Anaesthetic Injection
Before the extraction, your dentist will anaesthetise the area so you will not feel any pain.
Wisdom Tooth Extraction and Surgery
Wisdom teeth are difficult to clean and the build-up of excessive plaque on them will result in a higher likelihood of developing gum diseases and cavities.
They can put pressure on other teeth which will affect the alignment or damage your molar teeth. Hence, after reaching a certain age, most people tend to have their wisdom teeth removed.
Difference between Wisdom Tooth Surgery and Wisdom Tooth Extraction
Depending on the state of your wisdom teeth, it will determine whether a regular extraction or surgery is required.
If your tooth is visible but not impacted, a simple extraction is sufficient.
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.
The entire process will take about 20 minutes.
Surgery is required when your tooth
- has not erupted from the gum line (i.e. not visible),
- has not fully erupted and/or
- is impacted.
Impacted wisdom teeth are those that do not have sufficient room at the back of the mouth to develop normally.
During the operation, you will receive
- Local anaesthetic
- 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.
The entire operation will take between 30 mins – 60 mins.
If your tooth is visible but not impacted, a simple extraction is sufficient.
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.
The entire process will take about 20 minutes.
Surgery is required when your tooth
- has not erupted from the gum line (i.e. not visible),
- has not fully erupted and/or
- is impacted.
Impacted wisdom teeth are those that do not have sufficient room at the back of the mouth to develop normally.
During the operation, you will receive
- Local anaesthetic
- 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.
The entire operation will take between 30 mins – 60 mins.
Preparing for Wisdom Tooth Surgery
Prior to your surgery, it is advised to do the following:
- Have a light meal 1 – 2 hours before the surgery
After the procedure is done, you will find difficulty eating and drinking due to the numbness.
- Brush and floss your teeth
Cleaning your teeth thoroughly will ensure that all plaque is removed, decreasing any risks of a post-surgery wound infection.
- Ensure that someone is available to bring you home
Once the surgery is completed, you may feel groggy and unsettled because of the anaesthetic administered. Getting someone to take you home would be a safer option.
Wisdom Tooth Surgery Process
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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.
To ensure a smooth recovery, you will usually get 4-5 days MC.
What to Do After the Wisdom Tooth Surgery?
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Bite on a gauze for 10 minutes
After the surgery, 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.
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Take Prescribed Painkillers When Necessary
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.
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Use Ice Packs to Reduce Swelling
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.
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Avoid Mouth Rinsing and Spitting
You are advised to avoid rinsing, spitting and anything that may remove the blood clot and cause more bleeding.
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Avoid Any Vigorous Activity
Refrain from engaging in any intense activities that may cause discomfort. Only resume such activities when you are ready.
What to Eat and Avoid Eating After the Wisdom Tooth Surgery?
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Drink Plenty of Fluids
During the first few days post op, you should make up for your limited food intake by increasing fluids. A minimum of 5 glasses of liquid should be consumed to prevent dehydration.
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Avoid Using Straws
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.
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Avoid Drinking Hot or Carbonated Drinks
The best liquids to drink are water, milk or juice. Carbonated drinks should be avoided as they will cause your blood clot to dislodge.
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Consume Soft Foods That Are Easy to Chew
It is advised that you consume soft foods and chew using non-surgical areas.
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Consume High Calorie and Protein Foods
Enjoying your meals may become a challenge but you will only feel energised if you eat all meals consistently. This will also speed up the healing process.
Recommended foods include mashed potatoes, bananas and scrambled eggs.
FAQs
Simple Extraction: $74.90 – $192.60 (Incl. GST)
Wisdom Tooth Surgery: $749.00 – $1,016.50 (Incl. GST)
MediSave Subsidies
Wisdom Tooth Surgery is claimable up to S$950 per tooth
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.
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
Why Choose i.Dental?
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Decades of Experience
With every treatment, you will be attended to by a team of qualified dentists.
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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.
