Damage to neighbouring teeth
The impacted wisdom teeth can push your surrounding teeth, leading to mouth pain and bite problems.
Wisdom Tooth Extraction and Surgery
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are teeth that grow at the back of the mouth.
They’re the last teeth to appear, and will typically appear between ages 18 to 25. Each individual will have a total of 4 wisdom teeth.
Patients are generally advised to remove impacted wisdom teeth if they are present. Impacted wisdom teeth are teeth that have partially erupted through the gum or can be completely buried in the soft tissue or jawbone.
This makes them difficult to clean and causes plaque to build up easily, increasing the likelihood of developing gum disease and cavities. As such, you will need to remove them before they become a problem.
Other reasons why you may need to remove your wisdom teeth include:
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Jaw damage
Cysts can form around the teeth which can cause nerve damage and the hollowing out of the jaw if left untreated.
It is important to note that the need for removal is generally determined by the severity of your condition. For example, you are strongly advised to remove your wisdom tooth to prevent future complications if it is fully impacted.
Note!
A lack of pain does not indicate that there are no underlying dental issues. You are encouraged to go for a panoramic x-ray during your check-ups to identify any potential problems as early as possible.
Your wisdom tooth will be removed either by a regular extraction or surgery. This depends on the state of your wisdom teeth.
Wisdom Tooth Extraction
A wisdom tooth extraction is mostly used to remove upper wisdom teeth that are visible but not impacted.
During this procedure, local anaesthetic will be administered so that you will not feel any pain. Thereafter, the dentist will loosen the tooth and remove it.
Wisdom Tooth Surgery
Surgery is required when your tooth is partially erupted, has not fully erupted and/or is impacted.
During the operation, you will receive
- Local anaesthetic
Local anesthesia is injected to numb the area, preventing you from feeling pain during the surgery.
- IV sedation
You might also be given IV sedation during the surgery. Unlike general anaesthesia where you will be fully unconscious, patients given an IV sedation will be semi-unconscious.
This means that you will not feel any pain during the procedure but will be aware of what is going on around you.
- Intravenous anaesthetic (optional): to reduce anxiety and keep you calm
The dentist will cut into your gum and remove the bone around your tooth (if required) before extracting it.
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Anaesthetic Injection
Before the extraction, our dentists at i.Dental will anaesthetise the area so you will not feel any pain.
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Tooth is Exposed and Removed
The dentist will surgically expose the tooth and bone before removing the wisdom tooth.
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Stitching of Gums
After your tooth has been extracted, your gums will be stitched back.
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Post-Treatment
You may experience temporary swelling and pain once the anaesthetic wears off.
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Cost of a Wisdom Tooth Extraction
A simple extraction will cost you $192.60 – $267.50 per tooth (includes GST).
You will not be allowed to use your MediSave for this procedure.
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Cost of a Wisdom Tooth Surgery
Wisdom tooth surgery will cost between $695.50 – $1,658.50 per tooth (includes GST).
MediSave can be used to pay for the partial cost of the procedure. You are allowed to claim up to S$950 per tooth and this amount depends on the complexity of your surgery.
Patients with at least $2,000 in their MediSave accounts
You will only be required to pay the difference between the total amount payable and the amount you can claim from MediSave.
Here is an example of how the payment scheme will work:
Cost of surgery $2,000
Amount claimable from MediSave $1,900 ($950 per tooth)
Amount you need to pay $100
Patients with Less than $2,000 in their MediSave Accounts
If you have less than $2,000 in your MediSave account, the full sum of the procedure will be collected. Thereafter, your MediSave claim will be processed and a cheque made payable to you will be issued. This process will take approximately 2 months.
Patients with No MediSave Accounts
If you do not have a MediSave account, you have 2 options:
- Option 1: Pay using an interest-free credit card instalment plan. Payment will be spread out over 12 months.
- Option 2: Use your immediate family’s MediSave account to pay for your surgery. This includes your siblings, parents, grandparents, spouse or children.
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Decades of Experience
With over 30 years of experience, our team of qualified dentists have accumulated the expertise and knowledge required to provide you with quality treatment.
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Our Technology
Planmeca Cone Beam CT Scan (CBCT): With this 3D x-ray system, it allows for informed treatment planning, avoiding vital structures like nerves.
FAQs
It is a must if the wisdom tooth is decayed or impacted. If not removed, they could cause gum infection, gum disease and also, decay on adjacent teeth.
Aside from that, if you experience the following recurring issues, it is advised to get your teeth checked.
- Recurring gum pain (aka pericoronitis)
- Regular food trap
- Improper hygiene potentially leading to decay of both the wisdom teeth and their neighbouring teeth
Yes, you do! Delaying the procedure may lead to further complications.
If you are prone to dental anxiety, a sedation anaesthetic can be administered via an intravenous line in your arm.
- If wisdom tooth erupts during orthodontic treatment
You can have your wisdom teeth extracted during orthodontic treatment if necessary.
For braces: wisdom teeth removal will not affect the braces treatment and braces will not affect your recovery from the removal.
For Invisalign: your dentist may advise you to stop wearing aligners for a bit while healing. However, this should not affect your progress.
Each case is unique so it’s best to consult the dentist who planned your treatment, before removing your wisdom teeth.
- If wisdom tooth erupts after orthodontic treatment has completed
According to Dr. Pua, to maintain your results, it is important to wear retainers. A fully erupted wisdom tooth is usually less troublesome than an impacted wisdom tooth which can potentially pose a problem after your treatment.
Working closely with your dentist can help to reduce the severity of the problems resulting from your wisdom tooth.
A wisdom tooth extraction will typically take about 20 minutes to complete.
A wisdom tooth surgery, on the other hand, will generally take between 30 mins – 60 mins.
Wisdom tooth extraction:
You will not be allowed to use your MediSave for this procedure as it is non-surgical.
However, you may use your CHAS, Merdeka Generation or Pioneer Generation cards to get subsidies for simple extractions.
Wisdom tooth surgery:
MediSave can be used to pay for the partial cost of the procedure. You are allowed to claim up to S$950 per tooth and this amount depends on the complexity of your surgery.
FAQs
You will be given 1 – 2 days of MC for your wisdom tooth extraction.
Depending on your dentist, you will typically be given 5 days of MC after a wisdom tooth surgery.
It can take up to 2 weeks for you to fully recover from your wisdom tooth removal.
Here are some do’s and don’ts after removing your wisdom tooth:
Do’s
- Bite on the gauze pad on your wound for 10 minutes to stop the bleeding
- Take prescribed painkillers if required
- Place ice packs on your cheeks to minimise swelling
- Take high calorie and high protein soft foods
Don’ts
- Avoid mouth rinsing and spitting
- Avoid any vigorous activity
- Avoid using straws
- Avoid drinking carbonated, caffeinated or hot beverages, and alcoholic drinks
- Avoid smoking
It may last for another 24 – 48 hours. But in general, bleeding should stop before you leave the clinic.
Bleeding is normal after the surgery. You may control it by trying the following:
- Place a clean gauze pad over the wound and bite for 10 minutes. Repeat this as required.
- Avoid chewing on the gauze as it might increase bleeding.
24 – 72 hours.
Pain medicine should be taken as prescribed not only after feeling the pain.
Note that the medication may cause drowsiness, so do not partake in activities such as driving or machinery work.
It is essential to keep up with your oral hygiene and dental health to prevent complications.
You are advised to
- Brush your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush
- Avoid the wound when brushing
- Cleanse your mouth with warm salt water or an antibacterial mouthwash