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Wisdom Tooth Removal
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What Are Impacted Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom tooth removal, also known as wisdom tooth extraction or surgery, is a common dental procedure aimed at addressing issues related to impacted wisdom teeth. A wisdom tooth, also known as a third molar, is considered impacted if it does not emerge or erupt normally. They tend to be enclosed within the soft tissue and/or the jawbone or only partially break through or erupt through the gum. This may be due to insufficient space.
These third molars, which typically emerge between the ages of 17 and 25, often lack sufficient space in the jaw to fully erupt, leading to complications such as tooth decay, gum disease and tooth crowding. In such cases, wisdom tooth removal becomes necessary to prevent further oral health problems and relieve associated pain and discomfort.
During the wisdom tooth extraction procedure, an oral surgeon or dental specialist carefully removes the impacted wisdom teeth from the jawbone and surrounding tissues. This surgical procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia to ensure patient comfort and minimise pain during the process. In some cases, sedation dentistry may also be utilised to alleviate anxiety and discomfort for the patient.
Wisdom Teeth Can Cause Decay to Another Tooth
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, causing cavities on the second molar tooth. With proper care and attention to oral hygiene, most patients can expect a smooth recovery process following wisdom tooth removal, allowing them to enjoy good dental health and relief from pain.
Benefits Of Removing a Wisdom Tooth
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.
Planning The Wisdom Tooth Removal Procedure
Prior to undergoing wisdom tooth surgery, a comprehensive jaw examination will be performed to support the planning process. At our clinics, we have x-ray machines that provide detailed 3D CBCT X-ray which can accurately determine the position of your wisdom tooth and disclose important details such as the number of roots, their curvature or thinness and their proximity to neighboring teeth. Moreover, it will identify crucial structures like nerves, sinuses and the amount of bone present.
While most wisdom tooth extractions are straightforward and result in minor bleeding and swelling, patients may experience temporary discomfort or pain post-surgery. Oral surgeons typically prescribe pain medications to manage any discomfort and recommend using ice packs to reduce facial swelling.
Learn MoreProcess Of Wisdom Tooth Removal At Dental Designs
1. Consultation
Prior to wisdom tooth surgery, a comprehensive x-ray of the jaw is conducted to 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.
Our dentists will discuss treatment pros and cons as well as any risks specific to your treatment with you.
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.
3. Wisdom Tooth Removal
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 removed in smaller sections to minimise the amount of bone that needs to be removed.
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.
Curious About Wisdom Tooth Removal in Singapore?
Grab our free Wisdom Tooth Removal Guidebook
Wisdom Tooth Extraction vs Wisdom Tooth Surgery
When wisdom teeth have fully emerged, they will need to be removed through wisdom tooth extraction.
For wisdom teeth that are partially concealed beneath the gum or positioned at an unfavourable angle, surgical removal is necessary. This procedure involves creating an incision to access the gums and removing the bone covering the tooth. In such cases, the tooth is often extracted in smaller sections to minimise the amount of bone that needs to be taken out.
In complex scenarios, such as when the wisdom tooth is deeply embedded in the bone or if it has multiple roots or curved roots that pose a higher risk of fracturing, or if the proximity of the jaw nerve or sinuses to the wisdom tooth is significant, your dentist may refer you to an oral surgeon specialist for the wisdom tooth surgery.
Do I Need Wisdom Tooth Removal In Singapore?
You may need a wisdom tooth surgery if you exhibit the following symptoms:
- Red, swollen or bleeding gums: Red, swollen gums along with bleeding, can indicate gum disease which can be prevalent around wisdom teeth. This condition is caused by bacteria in plaque, a sticky, colourless film that forms on your teeth. If not removed through daily brushing and flossing, plaque can build up and irritate your gums.
- Bad breath: Bad breath can be particularly pronounced when the patient has partially erupted wisdom teeth due to the difficulty in cleaning them properly. They are typically caused by a variety of factors including poor oral hygiene, smoking, dry mouth and underlying health issues. It can be embarrassing and affect one's self-confidence.
- Swelling around the jaw: Swelling around the jaw can be caused by various factors, including dental issues such as infections or abscesses around impacted teeth. It can also result from injuries, such as fractures or trauma to the jawbone. In some cases, swelling may be a symptom of a more serious condition, such as a salivary gland infection or a tumor.
- An unpleasant taste in your mouth: Having an unpleasant taste in your mouth can be a frustrating and uncomfortable experience. This sensation, often described as bitter, metallic or sour, can linger and affect your sense of taste and appetite, adding to the discomfort associated with wisdom teeth issues.
What To Expect After Wisdom Tooth Removal?
After the extraction, it's essential to maintain good oral hygiene practices to promote proper healing and prevent complications such as infection or dry socket. Patients are advised to follow post-surgery instructions provided by their oral surgeon, which may include using ice packs to reduce facial swelling, rinsing with warm salt water to keep the extraction site clean and avoiding strenuous activities that could disrupt the healing process.
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 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.
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.Stitches
If you have stitches, it's essential to keep them intact so avoid disturbing them with your tongue or any objects.Care Instructions After Wisdom Tooth Removal
- Minimise Physical Activity: Avoid strenuous physical activities and rest for the first 3 days after the extraction.
- Soft Diet And Rest: Typically, you can begin eating soft foods for the initial days, slowly working their way up to solid foods. Avoid foods that are hard, spicy or difficult to chew, or hard and small food such as peanuts and seeds as they may get lodged into the surgical area.
- 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.
- Long Term: By addressing these concerns promptly and following proper oral hygiene practices, patients can alleviate pain, prevent oral health complications and maintain optimal dental health for the long term.
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, 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.
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 | |
|
$1,510.74 |
|
$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
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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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
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
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.