The human mouth is composed of a total of 32 teeth, each serving specific functions. Among these, there are eight incisors, four canines, eight premolars, and 12 molars, which include wisdom teeth.
Wisdom teeth, also referred to as third molars, are the final set of teeth located at the back of your mouth. Unlike other teeth, they usually erupt during late adolescence or early adulthood, typically between the ages of 17 and 21. Most adults have four wisdom teeth, two located at the top and two at the bottom sides of the jaw.
Impacted/partially erupted lower and upper wisdom teeth may sometimes result in tooth pain due to food impaction or gum inflammation in that region.
Your wisdom tooth will need the extraction to address the problems or prevent issues that may arise in the future. This is because you may face several issues with malpositioned wisdom teeth, such as infection, pain and difficulty chewing. At Family Dental Centre Singapore, we provide MediSave claimable wisdom tooth removal surgery that is safe, quick, and affordable.
Wisdom tooth surgery is required under the following circumstances:
Please note that these signs and symptoms should be assessed by a dental professional to determine the need for wisdom tooth extraction.
Wisdom tooth extraction offers several advantages:
Before wisdom tooth extraction, you will be anaesthetised in one of two ways:
During wisdom tooth surgery, a small incision will be made to your gum to access your tooth. Any bone covering the tooth may be removed accordingly. Your dentist in Singapore may cut the tooth into smaller parts and rock it to facilitate removal.
The procedure for wisdom tooth extraction typically involves several stages to ensure a safe outcome:
During the initial consultation, our dental team will conduct a dental assessment to evaluate the condition and position of your wisdom teeth. Based on the assessment, a treatment plan will be created, and the purpose and risks of wisdom tooth removal surgery will be thoroughly explained.
Before the extraction, and depending on your treatment plan, sedation or general anaesthesia may also be administered. The extraction procedure may involve a minor surgical technique if the wisdom tooth is positioned beneath the gum line. The gum tissue will be gently lifted to access the tooth, and if necessary, the tooth may be sectioned for removal. After the tooth is extracted, the area will be sterilised, and the gums will be stitched back together.
Following the procedure, proper post-operative care is essential for healing and recovery. Minor bleeding from the extraction site is normal and can be controlled by biting down on a gauze pad. Painkillers, antibiotics, and antiseptic mouthwash may be prescribed to prevent complications.
Proper after-care following a wisdom tooth extraction is essential to promote healing and manage discomfort. Here are some helpful tips for a smooth recovery:
We understand that wisdom tooth removal surgery can be intimidating. Rest assured that our experienced dentists at Family Dental Centre will ensure your extraction experience is as comfortable and pain-free as possible. Singaporeans and PRs may also use Medisave to offset wisdom tooth surgery costs. Teleconsult our dentists or book an appointment at your nearest clinic in Singapore now.
In the context of wisdom tooth extraction, MediSave can be used to cover a portion of the surgical expenses. It is important to note that MediSave claims are applicable for surgical procedures such as wisdom tooth surgery, fractured retained root removals, and dental implants but not for simple extractions. Therefore, if you are planning to undergo wisdom tooth surgery, you have the option to utilise MediSave claims to partially offset the cost of the procedure.
To make a MediSave claim for a wisdom tooth extraction, you will need to follow a simple process. Before undergoing the surgical extraction, the dental clinic will provide you with a MediSave claim form, which requires your signature. It is important to bring your Singaporean Identity Card for verification purposes. The clinic will then submit the MediSave claim on your behalf through the designated portal. The approved amount will then be deducted from your MediSave account. Additionally, you have the option to utilise your own MediSave account or the approved MediSave accounts of your dependents, such as parents, spouse, children, or siblings.
The amount you can claim from MediSave for wisdom tooth extraction depends on various factors, like the complexity of the case and the number of teeth to be removed. For example, if the surgical procedure involves tooth division or bone removal, it may be deemed more complex. The specific claimable amount will be determined based on these aforementioned factors. Under the MediSave Scheme, you can utilise your MediSave savings to cover the costs of wisdom tooth removal surgery at a participating private dental clinic. The claimable amount falls within the day surgery limits, which can range from $300 per day for daily hospital charges to a fixed limit ranging from $250 to $7,550 for different types of operations.
If you require a surgical procedure for wisdom tooth extraction at a participating clinic in Singapore, you may be able to claim the cost under MediSave. However, your eligibility and the specific amount claimable varies based on several terms and conditions. Your chosen clinic will be able to offer further advice and guidance.
Your wisdom tooth surgery should not be painful as you will be anaesthetised before the procedure. However, it is common to experience discomfort at the extraction site after the anaesthetic has worn off. The pain typically lasts two to three days, but soreness and more complex cases or multiple extractions may require seven to 10 days.
The healing time for wisdom tooth surgery varies. Swelling often improves within two to three days, enabling you to resume your daily activities. If you experience jaw tightness or if your extraction procedure is complex and involves multiple teeth, seven to 10 days are required. You will typically recover from any mild bruising within two weeks.
If wisdom teeth that are already causing issues are not removed, they can lead to various complications. These include overcrowding of the teeth, increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease, cyst formation, jaw pain, and potential damage to adjacent teeth.
The duration of wisdom teeth removal varies depending on the complexity of the case. Non-surgical extractions generally take around 30 minutes per tooth, while surgical procedures can range from 30 to 60 minutes per tooth. The exact time required for the surgery will be determined by the specific circumstances and requirements of each individual.
After wisdom teeth removal, it is recommended to stick to a soft food diet for the initial days of recovery. You can gradually introduce solid foods as tolerated. It’s important to avoid hot, spicy, and hard foods that can irritate the extraction site. It is best to follow your dentist’s instructions for a smooth recovery.
Preparing for wisdom teeth removal involves a few steps to ensure a smooth procedure and recovery. Follow your dentist’s instructions, which may include arranging for someone to drive you home and taking any prescribed medications as directed. Clear communication with your dentist and understanding the pre-operative guidelines are essential for a smooth experience.
Established in 2003, Family Dental Centre (FDC) is a leading chain of dental clinics in Singapore with the core mission of delivering quality and affordable dental care across the entire community. Aside from being a valued member of the Oracare Group, we are also recognised by the Singapore Medical Council and the Ministry of Health for our commitment to delivering quality dental services. This commitment has also earned us a feature in Dental Asia. We also take immense pride in being listed on HealthHub, Singapore’s leading health portal, further cementing our dedication to community-focused healthcare.
Our team at Family Dental Centre continuously pursues excellent customer experience, taking the time to understand the unique needs of our patients. Our expansion to 12 strategically located outlets is a testament to our commitment to accessibility, complemented by a dedicated team of 32 elite dental surgeons. Each medical staff member undergoes consistent, rigorous training to meet your unique dental needs with personalised, top-tier care. Acknowledging Singapore’s rich cultural and linguistic diversity, our team is proficient in multiple languages, including English, Mandarin, and Malay, ensuring a more seamless and understanding healthcare experience for our diverse clientele.
With Family Dental Centre, you’re not just accessing a dental service; you’re choosing a healthcare partner dedicated to lifelong excellence in your dental well-being. Learn more about FDC and discover why we are the right choice for your dental care needs.
For more information, please contact our friendly customer service team
