely conscientious and empathic in his work, with a great attention to detail. His work is stellar,  and he is always tuned in to the patient's needs. I have had multiple dentists in Oslo, Norway and in London, and although some of them have been excellent, I can truly say that not one of them has been of his caliber.

h. hjertenes

Great dental clinic! Dr Giam is very friend and his treatments are very gentle. He is good at explaining his treatment to his patients and a lot of great cafes nearby as well. Excellent customer service and helpful receptionist. Decent location too!

C. MichaelJr

My dental implant procedure here was top-notch. Dr Justin did the surgery for me and he was skillful.The team was patient and made sure I felt relaxed throughout. They even sent me a message to check up on me for post-surgery care. Thank you!

J. Florentyna

Dr. Tiffany Tan did an excellent job with my Invisalign treatment. My teeth are now perfectly aligned, and it was a comfortable process from start to finish. The clinic's hygienist, Kelly, is fantastic as well!

W Y

I can’t recommend this clinic enough, was so glad to have found it. Great facility, really enjoyed the ambience with radio music. But thats beside the point, Dr Tiffany is so terrific, they are so kind and really care about doing a good and meticulous job, and are so professional to share with me all x-rays of my teeth and explaining the issues and the process. I’ve never had any dentists that are so genuine and pro-active to help the patients be informed and understand the situations thoroughly. I feel very assured to be in such good hands. Thank you greatly!

T. Pham

I had a dental veneer procedure to fix my chipped front tooth, and the results exceeded my expectations. The clinic is conveniently close to my workplace, and the entire team was friendly and skilled. A great experience overall!

L. Chia Heng

Dr. Justin Giam and his team are exceptional. I had a replacement for my dental crown, and they made sure I felt comfortable and relaxed throughout. The clinic is just a short walk from the MRT station.

A. H.

I fell down and chipped my front teeth on holiday and came to doc Justin who is my usual dentist. he was able to fix it same day and by now I dont even remember which teeth was chipped. best doc in town!

l. pienkowski

I appreciate the professionalism and patience of the staff here. They did a fantastic job with my ceramic filling, which was much better shape and bite than the other one i had done previously at another clinic, and the clinic's location in the CBD is perfect for me.

R. Phua

The hygienist, Kelly, provided me with the best scaling and polishing I've ever had. The clinic is not only convenient but has friendly receptionists and great staff. I highly recommend it!

L. Josephine

I have been coming to this dental clinic for years and I bring all my family and recommend to my colleagues to come as well, because they are just so good. Especially Dr  Justin Giam, he is very skilled in crowns and veneers for me. My father's implant denture was able to be done smoothly, which was important because we have to fly in to Singapore to come for the dental treatment, so it saves us so much time here. The assistant doctors are also good to do the usual fillings and cleanings without any pain. The receptionists are friendly and helpful for making the appointment a pleasant one. Very good job dental design!

L. Winnie

I needed replacement retainers, and I found that dental designs provide clear retainers with same day pickup. its convienent as its close to my office and I could go out for a coffee while waiting.

E. Michael

My tooth has been hurting on and off for the past months and I ignored it as I was busy. i went to the dentist near my house and was told to extract it and do an implant as it was decayed and the cavity was too big. I didnt want to extract my tooth so i looked for other options and found Dental Designs where I was able to be seen and my tooth could have a root canal treatment and crown done instead of extraction. the tooth is functioning well and I can bite normally, there was no downtime. i strongly recommend Dental Designs as the dentist here is much more skillful and knowledgeable and the receptiontists are also very friendly.

J J

I did a whitening procedure here in the clinic and had good results, my friends commented it was much whiter and I'm happy with the results. there is a little sensitivity but it goes away after one day. highly recommend this clinic if you are looking for a dentist to do teeth whitening. the cleaning was also very comfortable and i didnt feel any pain or bleeding.

L. Kathleen

I read about Dental Designs as I wanted to do Invisalign treatment for a long time, and I chose Dr Tiffany Tan as she has good reviews. During the first consultation, she took time to listen to my concerns and also explained various options for me to suit my needs. There was also no hard selling even though I could not decide to do the treatment on the same day, the staff was also all smiles and very helpful. I came back again with my wife and Dr Tiffany was very patient in explaining my condition and the treatment options again, thus I decided to go with them. I completed my Invisalign treatment after about 18 months and the results are just as what Dr Tiffany promised. All my colleagues and friends are able to see the difference, I had an underbite which is completely resolved. The whole process was very smooth and the whole team was just so helpful and responsive throughout. Kudos to Dental Designs and Dr Tiffany Tan!

L. Ian Jun Jie

The dentists here are very skillful and do a good job, the staff is also very friendly and its easy to book appointments over whatsapp. I recently had to do a root canal and dental crowning for my tooth and the process was easy.

M. Hui Tan

Best experience I ever had at a dental clinic or medical clinic for that matter. I've been to many clinics in UK and Sydney and none of them are as good as Dr Tiffany. I have been using a specially prescribed mouthguard at night which cost me close to 3000 AUD from a specialist in Melbourne as otherwise I would have jaw pain when I woke up in the mornings. I went to a consultation with Dr Tiffany Tan as I wanted to straighten my front teeth which had shifted a little over the years.  Dr Tiffany was able to assess not only that my teeth could be straightened but that the bite was all wrong. I started on Invisalign treatment with her and 2 years later I am able to chew steak and peanuts without wincing, and I do not need the special mouthguard at all. Thanks to Dr Tiffany, I now have a normal life without pain and trust me it is unbelievable how much my bite affected my life prior to my Invisalign treatment. Thank you Dr Tiffany and the Dental Designs clinic team, you guys are amazing!

L. Mallory Alice

I saw Dr Justin to fix my teeth veneers which I had (stupidly) done at a dentist in Thailand as my friend brought me there during a holiday. He was able to check it and advise that my gums were badly infected due to the poor veneers which they did, which was causing a bad smell in my mouth. Dr Justin had to remove all the veneers and the hygienist Ms Kelly is also really gentle and I had the best clean in my life here with the air cleaning. Dr Justin was then able to give me new veneers which are properly fitted and which looked so natural compared to the other ones that were done and I feel like they are my real teeth. There is no more bad smell and my teeth and gums are healthy now!

S. Matthew Lucian

Firstly, I want to commend the dentist here Dr Justin as he is skilled in his work and delivers what he promises.

Additionally, I am seen within 15 minutes each time I come for my appointment, which is not the case when I attend other medical appointments in Singapore. 

The staff are also excellent. 

Z. Nael

Visited this clinic for the first time today after reading all the reviews. Indeed a dental clinic with very good service. The receptionist was very friendly. My appointment was at 12pm and I saw Dr  Justin at 12pm without any delay. He was very professional with his work and casual when talking. Made me feel comfortable. Took pics of my teeth to tell me what is wrong and what needs to be done. Not pushy at all asking me to do this and that. Price is pretty reasonable for where they are located. Thanks for the great service!

M. Yousuff

Popped into Dental Designs on Cecil street for the first time a couple of weeks ago and then a filling just yesterday. Staff are highly professional, from the front desk to the doctor and dental assistant.

Dr Peter Tang is fantastic at what he does. Really good bedside manners, explains the procedure in great detail to make sure I know what is going to be done and also removed my fear of having my teeth cleaned. Will definitely make this place my regular go-to for all dental matters!

O. Xu (Olive)

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