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
Why Do I Need to Remove my Wisdom Tooth?
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.
Additionally, 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.
How Will My Wisdom Tooth Be Removed?
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.
Wisdom Tooth Surgery Process
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Anaesthetic Injection
Before the extraction, your dentist will anaesthetise the area so you will not feel any pain.
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Tooth is Exposed and Removed
Your 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.
What to Do Before Removing Your Wisdom Tooth
Prior to your surgery, it is advised to do the following:
After the procedure is done, you will find difficulty eating and drinking due to the numbness.
Cleaning your teeth thoroughly will ensure that all plaque is removed, decreasing any risks of an infection.
Once the removal is completed, you may feel groggy and unsettled because of the anaesthetic administered. Getting someone to take you home would be a safer option.
After the procedure is done, you will find difficulty eating and drinking due to the numbness.
Cleaning your teeth thoroughly will ensure that all plaque is removed, decreasing any risks of an infection.
Once the removal is completed, you may feel groggy and unsettled because of the anaesthetic administered. Getting someone to take you home would be a safer option.
What to Do After Removing Your Wisdom Tooth
After the procedure, bite on the gauze pad on your wound for 10 minutes, the pressure will help to stop the bleeding. After which, it should be disposed of.
After the anaesthetic wears off, you may start to feel pain. The degree of pain varies for each individual. You should take painkillers as prescribed by your dentist if the pain is unbearable.
Within a day or two, you may notice a slight swell on your cheeks. To counter this, you can place ice packs on your face where the surgery was done right after the procedure.
You are advised to avoid rinsing, spitting and anything that may remove the blood clot and cause more bleeding.
Refrain from engaging in any intense activities that may cause discomfort. Only resume such activities when you are ready.
When drinking liquids, you should drink directly from the cup. The sucking motion from using a straw will remove the blood clot and cause bleeding.
It is advised that you consume soft foods and chew using non-surgical areas.
Additionally, you should stick to a high calorie and protein diet to help to speed up your healing process. Some examples of foods you can eat include mashed potatoes, bananas and scrambled eggs.
After the procedure, bite on the gauze pad on your wound for 10 minutes, the pressure will help to stop the bleeding. After which, it should be disposed of.
After the anaesthetic wears off, you may start to feel pain. The degree of pain varies for each individual. You should take painkillers as prescribed by your dentist if the pain is unbearable.
Within a day or two, you may notice a slight swell on your cheeks. To counter this, you can place ice packs on your face where the surgery was done right after the procedure.
You are advised to avoid rinsing, spitting and anything that may remove the blood clot and cause more bleeding.
Refrain from engaging in any intense activities that may cause discomfort. Only resume such activities when you are ready.
When drinking liquids, you should drink directly from the cup. The sucking motion from using a straw will remove the blood clot and cause bleeding.
It is advised that you consume soft foods and chew using non-surgical areas.
Additionally, you should stick to a high calorie and protein diet to help to speed up your healing process. Some examples of foods you can eat include mashed potatoes, bananas and scrambled eggs.
Complications of a Wisdom Tooth Surgery
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Bruising, Swelling, and Pain
These are common complications that will occur after surgeries. However, they can be easily managed if you follow your dentist’s post-op instructions closely.
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Dry Socket
Dry socket is a dental condition that occurs when the blood clot at the extraction fails to develop, dissolves or dislodges.
Some tell-tale signs of a dry socket are dull, throbbing pain in your jaw, bad breath, and an unpleasant taste in your mouth.
Speak to your dentist if your pain worsens in the days following the surgery or if you suspect that you have a dry socket.
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Dental Trismus
Trismus is a temporary dental condition characterised by pain and restricted mouth movement. Avoid forcing your mouth open and stick to a soft food or liquid diet to help with your recovery.
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Nerve Damage
Wisdom tooth removal may potentially cause damage to your inferior alveolar nerve and the lingual nerve. These nerves are in charge of supplying sensation to your lower teeth and tongue.
Fortunately, the risk of nerve damage is relatively low and the effects of these damages are seldom permanent.
How Much Does a Wisdom Tooth Removal Cost?
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Cost of a Wisdom Tooth Extraction
A simple extraction will cost you $180.00 – $250.00 per tooth.
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 $750.00 – $1,200.00 per tooth.
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.
How to Pay for a Wisdom Tooth Surgery with MediSave in Singapore
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. This applies to patients with at least $2,000 in their MediSave account.
Here is an example of how the payment scheme will work.
| Cost of surgery | $1200 |
| Amount claimable from MediSave | ($950) |
| Amount you need to pay | $250 |
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 can opt to pay using an interest-free credit card instalment plan. Payment will be spread out over 12 months.
You may use your MediSave to pay for the members of your immediate family. This includes your siblings, parents, grandparents, spouse or children.
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.
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.
It can take up to 2 weeks for you to fully recover from your wisdom tooth removal.
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.
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 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
Why Choose i.Dental?
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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.
