Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Who Needs a Wisdom Tooth Extraction?

Not everyone needs to get their wisdom teeth removed. However, if the teeth erupt at angles that may impinge and damage adjacent teeth, they can be prone to infection. Suitable candidates for this dental procedure often include those experiencing the following conditions:

• Pain and Swelling Around the Jaw: One of the first signs you might need a wisdom tooth extraction is discomfort in the back of your mouth. This pain may radiate towards the jaw, indicating that your wisdom teeth may damage or put pressure on neighbouring molars.

• Inflamed Gum: If the gums around your wisdom teeth appear red, swollen, or tender, it might be time to consider removal. This inflammation can make cleaning difficult, leading to further oral hygiene issues.

• Bad Breath or Unpleasant Taste in the Mouth: When your oral hygiene is compromised, and the wisdom tooth starts to decay, you may notice an unpleasant taste in the mouth. This may indicate infection caused by wisdom teeth that haven’t fully erupted or are impacted.

• Jaw Issues: Problems with opening and closing your mouth, or general jaw discomfort, can sometimes be attributed to your wisdom teeth.

• Crowding of Nearby Teeth: Wisdom teeth can cause misalignment in your existing teeth by pushing against them. This crowding is not just a cosmetic issue but can also lead to difficulty cleaning your teeth properly.

• Repeated Infection of Soft Tissue Behind the Lower Last Tooth: The position of wisdom teeth can make them hard to reach with a toothbrush, leading to potential recurring infections in the surrounding soft tissue.

Why Should You Remove Your Wisdom Tooth?

Deciding whether to undergo wisdom tooth extraction can be a significant choice. However, it is crucial to evaluate the risks associated with leaving problematic wisdom teeth untreated. Here are some reasons to consider wisdom tooth removal:

• Cyst Formation: Wisdom teeth may lead to the development of cysts around the tooth. These cysts are not only painful but may also cause damage to jawbones, nerves, and surrounding teeth.

• Teeth Decay: Partially erupted wisdom teeth may be difficult to clean, increasing the risk of decay. This decay may spread to neighbouring teeth, potentially leading to more significant dental issues.

• Gum Disease: Their position makes wisdom teeth challenging to clean, making them a hotspot for bacteria. This may result in painful gum disease and infection, affecting oral health.

• Teeth Crowding: An often overlooked consequence of wisdom teeth is crowding. As they emerge, they may shift other teeth out of alignment, disrupting previously straightened teeth and sometimes necessitating orthodontic treatment.

• Unmanageable Pain: Wisdom teeth may cause severe pain and discomfort, especially when they become impacted or infected. This may affect your daily life, causing difficulties with eating and speaking.

Preparing for Your Wisdom Tooth Surgery

A wisdom tooth surgery typically begins with a consultation with a dental practitioner. During this session, you will receive professional insights into the dental procedure. At the same time, this is an opportunity for you to discuss any concerns and gain clarity on what to expect.

Aside from the consultation, a critical part of the preparation involves sharing your medical history and current medications with the team at your chosen dental clinic in Singapore. This information will help them design a treatment plan tailored to your unique needs.

Since a wisdom tooth extraction involves anaesthesia, arranging your transportation is crucial. We recommend having a family member or friend drive you home post-surgery for your safety. If you choose sedation anaesthesia, you will be required to fast before the surgery to minimise any risks during the procedure.

Like any dental procedure, we recommend planning for some time off from work or school to allow for proper rest and healing. The duration of this rest period may vary depending on the individual case. 

Wisdom Tooth Extraction Procedure

Before the procedure, the team at your chosen dental clinic will administer local anaesthesia, numbing the area around your wisdom tooth for optimal comfort during the procedure. Alternatively, you may opt for sedation anaesthesia to minimise your level of awareness.

Once the area feels numb, your dental specialist will make a surgical cut in the gum to create flaps and expose the teeth and bone underneath. This will allow them to access and remove the tooth from its root.

In some instances, where a bone blockage obstructs the extraction path, your dentist will help remove the necessary bone to free the tooth. For larger wisdom teeth, the procedure may require sectioning them into smaller, more manageable pieces. This will facilitate the removal, minimising discomfort.

Once the tooth is extracted, the area will be thoroughly cleaned to prevent any risk of infection. The gum flaps will then be carefully repositioned and secured with stitches, designed to dissolve or be removed during a subsequent follow-up appointment, aiding in the healing process.

Post-Surgery: Recovery and Care

Following your wisdom tooth surgery, it is advisable to adhere to the guidelines recommended by your dental practitioner to aid your recovery. Managing the initial discomfort while ensuring proper healing will be your top priority.

Immediately after the extraction, you may experience some level of discomfort or pressure in the area where your wisdom tooth was extracted. This may be relieved by taking prescribed medications and consuming soft foods for the first few days to minimise irritation at the surgical site.

Subsequently, you will be required to maintain good oral hygiene to minimise the risks of infection. To keep the area clean, you may rinse your mouth with warm salt water, especially after eating. Minimising strenuous activities for several days is advisable to minimise the risk of bleeding and swelling.

Once the wound heals, your dental clinic may schedule a follow-up appointment to check your healing progress and remove any stitches, if necessary.

Managing Risk of Infection and Inflammation after Surgery

Post-surgery infection and inflammation are risks you may want to take seriously. Here’s how you can manage and reduce these risks:

• Keep the Surgical Area Clean: As mentioned above, gentle rinsing with warm salt water helps keep the area clean. Avoid vigorous rinsing or touching the area with your fingers or tongue.

• Recognise the Signs of Infection: Be aware of symptoms like increased pain, swelling, redness, or a foul taste in your mouth. If you notice any of these signs, contact your dental clinic immediately.

• Follow the Prescribed Medication Regimen: If your dental clinic prescribes antibiotics or other medications, take them as directed to minimise the risk of infection.

• Smoking and Alcohol: Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption as they can delay the healing process and increase the risk of infection.

Cost of Wisdom Tooth Removal

Understanding the cost of wisdom tooth removal is crucial for anyone considering this dental procedure. The expense may vary based on the following factors as each patient’s experience is as personalised as their dental needs.

• Complexity of the Case: The position and development stage of the wisdom tooth, especially if impacted, can require a more complex procedure, affecting cost.

• Number of Teeth Removed: Costs may increase with the number of wisdom teeth extracted due to more time and resources needed.

• Type of Anaesthesia: Options range from local anaesthesia to sedation or general anaesthesia, with costs varying accordingly.

• Clinic’s Specialty and Location: A dental clinic in Jurong East may have different pricing structures than the practices located in prime locations like the CBD.

• Post-Operative Care and Follow-Up Appointments: Essential for recovery, these may add to the overall expense of the treatment.

If you are interested to learn more about the pricing structure in Singapore, please visit the dedicated page for wisdom tooth removal cost. Here, you will find helpful information that will assist you in preparing financially for your wisdom tooth extraction.