Wisdom Tooth Surgery
What are wisdom teeth?
Also known as third molars, wisdom teeth are found on each of the four corners of our jaws and are usually the last teeth to develop. While wisdom teeth do not give you more wisdom, they are called wisdom teeth because they generally come out when you’re older (and hopefully wiser), around the ages of 17 to 21.
Why does it hurt during the eruption of a wisdom tooth?
The eruption of wisdom teeth may hurt because they do not have enough room in the jaw to fully erupt. In some cases, they can be misaligned; possibly positioned horizontally, or angled towards or away from the other molars. If left untreated, impacted wisdom teeth can potentially harm adjacent teeth, the jawbone and the nerves. Most times, it is advised that wisdom teeth should be removed early before it causes more problems.
DentalPlus is Medisave accredited by Ministry of Health (MOH) & the Central Provident Fund (CPF) for Wisdom Teeth Surgery.
Clients are able to use Medisave to pay for most or all their dental treatment charges for this procedure. It is also possible to use an immediate family member’s (Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident) Medisave to pay. Immediate family members include spouse, children, siblings, parents and grandparents. Please call 6270 6800 or email us to enquire about our direct deduction process, no upfront cash payment required.
Surgeries at DentalPlus are performed by Dr Aidan Yeo.
Problems Caused by Impacted Wisdom Teeth
1. Tooth Decay
Plaque and food particles can gather around the partially erupted wisdom tooth, causing it and/or the adjacent tooth to rot.
2. Gum Pain and Swelling
Improperly erupted wisdom teeth are breeding grounds for bacteria and may cause infection of the overlying gums. This infection can cause pain, bad breath, limited jaw movement and swelling.
3. Crowding of teeth
Erupting wisdom teeth can push adjacent teeth out of alignment, causing crowding of teeth, also known as Malocclusion.
4. Cysts
Formation of cysts or tumours around an impacted tooth can occur, leading to the destruction of surrounding jawbone and neighbouring teeth. These conditions may require complex and extensive treatment.
As problems can develop silently, regular dental checkups are advisable.
Wisdom Tooth Surgery Process
Examination & X-ray
Our dentist will conduct an examination of the mouth and x-rays to determine the position of the wisdom teeth, their conditions, and the statuses of the adjacent teeth and bone.
Wisdom Tooth Surgery
During the surgery, the tooth and surrounding area will be numbed by local anaesthesia. You will not feel pain, but you will feel some pressure and vibrations.
Recovery
After surgery, some minor bleeding from the wound can be expected. Painkillers, antibiotics and an antiseptic mouthwash are usually prescribed too.
Wisdom Tooth Surgery Cost
This is a fee estimate & subject to change. Please check with your clinician for an exact fee based on your unique clinical condition.
| Wisdom Tooth Surgery Cost | S$ 850 – 1250 |
|---|
Almost fully claimable from Medisave
What are the risks of wisdom teeth surgery?
Wisdom teeth surgery is commonly performed and generally safe. There may be facial swelling, pain, jaw stiffness and some bleeding for up to 2 weeks. These symptoms are usually at their worst for the first 2 or 3 days, and will gradually improve.
Specific complications of having wisdom teeth removed are uncommon but may include:
Infection
Accidental damage to other teeth and jaw during surgery.
Severe pain caused by infection (dry socket)
This is when the blood clot breaks away from the wound.
Numbness in the lower lip or tongue
This can be caused by nerve damage and there is a small chance that this could be permanent.
Jaw stiffness
The mouth may not be able to open fully when the wound is healing.
Wisdom Tooth Surgery Aftercare
- Bite hard on the gauze for at least an hour.
- Do not change the gauze too frequently (keep the gauze for at least 20min) as it prevents effective clotting.
- Do not rinse vigorously or spit for at least 24 hours.
- Drink straight from the cup instead of using a straw.
- You can rinse gently a few times a day with warm salt water after 24 hours.
- Have a good rest at home.
- Avoid strenuous exercise, hot foods & drinks for the rest of the day to minimize bleeding.
- If bleeding occurs, apply clean gauze to the wound area and bite firmly for 30 minutes.
- If profuse bleeding persists, please call us at 6270 6800.
Use Medisave for Wisdom Tooth Surgery
As a CPF Medisave accredited clinic, patients are able to use Medisave to pay for their wisdom tooth removal surgery at DentalPlus.