...

Wisdom Tooth Removal Singapore

Wisdom Tooth Removal Singapore

What are wisdom teeth?

Your wisdom teeth, also known as your third molars, are the last teeth to emerge from your gums right at the back of your mouth. You have four wisdom teeth: two at the bottom and two at the top. They usually emerge in your late teens to early twenties and is thus called because it is at the age some people associate with gaining wisdom.

However, contrary to its name, the emergence of your wisdom teeth is rarely accompanied by wisdom, it is usually accompanied with pain.

What causes wisdom tooth pain?

For some, their wisdom teeth may emerge without incidence. However, it may still cause pain due to decay since it is in a hard-to-reach space. Erupted wisdom teeth are more vulnerable to tooth decay or gum disease compared to other teeth because of their position.

When your wisdom tooth is impacted (no space to emerge/erupt), it may cause them to grow at odd angles and not in the upright direction. This may cause them to push up against neighbouring teeth thus causing some pain.

There are two types of impacted wisdom teeth:

Partially impacted

The top of the teeth (crown) can be seen.

Fully impacted

The whole tooth is stuck beneath the gums.

  1. Partially impacted and growing toward the next tooth
  2. Fully impacted and growing toward the back of the mouth
  3. Fully impacted and growing perpendicular to the next tooth; wisdom tooth is horizontal
  4. Fully impacted and growing vertically but is stuck beneath the gums

What are the symptoms of wisdom tooth pain?

Characteristics Causes
1. Red or Swollen Gums
2. Tender or Bleeding Gums
● Overlying gum swells as your wisdom tooth emerges
● Partially erupted tooth may cause food, plaque, and bacteria to get trapped, which may lead to tooth decay and a gum infection called pericontis
● Cyst and cavities
1. Jaw Pain
2. Swelling Around Jaw
3. Difficulty in Opening Mouth
● Erupting or impacted wisdom teeth presses up against neighbouring teeth, causing them to move, resulting in stiff jaws and difficulty in moving your jaw
● Misalignment of wisdom teeth
1. Bad Breath
2. Unpleasant Taste in Mouth
● Trapped food, plaque, bacteria, and other particles resulting in tooth decay and cavities

Diagnosis

When you present to your oral surgeon with symptoms of wisdom tooth pain, your surgeon will examine your mouth and teeth to determine if the pain is caused by your wisdom teeth or if something else is causing your symptoms.

Dental x-rays are then taken to see where your wisdom teeth are and if they are impacted. X-rays are also used to check for any signs of damage to your teeth or bone.

Treatment options for wisdom tooth pain in Singapore

If your wisdom teeth emerged without incidence, you can take the conservative approach and monitor it. However, patients are usually encouraged to remove them as the tooth/teeth might cause problems in the future such as decay, cavities, gum disease, or cyst. Extraction and healing are also easier with less complications in younger patients.

If your wisdom teeth are impacted and causing you pain, they will either be removed under local anaesthesia (extraction) or general anaesthesia if surgery is required.

Local Anaesthesia (Extraction) General Anaesthesia (Surgery)
How it works 1. Tooth is loosened by a tool called an elevator.
2. Once loosened, tooth is removed with forceps.
1. Small incision is made in the gums to expose the tooth.
2. Depending on the tooth, it is either removed like an extraction or may be divided and removed in parts
Patient Emerged/fully erupted wisdom teeth Partially/fully impacted wisdom teeth

Is wisdom tooth removal claimable from Medisave?

Removal of your wisdom tooth is claimable from Medisave, only if it is removed during surgery.

Wisdom Teeth Surgery Procedure Medisave Claimable
Without tooth division (breaking tooth into pieces) Up to $350
With tooth division Up to $950
Deep and with tooth division Up to $1,250

What is the recovery process like?

After extraction or surgery, you will experience some discomfort such as pain, bleeding, and swelling. Your oral surgeon will provide you with antibiotics, pain medications, and instructions on how to care for your wound.

Aftercare for your wisdom tooth removal

  • Bite down on the gauze for one to two hours; change the gauze if it becomes soaked with blood
  • Do not consume food or drinks for a few hours after surgery
  • Do not smoke
  • Consume only soft foods for two to three days after surgery
  • Rinse your mouth with salt water or antiseptic mouthwash after

Contact Information

Address: 1 Orchard Boulevard, #07-08, Camden Medical Centre, Singapore 248649

Email: tesclinicfacejaw@gmail.com

Phone: +65 6205 6168

Instagram: @tesclinic_sg

Hours

Mon – Fri: 9am – 6pm
Saturday: 9am – 1pm
Sunday: Closed

Make an Appointment