Wisdom Tooth Removal

What is wisdom tooth removal?

Wisdom tooth removal can vary in complexity depending on the position and condition of your teeth. In some cases, it may involve a straightforward extraction of the last molar, which can be completed relatively quickly, typically lasting about 5 to 10 minutes. However, a more involved surgical procedure might be necessary for certain impacted or buried wisdom teeth.

In the case of buried wisdom teeth, the procedure may require the tooth to be divided into several pieces to facilitate easier and safer removal. This process is known as surgical wisdom tooth extraction and is commonly performed by experienced general dentists or oral surgeons. The dentist or oral surgeon will carefully assess the positioning and condition of your wisdom teeth using X-rays or other imaging techniques to determine the appropriate approach.

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Wisdom Tooth Removal Procedure

When undergoing wisdom tooth removal, your dental surgeon will begin by applying a numbing cream to the area, followed by an injection to ensure the area is thoroughly numbed. The procedure varies depending on whether the wisdom tooth is fully erupted, buried, and/or impacted.

If the wisdom tooth fully erupts, the dentist will gently loosen and twist it to remove it from the bone. However, if the tooth is buried and impacted, the gums will be carefully separated to expose the tooth, and a portion of bone may need to be removed to uncover it fully. The impacted tooth is then divided into smaller pieces and gently elevated to minimise discomfort.

The dental team uses X-rays or advanced computed tomography (CT) scans for complex cases before the procedure to visualise tricky spots before the operation, ensuring a safe and efficient process. After removal, the extraction socket is cleaned, and the gums are stitched back in place for good healing.
At An Dental, state-of-the-art equipment such as the KAVO OP3D and Focus CT scan and X-ray machine is used, providing high-resolution images with low radiation to enhance accuracy and patient safety during the procedure.

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Benefits of wisdom tooth removal

Wisdom Teeth Surgery
  • Relief from pain
  • Prevention of infections
  • Prevent dental issues on the tooth in front of the wisdom tooth
  • Cyst and tumour prevention
  • Improved oral health
  • Easier oral hygiene
  • Preventive measure(s)


Book an appointment with us today for wisdom tooth removal!

Who Needs Wisdom Tooth Removal?

Wisdom tooth removal is necessary for the following conditions:

  • Pain and discomfort
  • Infections
  • Dental issues
  • Cysts and tumours
  • Improved oral health


If you have any of the conditions above, make an appointment for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

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When Do I Usually See Them?

The average age when you see them in the mouth (if they do erupt) is 18 to 20 years of age. They are typically the last tooth in the dental arch to erupt and hence results in poor positioning and impaction due to insufficient jaw space to accommodate them.

There are two kinds of impacted wisdom teeth.

If you see a little bit of the tooth in the mouth, they are considered partially erupted.

If you don’t see or feel anything in the mouth, it does not mean that you don’t have wisdom teeth. They might be fully buried in the bone and can only be detected by dental X-rays or CT scans.

What Do I Feel If I Have Wisdom Tooth Issues?

It generally starts with a dull throb at the back of your mouth and pain on biting down on food in the affected area. You may also get a gum swelling (Pericoronitis) around the wisdom tooth. As this swelling gets bigger, you will get pus discharge and a foul smell if the gums get infected. There may also be swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck region under the jaw. If the tooth in front or the wisdom tooth is left there too long, you may even get a toothache if the dental decay is deep.

What Is The Cost Of Wisdom Tooth Removal?

It depends on the difficulty of the tooth removal, but it general, it ranges from $250 to $400 if the wisdom tooth does not require surgical removal and can be extracted.

If it is impacted and needs to be surgical , then it will usually cost between $1250 to $1500 per tooth.

Can I Use Medisave for Wisdom Tooth Removal in Singapore?

You can use Medisave for wisdom tooth removal if the following conditions apply:

  • The wisdom tooth removal procedure involves surgery, such as the extraction of an impacted wisdom tooth which is infected, partially emerged, growing at an angle or has become embedded in the gum.
  • The procedure can only be done at a Ministry of Health (MOH)-accredited dental clinic.

Routine, straightforward extractions of teeth that have fully emerged are not covered by Medisave because they do not involve surgical intervention.

An initial consultation with your dentist will help determine the position and condition of your wisdom teeth, and come up with a treatment plan suited to you.

What results can I expect from Wisdom Tooth Extraction & Surgery?

The results of wisdom tooth removal vary depending on the individual case and the complexity of the procedure. Generally, you can expect relief from pain and discomfort caused by impacted or misaligned wisdom teeth. Removal can also prevent or resolve infections like pericoronitis (inflammation of the gums surrounding the wisdom tooth) and helps prevent dental issues such as overcrowding and misalignment of other teeth. 

By extracting buried and impacted wisdom teeth, you can avoid potential complications like cysts or tumours. Overall, wisdom tooth removal aims to improve oral health and ensure a healthier and more comfortable mouth. Our dental team will provide you with specific instructions for aftercare to promote proper healing and minimise any potential post-operative discomfort.

Post-operative care includes:

You will have a follow-up appointment in 1 to 2 weeks, lasting about 20 minutes. Sutures may be removed, and oral hygiene instructions provided.

faq

Your Questions, Answered

Do I need wisdom tooth/teeth removal?

Not all wisdom teeth require removal, especially if they have fully emerged like other teeth. However, if your wisdom teeth are impacted, buried, or not growing correctly, you should consider the possibility of removal of wisdom teeth.

Why should I remove my wisdom tooth/teeth?

If you experience pain or infection (pericoronitis) caused by food and bacteria getting trapped beneath your gums, or if your wisdom tooth causes decay in the adjacent molar, we may recommend wisdom tooth removal. Other reasons include root resorption on the adjacent molar or the formation of a dental cyst related to the wisdom tooth.

Is wisdom tooth/teeth removal painful?

The pain experienced during wisdom tooth removal can vary between individuals. The procedure is typically performed under anaesthesia, so you should not feel any pain during the surgery. However, you may experience some discomfort and soreness after the anaesthesia wears off. We also provide sedation options at An Dental. You may opt for laughing gas or IV sedation for more comfort. This can be discussed with your dentist at the consultation appointment.

How many treatment sessions are needed?

The number of treatment sessions needed depends on the specific dental issue or procedure. Your dentist will advise you accordingly.

Our Doctor

Dr Tony Wong Profile Photo

Dr. Tony Wong

General dentist with special interest in wisdom tooth removal

Dr. Tony Wong graduated from the Faculty of Dentistry, National University of Singapore with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) in 1997.

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