Wisdom Tooth Extraction
Wisdom tooth extraction is a common procedure that can prevent future dental complications. In Singapore, many individuals opt for early removal of their wisdom teeth to avoid issues such as overcrowding, infections, or impaction, which can cause discomfort and long-term damage to neighbouring teeth. By addressing the problem early, you not only reduce the risk of pain but also ensure a healthier, more aligned smile.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars that typically emerge in your late teens or early twenties. While some people may not experience any issues, wisdom teeth can often become problematic due to lack of space in the mouth, leading to impaction, misalignment, or infection. Our clinic offers safe and efficient wisdom tooth extraction procedures to alleviate discomfort and protect the surrounding teeth, ensuring optimal oral health.
Difference Between A Wisdom Tooth Extraction And The Extraction Of Any Other Tooth?
Wisdom tooth extraction can be very similar or even the same as the extraction of any other tooth in the mouth. However, it depends on the position of the wisdom tooth and its proximity to important structures in the mouth (e.g. nerves, sinus, other teeth, etc).
While not always the case, wisdom teeth are frequently found impacted in the rear of the mouth or emerge at an unusual angle. Consequently, they may be partially or fully embedded in the jawbone. Depending on the individual case, a wisdom tooth may then sometimes require a small surgery to be removed safely. This means that the dentist or specialist oral surgeon may need to make a small cut in the gums and remove bone around the wisdom tooth to safely extract it. Stitches will then be placed to close the gums and left to heal. While many cases of wisdom tooth removal can be performed by a general dentist, complex cases may necessitate the expertise of a specialist oral surgeon or oral maxillofacial surgeon.
Types of Wisdom Tooth Extraction
There are two main types of wisdom tooth extraction: simple extraction and surgical extraction.
Simple Extraction
This is performed when the wisdom tooth has fully erupted and is visible in the mouth. The procedure involves loosening the teeth and gently removing it.
Surgical Extraction
This is required when the tooth is impacted, meaning it hasn’t fully emerged from the gums or is trapped beneath the surface. This type of extraction involves a small incision in the gum and may require the tooth to be sectioned into smaller pieces for removal.
In Singapore, both types of procedures are performed under local anaesthetic to ensure a pain-free experience. For surgical extraction, IV sedation is also available, allowing you to remain semi-conscious and calm as the procedure takes place.
Wisdom Tooth Extraction Procedure
1. Consultation
Before the extraction, you will have a consultation with your dentist. They will assess your oral health, take X-rays, and discuss your specific needs, such as whether local anaesthetic or sedation is appropriate.
2. Anaesthesia Administration
On the day of the procedure, local anaesthetic is administered to numb the area around the wisdom tooth. If you opt for surgical extraction, IV sedation may be offered to help you relax and minimise awareness during the procedure.
3. Tooth Removal
For simple extractions, the dentist will use specialised instruments to loosen the tooth and gently remove it from its socket. In the case of surgical extractions, the dentist may need to make incisions in the gums to access the tooth, especially if it’s impacted. Rest assured that you will not feel any pain as it will be done under local anaesthesia.
4. Post-Operative Care
After the procedure, you will receive specific aftercare instructions to aid recovery. This may include pain management, dietary recommendations, and guidelines for maintaining oral hygiene.
Advantages of Wisdom Tooth Removal
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Reduction of Oral Health Risks
Partially-erupted and impacted wisdom teeth can create pockets for bacteria, increasing the risk of gum disease and cavities. Extraction reduces these risks, promoting better oral health.
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Ease of Pain and Discomfort
Wisdom teeth often lack sufficient space to emerge properly, leading to impaction which can cause pain due to swollen gums, infection, and damage to adjacent teeth. Removing them can provide immediate relief and prevent ongoing discomfort.
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Improved Alignment
Wisdom teeth can cause crowding and misalignment of existing teeth. They may require extraction during your journey to improve the alignment of your smile.
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Enhanced Oral Hygiene
With wisdom teeth removed, it becomes easier to maintain good oral hygiene, reducing the risk of plaque buildup and dental problems.
Understanding the Risks of Wisdom Tooth Removal
While wisdom tooth removal is a common dental procedure, it is essential to be aware of potential risks involved in order to make informed decisions.
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Infection
Following extraction, there is a risk of infection at the extraction site if not kept clean. Proper aftercare is crucial to minimise this risk.
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Dry Socket
This occurs when the blood clot at the extraction site becomes dislodged or dissolves, exposing the underlying bone. It can lead to significant discomfort and requires additional treatment.
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Nerve Damage
Although rare, there is a risk of nerve damage during the extraction procedure. This can result in temporary or permanent numbness or tingling in the lip, chin, or tongue.
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Bleeding
Some bleeding is expected after extraction, but excessive bleeding can occur in certain cases. It is important to follow post-operative care instructions to manage bleeding effectively.
How Do I Know if I Need To Have My Wisdom Teeth Extracted?
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Pain or discomfort
Pericoronitis sometimes develops around wisdom teeth. Pericoronitis is a swelling and infection of the gums. This can cause pain, pus and difficulty opening, speaking and eating. If you are experiencing pain or discomfort in your gums at the back of your mouth caused by a wisdom tooth, it may be advisable to have it removed.
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Difficult oral hygiene contributing to dental decay
Due to their location at the back of the mouth, wisdom teeth can be difficult to clean and develop dental decay. If there is decay on a wisdom tooth, it may be advisable to have the wisdom tooth removed.
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Difficult oral hygiene contributing to gum disease
The difficulty of cleaning around a wisdom tooth can lead to gum disease developing around the wisdom tooth over time. This may result in gum inflammation, bone loss and discomfort around a wisdom tooth. If this occurs, your dentist might recommend a wisdom tooth extraction.
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Damage to adjacent teeth
Impacted wisdom teeth growing at an unusual angle can make it difficult to clean and maintain adjacent teeth. This may result in teeth adjacent to a wisdom tooth becoming decayed or developing gum disease and bone loss. Wisdom tooth extraction may help to prevent such complications.
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Presence of cysts or tumours
In rare cases, your wisdom tooth might become associated with a cyst or tumour. In such cases, your wisdom teeth may require removal to treat the cyst or tumour.
Procedure
Your dentist will first evaluate your wisdom teeth to determine if you will benefit from a wisdom tooth extraction. Dental x-rays are needed to assess a wisdom tooth, especially if the tooth is impacted (obstructed) or unerupted. Information from these x-rays will help your dentist to ascertain the complexity of a wisdom tooth extraction procedure. They will also help your dentist to determine if a standard wisdom tooth extraction (non-surgical) can be carried out, or if a wisdom tooth surgery needs to be performed instead. This careful diagnosis and planning is crucial to ensure the success and safety of the procedure, and to minimise any potential complications.
Before the procedure, local anaesthesia will be gently administered to numb the area around the wisdom tooth that will be removed. For a standard wisdom tooth extraction (non-surgical), the dentist will carefully loosen the tooth before removing the whole tooth intact. Where a wisdom tooth surgery is indicated, the dentist or specialist oral surgeon will make a small cut in the gums and remove bone around the wisdom tooth. Sometimes, the wisdom tooth may also have to be sectioned (cut into a few pieces) to allow it to be extracted completely and safely.
It is not uncommon for one to be anxious or nervous before a wisdom tooth extraction. Sedation through medication and laughing gas or general anaesthesia may be an option for you if you suffer from dental phobia or anxiety.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not all wisdom teeth require surgical removal. Some wisdom teeth can be extracted as a standard tooth extraction without any surgery. Whether a wisdom tooth surgery is required depends on the condition of the wisdom tooth, the location and the angulation of the tooth. Your dentist will evaluate your wisdom tooth carefully to determine if a surgery is required.
The cost of wisdom tooth surgery depends on the complexity of the procedure. If you are a Singaporean or Singapore Permanent Resident, MediSave claim can be used to offset or cover the cost of wisdom tooth surgery.
The recovery period varies for each individual, but it generally takes about a week to fully recover from a wisdom tooth extraction. Following your dentist’s post-operative instructions, such as maintaining good oral hygiene and avoiding smoking and vaping can help to speed up the healing process and to prevent any complications (e.g. infection) from arising. Most pain and discomfort during the first few days after an extraction can be relieved through pain medication that your dentist will prescribe you.
It is recommended to stick to a soft diet for the first few days after the procedure as softer foods may be more comfortable for you to consume. Cold foods and drinks can be soothing as the site heals, while hot and spicy foods may sometimes be irritating around the extraction site.
Avoid using a straw and disturbing the extraction site. It is essential to follow your dentist’s instructions for a smooth recovery and to avoid any disruption to the healing process. Good oral hygiene (including gentle brushing around the extraction site) and avoidance of smoking and vaping can help to speed up the healing process and to avoid potential complications.
