What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the final set of molars to emerge in the mouth. They typically appear between the ages of 17 and 25, although the timing can vary from person to person. Some people do not grow third molars, however this is the exception rather than the norm.
Wisdom teeth typically do not have sufficient space in the mouth to erupt fully, causing complications.
Complications Associated With Wisdom Teeth
Impaction of lower third molars
Instead of erupting upright, the lower wisdom teeth erupt sideways. This could cause food to be trapped, decay to adjacent molars due to difficulty in maintaining oral hygiene in the trap, and pain.
Infection
Partially erupted wisdom teeth can create pockets where bacteria accumulate, leading to infection, swelling and discomfort.
Crowding
Erupting wisdom teeth can exert pressure on the neighbouring teeth, causing misalignment and crowding.
Cysts and Tumours
In rare cases, cysts or tumors may develop around impacted wisdom teeth, potentially causing damage to surrounding bone and tissue. The longer they fester, the more damage they do, and they might affect more than just 1 tooth.
Wisdom Tooth Extraction / Surgery
- Extraction: $250 - $400 (Non-Medisave Claimable)
- Surgery: $950 - $2000 (Medisave Claimable)
Most of the time, wisdom tooth extractions are $250, whereas surgeries are $1250.
CHAS subsidises regular extractions, but not for surgical extractions. View the CHAS subsidy table 
HERE 
What To Expect
Non Surgical Extraction
You will be administered local anaesthesia and ensured that you are completely numb around the affected area before the extraction. During the extraction process, expect some pressure as the tooth is elevated, but there should be no pain.
We will provide medication after the procedure. It is important to follow the Dr’s prescription for an uneventful healing process.
Surgical Extraction
We will administer pre-operative medication, most likely antibiotics, painkillers and anti-swelling pills. After that, we will administer local anaesthesia to the affected area. During the extraction process, expect some vibration and whirring sounds as the tooth is cut, followed by some pressure as the tooth is removed.
Post operation, you will be given some medication, it is important to follow the Dr’s prescription and orders for an uneventful healing process.
Frequently Asked Questions
The only pain you might feel during the procedure is during the administering of local anaesthesia, however, we are able to place topical anaesthesia directly on the gums before we inject if you prefer, so discomfort should be minimal.
During the procedure, you will feel pressure / vibration, but should feel no pain.
Post procedure, we will prescribe painkillers and anti-inflammatory medication for you to reduce any discomfort.
For regular extractions, you should feel better within 3 days. For surgical extractions, most people are able to resume normal activities within 1 week.
For surgical removal of lower wisdom teeth, there is a risk of temporary to permanent nerve damage. That risk is very low but still present. Depending on each individual, that risk may be higher or lower depending on how close the roots of the wisdom teeth are to the nerve canal.
It is imperative to avoid smoking and alcohol during the recovery period. Avoid hot/spicy food, and remember to drink plenty of water and rest.
Medisave can be claimed for surgical procedures. Lower wisdom teeth typically require surgical removal, whereas upper wisdom teeth typically do not.
All you need to do is bring a copy of your IC on the day, fill a form, and that’s it! We’ll process the claim on our side and you’ll receive a notification when it’s done.
