Wisdom tooth surgery in Singapore
Make an enquiry with our dental specialists and book a 30-minute consultation to check on your wisdom tooth. We make getting wisdom tooth surgery a relaxed experience for you.
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What Are Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of teeth to develop in the mouth. They usually emerge between 17 to 25 years old, and because this is the age that people are said to become wiser, the moniker “wisdom teeth” was coined.
Regular dental checkups are essential to monitor the development and alignment of wisdom teeth to prevent potential complications, such as cystic development.
Types of Wisdom Tooth Extraction
When it comes to extracting wisdom teeth, there are two primary types of procedures: non-surgical and surgical extraction.
Non-Surgical Wisdom Tooth Extraction
Non-surgical extraction is used when the wisdom teeth have fully erupted and are easily accessible. This type of extraction is less invasive and usually involves a quicker recovery time.
Surgical Wisdom Tooth Extraction
Surgical extraction is required when the wisdom teeth are impacted, partially erupted, or not visible above the gum line. Surgical extraction is usually performed by an oral surgeon and may require a longer healing period.
When would you need to consider wisdom tooth surgery in Singapore?
Typically, adults possess four wisdom teeth at the back of the mouth – two on the top and two on the bottom. The need for wisdom tooth surgery often depends on how the position of these teeth and their impact on one’s dental well-being. When wisdom teeth erupt, they can cause a range of issues, including impaction, misalignment, crowding of existing teeth, pain, infection, and potential damage to adjacent teeth.
Here’s a breakdown of circumstances that may require this surgery:
- Impacted wisdom teeth: Impacted teeth, trapped beneath the gum and unable to emerge properly, often require surgical intervention. This is due to potential misalignment, pain, gum infection, and the risk of decay.
- Non-impacted wisdom teeth: Fully emerged wisdom teeth may be harmless, but extraction could be suggested if they contribute no functional benefit or compromise oral hygiene.
- Buried wisdom teeth: Wisdom teeth entirely buried in the jawbone are typically left undisturbed unless they cause discomfort or exhibit signs of infection or cysts.
Individuals with wisdom teeth must undergo regular evaluations by a dental specialist to address or avoid complications preemptively.
Wisdom Tooth Removal Process
Depending on the position of the wisdom tooth, the procedure generally lasts 15 to 45 minutes.
Extraction can be performed under local anaesthetic to numb the tooth and surrounding area. Your surgeon will make a small incision if the tooth has not come through the gum. A small piece of the bone covering the tooth may also need to be removed. Typically, the tooth is cut into smaller parts to make removing it easier through the incision. You will feel some pressure just before the tooth removal. Dissolving stitches will be used to seal the incision.
Our dental specialist/dentist in Singapore will find out the details of your medical and dental history, go through a consultation and examination and take a digital X-ray of your teeth to enable a thorough and detailed diagnosis, to ascertain if you require wisdom tooth extraction.
Post-surgery, you may experience some facial swelling, bruising and pain. There may also be some blood oozing from the wound during the first few days. If bleeding occurs, apply clean folded gauze to the wound and bite on it firmly. If you taste blood, swallow instead of spitting it out.
Rinsing or spitting during the initial 24 hours after wisdom tooth surgery will disturb the wound and cause more bleeding. Frequent gauze change or frequent mouth rinsing disrupts blood clotting and promotes bleeding. Change your gauze at 30-minute intervals if necessary. If you experience severe pain, please call your dental specialist/surgeon in Singapore immediately.
The recovery time after wisdom tooth removal can vary depending on factors such as the complexity of the extraction or surgery and individual healing abilities. On average, the initial healing process takes about 3-7 days, but complete recovery may take a few weeks. It’s important to follow post-operative instructions from your dental specialist to ensure a smooth and speedy recovery.
Here’s a list of essential care tips to follow after your surgery, to manage any discomfort and avoid complications:
- Pain and swelling management: Expect some pain and swelling after wisdom tooth extraction, which varies by individual. Follow your dentist’s medication advice and use cold compresses to alleviate discomfort.
- Gauze pad usage: Replace gauze pads over the extraction site every 30-45 minutes following surgery until bleeding subsides significantly.
- Oral hygiene post-extraction: Gently brush teeth with a soft-bristled brush the day after surgery, avoiding the extraction site to prevent irritation.
- Mouth rinsing: Use medicated mouthwash as provided by your dentist for seven days after surgery, starting from the day of the extraction to prevent infection.
- Resuming activities: Ease back into normal activities a couple of days post-surgery, but avoid strenuous exercise that might impact healing.
- Diet post-surgery: Post-extraction, opt for soft and cold foods like yoghurt, mashed potatoes, smoothies, and ice cream. Steer clear of hot, spicy, or crunchy foods to aid healing.
Alcohol consumption: Abstain from alcohol for at least 24 hours post-surgery or as instructed by your dentist to avoid disrupting the healing process.
Wisdom Tooth Extractions Fee in Singapore
At Specialist Dental Group, fees for wisdom tooth extraction starts from S$600 per tooth for non-surgical procedures. For more complex cases requiring surgical wisdom tooth surgery, the cost ranges from S$1,600 to S$2,200 per tooth. Wisdom tooth extraction fees can vary due to several factors:
- The complexity of the case
- The position and alignment of the teeth
- The experience and expertise of the dental surgeon
It’s important to consult with your dental specialist / dentist to get personalised advice and explore the best treatment options for your situation.
Singaporeans and PRs are eligible to use Medisave for wisdom tooth surgery. The amount claimable depends on the complexity of the procedure and is subject to Medisave withdrawal limits. For more details, please visit our Medisave Page.
Other fees
Wisdom tooth extraction is typically performed under local anaesthetic. Alternatively, you can opt for intravenous sedation, with an additional fee of approximately S$900 – S$1,000 per hour for an Anaesthesiologist to administer the sedation.
General anaesthesia is generally unnecessary for most wisdom teeth removal procedures.
Why Choose Specialist Dental Group for Your Wisdom Tooth Surgery in Singapore?
Looking for the best place to undergo wisdom tooth surgery in Singapore? Look no further than Specialist Dental Group. Our team of internationally qualified dental specialists and surgeons are leaders in their respective fields, ensuring you receive the highest level of expertise and experience. We prioritise your comfort and well-being throughout the entire process, utilising advanced technology and techniques to minimise any pain or discomfort you may experience.
At Specialist Dental Group, we take a comprehensive and collaborative approach to your dental needs. Our multi-specialty team works together to assess and address your specific requirements, providing tailored and optimal solutions. Whether you require a wisdom tooth extraction, jaw surgery, or dental implants, our dedicated specialists are ready to assist you.
With more than 40 years of history, our clinical team has been transforming the lives of countless patients in Singapore, offering effective treatment for dental discomfort or inconvenience. Get in touch today about our wisdom tooth extraction and surgery in Singapore and send us a message with any questions you may have. You can also call us at (65) 6734 9393 (Mount Elizabeth Orchard) or (65) 6471 5150 (Gleneagles Medical Centre).
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Frequently Asked Questions About Wisdom Tooth Surgery in Singapore
What is wisdom tooth extraction?
Wisdom tooth removal in Singapore can be done through extraction if the wisdom tooth has fully erupted. However, surgery is required for an impacted wisdom tooth (buried/partially erupted).
What are the types of wisdom tooth removal?
You generally need wisdom tooth surgery if your wisdom tooth is impacted, making it difficult to clean and maintain. Your dental specialist will advise if surgery is possible before any problems arise. However, if the wisdom tooth has fully erupted or is completely buried, with no other symptoms, wisdom teeth extraction may not be necessary. See a dental specialist to determine what works best for you.
Is extraction of wisdom teeth necessary? I do not have any pain, but sometimes I feel that they are shifting and affecting my neighbouring teeth. What should I do?
It is generally recommended that you remove wisdom teeth when they are impacted, or are difficult to clean and maintain, before any problems set in. However, if the wisdom teeth have fully erupted properly, or completely buried and you have no issues with oral hygiene maintenance, then there is no need to remove them.
What are the risks of wisdom teeth removal?
Depending on the location of the wisdom teeth, a rare complication that may develop is numbness of the tongue, lip or chin. However, this is not a common occurrence and when it does happen, the effects are usually temporary.
When should I have my impacted wisdom tooth removed?
Wisdom teeth should be removed during teenage years or in the early 20s as people in this age group tend to recover faster.
Can we straighten an impacted wisdom tooth?
When it comes to impacted wisdom teeth, the primary solution is wisdom tooth removal. This is a common procedure in Singapore. Due to the nature of impaction, attempting to straighten an impacted wisdom tooth is generally not feasible. The procedure for wisdom tooth surgery involves carefully removing the impacted tooth to alleviate pain, prevent potential complications and maintain oral health.
How long does it take to recover after wisdom tooth removal?
The recovery time after wisdom tooth removal in Singapore can vary depending on factors such as the complexity of the extraction or surgery and individual healing abilities. On average, the initial healing process takes about 3-7 days, but complete recovery may take a couple of weeks. It’s important to follow post-operative instructions provided by your dental specialist to ensure a smooth and speedy recovery.
