Wisdom Teeth Removal

Wisdom Tooth Removal Singapore

What are wisdom teeth?

Wisdom teeth or third molars are the last permanent teeth to erupt. There are usually four of them. These teeth usually erupt between the ages of 17 and 21. As they emerge, there may not be enough space in the jaw for them to erupt fully. As a result, wisdom teeth are often impacted, meaning that there is a physical barrier that prevents them from fully erupting in a normal position. This manifests as irregularly positioned wisdom teeth, wisdom teeth that grow in a different direction or are buried partially or fully under the gums and jawbone.

Why remove wisdom tooth?

A wisdom tooth is extracted to remove an existing problem or to prevent problems that may arise in the future. When wisdom teeth erupt, a number of problems can occur:

• Your wisdom tooth may only partially erupt due to the lack of space in your jaw. This means that a portion of the tooth is covered by a flap of gum tissue. Food debris and bacteria can get trapped under the flap and cause your gums to become red, swollen, and painful.
• Partially erupted wisdom teeth are also difficult to floss and brush. This increases the risk of decay and localized gum disease developing in the long term.
• Wisdom teeth that are unerupted and fully impacted within your jawbone also carries a small risk of forming a cyst, which can damage the jawbone, nerves and surrounding teeth.

What is the procedure of wisdom tooth removal in Singapore like?

Consultation

Your dentist will take an X-ray to locate the wisdom tooth and check its alignment and condition. It will be helpful to let your dentist know of any underlying health conditions you may have or the medication you are on. Feel free to also discuss your options on anaesthesia.

Preparing for the wisdom tooth removal surgery in Singapore

As your jaw will be numb for about 3 hours post-surgery with the wound still fresh, it is advised to eat and drink sufficiently before the surgery as eating and drinking after may be difficult. Make sure to brush your teeth well as this reduces your chances of infection during a wisdom teeth removal surgery.

During a Wisdom Tooth Removal Surgery

During the wisdom tooth removal surgery, the dentist will make an incision and lift the gums to access the wisdom tooth and surrounding bone. The tooth is sectioned and removed. Thereafter, the dentist will stitch the gums back into their original position.

What to do after wisdom teeth extraction

After wisdom teeth extraction surgery, you should: 

• Bite firmly on the piece of gauze provided. Change to a new piece of gauze every 30 minutes for the next 2 hours, or till a blood clot forms at the surgical site and bleeding is minimal.
• Place an ice pack on your face to reduce swelling
• Eat soft food for the next few days
• Gently rinse your mouth with the prescribed antibacterial mouth wash 
• Start brushing your teeth from the second day. Brush the surgery area gently to prevent dislodging blood clots 
• Take medication as prescribed by your dentist to minimize post-operative discomfort and swelling
• Make an appointment with your dentist if you develop a fever or if the pain and swelling does not subside 

Avoid:

• Drinking liquid through a straw 
• Rinsing or gargling forcefully
• Strenuous exercise 
• Smoking and drinking carbonated drinks 

Doing the above may dislodge the blood clot and give rise to a painful condition known as a dry socket. A stable blood clot helps to speed up the healing process.

Does everyone need to remove their wisdom teeth?

Wisdom teeth that are fully erupted, functional and accessible for cleaning do not need to be removed. However, if there already is a problem with your wisdom teeth or if they are positioned in a way that predisposes them to problems in the future, it is advisable to remove them. As with all procedures, your dentist will weigh the costs and benefits between removing and keeping your wisdom teeth to ensure the best for your dental health.

What is the downtime for wisdom tooth removal surgery in Singapore?

In Singapore, an average of 5 days of medical leave is provided to recover from wisdom teeth removal surgery. However, actual recovery time depends on factors like age, rest, hygiene and the extent of surgery. For the first 2-3 days, maximum rest is recommended. This includes following the medication prescription closely, keeping the surgery site clean and avoiding any strenuous activity.

Is the wisdom tooth extraction procedure painful?

The wisdom teeth extraction procedure will be done under local anesthesia, so the area will be completely numb and you will not feel any pain during the surgery at all. However, as with every surgery, you might experience some discomfort and swelling after. It is important to follow instructions given by your dentist to minimize post-operative discomfort.

How long does healing take after a wisdom tooth removal surgery?

Primary wound closure will happen in a few days, but the gaps once occupied by wisdom teeth can take a few months to close. During this period, it is recommended to flush these gaps with a syringe to keep them clean.