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Wisdom Tooth Removal & Surgery

Wisdom Tooth Removal & Surgery in Singapore - Newlife Dental Practice

Wisdom Tooth Removal & Surgery in Singapore: Alleviate Pain & Prevent Future Complications

Dealing with pain, swelling, or pressure at the back of your mouth? It could be your wisdom teeth.

At Newlife Dental Practice, we help you decide if removal is necessary — and make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible. 

What Are Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth, or third molars, usually erupt in your late teens to early twenties, a time when most of your other teeth are already well established.

While some people experience no issues when their wisdom teeth emerge, many find the process uncomfortable or even painful. Because there is often limited space in the jaw, wisdom teeth can grow at odd angles, push against neighbouring teeth, or become trapped beneath the gum line.

In many cases, they don’t fully emerge or can become impacted, leading to discomfort or dental issues that require wisdom tooth removal. 

Signs You May Need Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Wisdom tooth removal is one of the most common procedures in oral surgery, but not everyone with wisdom teeth will need removal. A wisdom tooth that has erupted in position without pain or infection need not be removed. However, some signs might indicate that extraction is necessary. If you experience any of the following, it’s a good idea to see a dentist:

  • Pain or swelling around the back of your mouth, especially when wisdom teeth begin to emerge.
  • Gum infection or redness around the wisdom teeth area, which might suggest an impacted tooth.
  • Crooked or misaligned teeth as a result of wisdom teeth pushing against adjacent teeth.
  • Cysts or tumours that develop around the wisdom teeth can cause damage to your jawbone and nerves.
  • Difficulty opening your mouth due to pain or swelling.

When to See a Dentist?

If you’re noticing pain or discomfort in the back of your mouth, it’s best to visit your dentist early. Delaying treatment can cause the condition to worsen, leading to more severe issues like infection, bone damage and gum disease.

Early detection can help prevent complications and make the extraction process smoother. Your dentist may take X-rays to find out the position of the wisdom teeth and determine whether removal is necessary for you.

Why Do Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?

There are several reasons why your dentist might recommend the removal of your wisdom teeth. The most common include:
  • Impaction: As mentioned earlier, wisdom teeth may become impacted, meaning they don’t have enough space to emerge properly and can get trapped beneath the gums or against adjacent teeth.
  • Infection: Partially erupted wisdom teeth can give rise to a flap of gum tissue where bacteria can thrive, leading to painful infections.
  • Alignment Problems: When wisdom teeth push against nearby teeth, they can cause crowding or misalignment, making it difficult to clean your teeth thoroughly and increasing the risk of decay.
  • Cysts or Tumours: Sometimes, wisdom teeth can form cysts or even tumours that could potentially damage the surrounding bone and nerves.
The dentist will determine the need for wisdom teeth removal based on the position of the teeth, your age and your current oral health.

Types of Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Wisdom tooth extractions are of two types: non-surgical and surgical. The method used is dependent on the positioning of the wisdom teeth and whether they have fully erupted.

Non-Surgical Wisdom Tooth Extraction

In some cases, wisdom teeth are fully erupted and accessible above the gum line. When this happens, the extraction can be done as a non-surgical procedure.

Your dentist injects anaesthesia into the gums to numb the area around the tooth, then uses specialised tools to loosen and remove it. This method is straightforward and has a shorter recovery period.

Surgical Wisdom Tooth Extraction

If the wisdom teeth are impacted or embedded beneath the gum line, you may need a wisdom tooth surgery. This involves making an incision in the gum to access the tooth. Depending on the situation, the tooth may be removed as a whole or broken into smaller pieces for easier removal.

Benefits of Wisdom Tooth Removal

Wisdom tooth removal doesn’t just address immediate pain, it also preserves your long-term oral health and prevents future complications.

Pain Relief: It eliminates the pain associated with impaction, infection, or overcrowding, allowing you to enjoy a more comfortable mouth.

Prevention of Dental Problems: Removing problematic wisdom teeth helps prevent common dental problems, such as decay and gum disease.

Protection for Nearby Teeth: Wisdom tooth removal protects your other teeth from unnecessary strain or damage.

Improved Oral Hygiene: Wisdom teeth removal reduces the risk of food becoming trapped, which in turn reduces the likelihood of bacterial growth and decay.

Orthodontic Stability: Removing wisdom teeth prevents them from crowding or shifting surrounding teeth.

Our Wisdom Tooth Removal Procedure (Step-by-Step Process)

At Newlife Dental Practice, we understand that the prospect of wisdom tooth extraction can be stressful for many patients. To ease your worries, we’ve designed a comprehensive, pain-free procedure that prioritises your comfort.

Stage 1: Preparation and Comfort
The area around your wisdom tooth is completely numbed using a local anaesthetic. If you’re feeling anxious about the procedure, sedation options are available to help you relax and feel at ease throughout the process.
Before we begin the extraction, we use imaging technology to get a clear view of the exact position of your wisdom tooth and its surrounding structures. This detailed assessment allows us to plan your procedure and ensure it’s performed safely.

To access the tooth, we will carefully remove a small amount of surrounding bone. This allows us to reach the tooth without causing unnecessary damage to the area.

To minimise bone removal and make the extraction easier, we may divide the wisdom tooth into smaller sections. This step ensures that we can remove the tooth through a smaller opening, leading to a less invasive procedure and quicker healing time.
Once the wisdom tooth is safely removed, we begin the healing process. We’ll provide you with clear, detailed aftercare instructions to help you manage the recovery comfortably and avoid complications.

With our step-by-step approach, you can rest assured that your wisdom tooth removal will be handled with care and expertise.

Technology and Techniques We Use for Safe and Smooth Wisdom Tooth Removal

At Newlife Dental Practice, we use various technologies to ensure your wisdom tooth extraction is precise, efficient and as comfortable as possible. Here’s what you can expect:

  • CBCT 3D Imaging
    We use Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) to get a high-resolution, 3D view of your wisdom teeth, nerves and surrounding structures. This allows us to plan your surgery with pinpoint accuracy and avoid complications.
  • Gentle Sedation Options
    For patients who feel anxious, we offer gentle sedation to help you stay relaxed throughout the procedure.
  • Digital X-rays
    For routine monitoring and post-operative checks, digital X-rays offer quick imaging with lower radiation exposure. 

Wisdom Tooth Removal Cost in Singapore

We believe in price transparency so you can make informed decisions about your dental health. Here’s a breakdown of the typical costs involved in wisdom tooth extraction at our clinic (all prices include GST):

Procedure
Estimated Cost (incl. GST)
MediSave Claimable?
CHAS Subsidy Eligible?
Consultation (incl. oral exam)$30 – $80NoNo
Digital X-rays / CBCT Scan$120 – $250NoNo
Simple Wisdom Tooth Extraction$180 – $450 per toothNoCHAS Orange, Blue, Mederka, Pioneer
Wisdom Tooth Surgery (Impacted tooth removal)$750 – $1,950 per toothYes, claimable up to $1,950No

Note: Exact pricing may vary depending on tooth position, complexity of the extraction, and imaging required. Our team will provide a detailed cost estimate after your consultation.

Payment and Subsidy Options

  • MediSave Claimable
    For surgical wisdom tooth removal, you can use your MediSave account to cover part of the cost—up to $1,950 per tooth, depending on complexity.
  • Interest-Free Instalment Plans
    We offer flexible instalment plans to make your treatment more financially manageable.
  • CHAS Blue xxxxxxx Card Holders
    Eligible for subsidies on simple extractions.

Need Help Estimating Your Fees?

We’ll walk you through your cost breakdown and any claimable amounts after your initial consultation. No hidden fees—just honest pricing and personalised care.

Recovery & Aftercare – What to Expect

Recovery after wisdom tooth removal varies from person to person. Generally, you can expect some swelling and pain for the first few days. Here’s how you can ensure a smooth recovery:

  • Pain management: You’ll be prescribed pain relievers to manage discomfort.
  • Swelling: Swelling is common, and applying ice packs can help reduce it.
  • Diet: Eat soft foods for the first couple of days and steer clear of hot or spicy foods. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
  • Oral care: Follow the dentist’s instructions on when to resume brushing your teeth and how to rinse your mouth.

Full recovery can take anywhere from one week to a few weeks, depending on the complexity of the extraction.

While wisdom tooth extraction is a routine procedure, it’s important to be aware of potential risks. Dry socket, though uncommon, can occur if the blood clot at the extraction site is disturbed, and nerve injury, also rare, may cause temporary numbness or tingling in the lip, chin, or tongue. At Newlife Dental, our experienced team uses modern imaging techniques to assess the position of your wisdom teeth thoroughly and minimise these risks.

Why Choose Newlife Dental Practice for Wisdom Tooth Removal & Surgery?

At Newlife Dental Practice, we are committed to providing you with a seamless and stress-free wisdom tooth removal experience in Singapore. We tailor our wisdom tooth removal plans to suit your needs, so you receive the ideal care for your situation.

Our dentists will be with you throughout the process, ensuring your comfort and care. To find out if wisdom tooth removal and surgery are for you, please book an appointment today.

Meet Dr Aaron Hoo: Your Partner for Wisdom Tooth Removal

Dr Aaron Hoo, the Director of Newlife Dental Practice, brings years of specialised experience in general dentistry, including wisdom tooth extraction. Having worked with a diverse range of patients, from children to the elderly, Dr Aaron has developed a keen understanding of the complexities involved in wisdom tooth extractions. His approach focuses on delivering precise, minimally invasive procedures that prioritise patient comfort and optimal outcomes.

Using modern diagnostic tools like CBCT (3D X-rays), Dr Aaron carefully plans each procedure to avoid complications and ensure a smooth recovery. Whether you’re experiencing discomfort from an impacted tooth or need a preventive extraction, Dr Aaron is here to help.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is wisdom tooth surgery painful?
While the procedure itself is done under anaesthesia, there may be mild discomfort during recovery. Pain can be managed with prescribed medications.
Costs can range from SGD 150 to SGD 2,500 per tooth, depending on the extent of the extraction and anaesthesia used.
Yes, Medisave can be used for medically necessary extractions, and many insurance plans cover part of the cost.
Full recovery can take a few weeks, with most people returning to normal activities within 7 to 10 days.
Soft foods like mashed potatoes, porridge and smoothies are suitable for the first few days after wisdom tooth removal.
You can usually return to work or school within 3 to 7 days, depending on the pain and swelling.
Leaving an impacted wisdom tooth untreated can lead to infection, damage to neighbouring teeth, and other complications.
Surgery is usually recommended if your wisdom teeth are impacted, infected, or causing significant discomfort.

A simple extraction takes about 20 to 40 minutes per tooth, while surgical extractions may take longer.

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