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 eruption of wisdom tooth?
The 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.
Wisdom Tooth Removal 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 condition and the status of the adjacent teeth and bone.
Wisdom Tooth Surgery
During the surgery, the tooth and surrounding area will be numbed by the 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.
How Much Does It Cost to Have Wisdom Teeth Removed?
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 | 1,016.50 – 1,605 per site (w/ GST) |
|---|
1250 claimable from Medisave
Problems Caused by Impacted Wisdom Teeth
The growth of wisdom teeth can cause several complications, such as:
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 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.
After Wisdom Tooth Surgery
- Bite hard on the gauze for at least an hour.
- Do not change the gauze too frequently (keep 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 wound area and bite firmly for 30 minutes.
- If profuse bleeding persists, please call us at 64751028.
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 Smilepoint Dental.
Wisdom Tooth Surgery FAQs
Can I use Medisave for my wisdom teeth surgery?
Yes, you can! Smilepoint dental is a Medisave accredited dental clinic. To ensure a fuss-free process, all claims are processed by us and there is no need for upfront cash payment.
Our wisdom tooth surgery cost from 950 – 1500 per site.
Non-surgical wisdom tooth removals are not Medisave claimable and are $350 per tooth.
Can I remove my wisdom tooth on the same day as my consultation?
This depends on the dentist available. If you book with our specialist oral surgeon and if time permits, we can arrange for the same day. If you are in pain, rest assured that we will do our best to address that. Whether or not your wisdom tooth can be extracted the day itself also depends on the condition of your tooth, paperwork, medications before surgery etc.
Can I get all my wisdom teeth removed together?
Yes, it is possible to remove all your wisdom teeth together. However, in some cases, for recovery and ease of eating food after the surgery, we may recommend removing 2 teeth at one time rather than all at the same time. Another exception is if you have any medical conditions, we may remove one side first to check your healing. Depending on your oral condition, we may give you medication to reduce swelling before we proceed. Our ethos is to always do what works best for our patients, to ensure that surgery is less painful and with fewer risks of complications.
How many days of Medical Certificate will I receive?
We issue 5-8 days for surgery after wisdom tooth surgery. For normal extraction, we will provide 1-2 days Medical Certificate.
Do I have to remove the stitches?
Yes, although they are advanced self-dissolving stitches, we would recommend removal at 7 days so food doesn’t get trapped. It doesn’t hurt to have stitches removed and only takes a few seconds to remove. After a month, we will also follow up to check for proper healing and remove the superficial stitches but keep the internal stitches to prevent agitating the wound.
Still have burning questions about wisdom tooth surgery? We’ve got you covered. Check out our FAQs on Wisdom Teeth.