Wisdom tooth removal is one of the most commonly performed dental procedures globally. It is aimed at maintaining oral health and preventing problems like pain, cysts, impaction of the tooth in front, infection, and overcrowding.
What is Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of molars located at the back of the mouth. They typically emerge between the ages of 17 and 21. While it is common for most people to develop four wisdom teeth, two in the upper jaw and two in the lower, some may have fewer wisdom teeth or perhaps even none at all.
Although not all wisdom teeth cause issues or require removal, complications may arise when there is inadequate space in the jaw, or if the wisdom teeth grow in the wrong direction. Misaligned wisdom teeth may grow horizontally, tilt towards or away from adjacent molars, or erupt at an inward or outward angle. This potentially leads to overcrowding, pain, or damage to nearby teeth bone or gums.
Erupting wisdom teeth can often cause discomfort, and removal is sometimes necessary to prevent or address complications. It is easier to remove wisdom teeth during young adulthood when the tooth roots are developing. (around ages 16 to 21). Roots of the wisdom teeth continue to develop as we grow older. If the wisdom tooth is impacted against another molar, the roots continue to grow and press on a nerve in our jaw. When this happens, the nerve may become intertwined with the tooth roots and make the likelihood of numbness higher if the wisdom tooth is removed in late adulthood.
Other reasons for wisdom teeth removal include:
- Pain
- Sinus issues
- Damage to the jaw or nerves
- Swollen or inflamed gums
- Formation of dental cysts
Furthermore, wisdom teeth can cause overcrowding, infection, decay, gum disease, or damage to adjacent teeth. In some cases, your dentist may recommend wisdom tooth removal to prevent serious dental issues or to maintain good oral hygiene.
When should Wisdom Teeth be removed?
You may need to remove an impacted wisdom tooth if it is causing pain, swelling, infection, decay, gum problems, or damage to nearby teeth.
An impacted wisdom tooth is a molar that is partially or completely trapped beneath the gums or jawbone, unable to fully erupt due to insufficient space in the jaw. Those with impacted wisdom teeth may find it difficult to properly clean their affected teeth, leading to plaque build-up and increasing the risk of decay, gum disease, and infection.
Impacted wisdom teeth may press against the second molars when they grow at an angle, causing misalignment or damage to adjacent teeth. Therefore, removing these molars can help restore proper teeth alignment, prevent damage to nearby teeth and gum tissue, and reduce the risk of future complications.
Wisdom Tooth Removal
Wisdom tooth extraction and surgery are two different methods of wisdom tooth removal. These are two distinct procedures performed by a dentist or oral surgeon under local or general anaesthesia. It is normal to feel pressure or hear cracking and popping sounds during the procedure due to the forces being applied to remove the tooth.
Wisdom Tooth Extraction
If your wisdom tooth is fully erupted, visible, and easily accessible within your mouth, your dentist may suggest a wisdom tooth extraction, a generally straightforward and less invasive procedure.
The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia, ensuring the area around the tooth is numb for your comfort. Specialised instruments are used to loosen the tooth from its socket in the jawbone and surrounding gum tissue. Once loosened, the tooth is gently removed using a dental forcep. In some cases, the tooth may need to be sectioned into smaller pieces for easier removal. The specific steps involved depend on the position and condition of the tooth, as well as your individual needs. After the extraction, dissolvable stitches may be used to aid in healing of the tooth extraction socket.
Wisdom Tooth Surgery
If you have impacted wisdom teeth, you may be advised by your dentist to undergo wisdom tooth surgery. This is indicated when your tooth causes you discomfort or potentially affects your oral health. Whether you require surgery or not will depend on your tooth position, the angle of your tooth eruption, and your surrounding bone structure. The procedure may be performed under local anaesthesia or IV sedation. You can also opt for general anaesthesia if the wisdom tooth surgery is more complex.
During the procedure, your dentist or oral surgeon will make an incision in the gum tissue and may drill away a small portion of the jawbone to access the impacted tooth. The tooth may also be broken into smaller pieces to facilitate delivery of the tooth roots. After removing the tooth, stitches will be used to close the area to promote healing and reduce the risk of infection.
Wisdom Tooth Extraction vs Surgery
If you are wondering whether you will require a wisdom tooth extraction or surgery, it will depend on the specific circumstances of your case. Your dentist or oral surgeon will evaluate your dental condition and recommend the best course of treatment for your unique needs. The main differences between the two procedures are outlined in the table below.
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Complexity |
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Type of anaesthesia |
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Recovery time |
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Wisdom tooth position |
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Wisdom Tooth Extraction and Surgery Cost
The cost depends on the difficulty of the tooth removal. In general, wisdom tooth extraction ranges from $250 to $400 if the tooth does not require surgical removal and can be extracted normally.
If the wisdom tooth is impacted and requires surgical removal, the cost usually ranges from $1,250 to $1,500 per tooth.
Can I Use Medisave to Help Pay for My Wisdom Tooth Removal?
MediSave can be used for wisdom tooth removal if the procedure involves surgery, such as the extraction of an impacted wisdom tooth that is infected, partially erupted, growing at an angle, or embedded in the gum. Routine, straightforward extractions of fully erupted teeth are not covered by MediSave because they do not involve surgical intervention.
You may be able to claim up to $700 per tooth for a simple surgical extraction. For complex surgical extractions, such as severely impacted teeth, you may be able to claim up to $1,400 per tooth.
Read on to learn more about how to claim MediSave for wisdom tooth surgery and the claiming details.
Wisdom Tooth Removal in Singapore
Committed to providing holistic and, well-rounded care, visit An Dental if you are having problems with your wisdom tooth or have any other oral issues. Contact us today to make an appointment.
