WISDOM TEETH REMOVAL

Wisdom Teeth Removal

The wisdom tooth, also known as the third molar, begins to erupt at around the ages of 16 to 20 years old. In many cases, there is insufficient space in the jaw to accommodate the wisdom teeth. This results in the tooth erupting at an odd angle (known as impaction) and seen to emerge only partially through the gums.

This may result in food being trapped between the tooth and gums, leading to dental problems such as tooth decay and gum disease. Removal of an impacted wisdom tooth requires surgery to section the tooth and to remove it in several parts.

Wisdom tooth removal is a simple, routine surgical procedure that can be performed comfortably in one office visit.

It can be removed either via simple wisdom tooth extraction or in the case of an impacted wisdom tooth it can be removed via a wisdom tooth surgery. In the case of simple wisdom tooth extraction, the wisdom tooth is extracted without any need for surgery and the procedure is done under local anesthesia.

In an impacted wisdom tooth or difficult wisdom tooth extraction, wisdom tooth surgery is performed under local anesthesia or general anesthesia. In local anesthesia, the surgeon will administer local anesthetic and proceed with the surgery once the surgical site is numb. An incision will be made at the surgical site and the bone and tooth exposed. The bone may need to be removed in some cases to enable the wisdom tooth to be elevated and the wisdom tooth may need to be sectioned or cut to facilitate the removal. Once the impacted wisdom tooth is successfully delivered, the surgical site will be irrigated and cleansed.

Fees

Procedures Covered	Medisave Withdrawal Limit (S$)
Without tooth division	Up to $350
With tooth division	Up to $950
Deep & with tooth division	Up to $1,250

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the dentist determine if I need to remove my wisdom tooth?

Our dentist will take a dental X-ray and perform thorough examination so as to assess the condition of your wisdom teeth and make recommendations on whether they should be removed. An x-ray will confirm the number of wisdom teeth in a person’s mouth, indicate whether any of these teeth are unerupted and allows full radiographic examination of the upper and lower jaw architecture and all the existing teeth.

The risks and benefits of wisdom teeth removal will be explained and discussed.

Is an impacted wisdom tooth a problem?

Impacted wisdom tooth may grow at a wrong angle and into neighbouring tooth or stop growing while only partially emerged from the gum. This can result in pain and swelling if infected or tooth decay due to trapped food. The damage may extend to the adjacent healthy teeth and the surrounding jawbones. Impacted wisdom teeth can also develop into cysts, abscess and tumours.

I do not feel any pain or suffer from any problems. Can I leave my wisdom tooth alone?

It is common for an impacted wisdom tooth to show no significant symptoms and it is difficult to predict when an impacted tooth may cause problems, which normally happens later in life. Very often, we see the condition of the good tooth in front of an impacted wisdom tooth deteriorate due to the position of the wisdom tooth. If the wisdom tooth is deeply embedded, it may be possible to leave it and review with x-rays regularly. An asymptomatic deeply embedded wisdom tooth may turn into a cyst and will require a more extensive surgery to remove the tooth.

Can we straighten an impacted wisdom tooth?

When should I have the impacted tooth removed?

It is recommended that wisdom teeth are removed during teenage years or in the early 20s. People in this age group recover faster.

How long will the procedure take?

The procedure normally takes approximately 15 to 45 minutes, including preparation time.

Are there any risks with wisdom teeth removal?

It is a safe procedure. Due to the location of the wisdom teeth, a rare complication is numbness of the tongue, lip or chin. This happens very rarely and when it does it is usually temporary.

Will I be able to chew normally after my wisdom teeth are removed?

Wisdom teeth are usually non-functional. You will not suffering from lack of chewing ability because of wisdom teeth removal.

When will I be able to resume daily activities?

You can resume normal daily activities within a few hours.

Will I be in pain?

In some cases, you may experience some swelling and mild discomfort. It is crucial to take the prescribed medication and following our post-surgery care instructions for a speedy recovery.

What are the possible complications?

Infection: Most are minor and will subside with local incision and drainage, and antibiotics. The whole course of antibiotics should be completed.

Tooth root fracture: The roots may be retrieved or left in situ. The dentist may decide to leave the root in situ if there is no pathology or if the root is very close to the nerve or at an unfavourable anatomical site.

Dry socket: This occurs when blood clot is dislodged from the extraction site and bone is exposed in the early healing stage. It is usually seen in women on oral contraceptive pills and smokers. If you experience a constant throbbing pain that lasts for many days, contact the dentist.

Numbness or altered sensation: An impacted lower wisdom tooth may be close to the nerve. When the nerve is injured during extraction, it will usually heal. Bruising of the nerve may cause numbness, tingling and loss of feeling in teeth, lips, cheeks, tongue, chin and gum and it may be temporary or permanent.

Displaced tooth: In some cases, an impacted tooth may be displaced into the sinus and the different spaces around the jaw.
Jaw fracture

What should I do after my wisdom tooth removal?

Please refer to Oral Surgery: Post-Surgery Care

WISDOM TEETH REMOVAL