Wisdom tooth surgery
Wisdom Tooth Surgery in Singapore
Careful assessment and removal of impacted or troublesome wisdom teeth, in the heart of Orchard Road. Not every wisdom tooth needs to come out. We'll show you what we see on your own X-ray and help you decide what's right for you.
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Wisdom tooth surgery at a glance
| What it is | Removal of an impacted or problem wisdom tooth, usually by lifting the gum and taking the tooth out in sections |
|---|---|
| Who performs it | One of our senior dental surgeons, or Dr Albert Lee, our oral and maxillofacial surgeon, for more complex cases |
| How long it takes | Around one hour, depending on the number of teeth and their position |
| Comfort options | Local anaesthesia, nitrous oxide ("happy gas"), IV sedation in the clinic, or general anaesthesia in an operating theatre |
| Recovery | Swelling peaks around day 2 to 3; most people feel largely back to normal within a week |
| Time off | Usually 3 to 7 days, with a medical certificate |
| Payment | MediSave claimable for eligible surgical removal; direct billing with 20+ insurers |
| Where | Align Dental Surgery, 583 Orchard Road, #01-07/08/09 Forum The Shopping Mall, Singapore 238884 |
What are wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the third molars, the last teeth to come through at the very back of the mouth. They usually appear between the ages of 16 and 24, although some people have fewer than four, or none at all.
Often there isn't quite enough room in the jaw for them. A wisdom tooth that can't come through properly is called impacted. It may be partly covered by gum, tilted against the tooth in front, or completely buried in the jawbone.
Whether a wisdom tooth has space often comes down to the size and shape of the jaw, which develops throughout childhood. It's one reason we look beyond the teeth and pay close attention to jaw development and airway-focused orthodontics in younger patients.
Do all wisdom teeth need to be removed?
No. A healthy wisdom tooth that sits in a useful position, is easy to keep clean and isn't causing problems can stay. We'll simply keep an eye on it at your regular check-ups.
We may recommend removal when a wisdom tooth is
- Causing repeated or severe gum infection. Food and bacteria trapped under a flap of gum can lead to painful swelling called pericoronitis.
- Decayed beyond repair. Back teeth are hard to reach, and a cavity in a wisdom tooth can't always be fixed.
- Damaging the tooth in front. An impacted tooth can lead to decay, gum problems or root damage on the neighbouring molar.
- Linked to a cyst or other change seen on an X-ray, even if it doesn't hurt.
An awkward position or food getting stuck is a reason to have the tooth checked, not automatically a reason to take it out. If the decision isn't clear-cut, we'll talk you through the pros and cons of removing it versus monitoring it.
Signs your wisdom tooth should be checked
Book an assessment if you notice
- Pain or tenderness at the very back of your mouth
- Swollen or sore gum around a back tooth
- A bad taste or bad breath that keeps coming back
- Food regularly getting trapped behind your back molars
- Difficulty opening your mouth fully
- Swelling in your cheek or jaw
If swelling is spreading quickly, or you have difficulty swallowing or breathing, seek urgent medical care straight away.
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What happens at your wisdom tooth assessment
Your first visit is about understanding your teeth, not committing to surgery.
- We listen. Tell us about your symptoms, health, medicines and any past experience with anaesthesia.
- We examine. We check the wisdom tooth, the gum around it and the tooth in front.
- We take X-rays. A panoramic X-ray shows the tooth's position and how close its roots are to the nerve. If the roots are very close, we take a 3D cone beam CT (CBCT) scan here in the clinic.
- We explain. We go through your own X-ray with you, along with your options, comfort choices, recovery and an estimate of fees.
- You decide. If removal makes sense, we plan the surgery around you.
How is wisdom tooth surgery done?
Wisdom tooth surgery usually takes around an hour. Every tooth is different, so your dentist will adapt each step to your tooth's position.
- Numbing. We numb the area and check it's fully numb before we begin.
- Access. The gum over the tooth is gently lifted. Sometimes a small amount of surrounding bone needs to be removed to reach the tooth.
- Sectioning. The tooth is usually divided into two or three pieces, so it can come out with less force on the jaw.
- Closing. The area is cleaned, the gum is placed back and stitches are added. You'll bite on gauze to help control bleeding.
If your wisdom tooth has fully come through, a simpler extraction without lifting the gum may be all that's needed.
Will it hurt? Your comfort options
You shouldn't feel sharp pain during wisdom tooth surgery. With local anaesthesia you'll still feel pressure and hear the instruments, and you can raise your hand at any time if you'd like us to pause.
If you feel anxious, let us know when you book. We'll talk you through which option suits you.
| Option | How you'll feel | Where | Often chosen for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local anaesthesia | Awake, with the area completely numb | In the clinic | Most straightforward cases |
| Nitrous oxide ("happy gas") | Calm and relaxed while fully awake, breathing through a small nose mask. Local anaesthesia is still used, and the effects wear off within minutes once the mask is removed | In the clinic | Mildly anxious patients who want to stay awake and get back to their day |
| IV sedation | Deeply relaxed and drowsy; many people remember little afterwards. You aren't fully asleep, and local anaesthesia is still used | In the clinic, with a specialist anaesthetist | Anxious patients or longer procedures |
| General anaesthesia | Fully asleep | In an operating theatre, with a specialist anaesthetist | Complex surgery, several teeth at once, or very anxious patients |
For IV sedation or general anaesthesia, you'll receive clear instructions on fasting, medicines and having an adult take you home. You shouldn't drive for the rest of the day.
Is wisdom tooth surgery safe?
Wisdom tooth surgery is one of the most common procedures in dentistry and is generally very safe. As with any surgery, there are some risks, and we'll explain the ones that apply to you before you decide.
- Common and temporary: swelling, soreness, bruising and a stiff jaw for a few days.
- Less common: bleeding, infection, or dry socket (when the blood clot is lost from the socket, causing a throbbing pain a few days later). Dry socket is treatable, so call us if it happens.
- Nerve changes: the roots of lower wisdom teeth can sit close to nerves that supply feeling to the lower lip, chin and tongue. Occasionally, surgery causes tingling or numbness. This usually recovers over weeks to months, but in rare cases it can be permanent.
3D cone beam CT (CBCT) scans: a standard dental X-ray is a flat, two-dimensional picture, so it can't always show whether a root is actually touching the nerve or just overlapping it in the image.
A CBCT scan gives a detailed 3D view of your jaw, showing exactly where the nerve runs in relation to the roots. This helps us plan your surgery more precisely and explain your individual risk more clearly. We take CBCT scans in our own clinic, so there's no need for a separate appointment elsewhere.
If your X-ray or CBCT scan shows the roots are very close to the nerve, we'll discuss ways to reduce the risk. In suitable cases, this may include a coronectomy, which removes the crown of the tooth and leaves the roots in place. Coronectomy is carried out by Dr Albert Lee, our oral and maxillofacial surgeon.
Upper wisdom teeth: rarely, removal can leave a small opening into the sinus above, which usually heals on its own.
Recovery after wisdom tooth surgery
Most people feel some discomfort and swelling for the first two to three days, then improve steadily. Many are back to their usual routine within a few days and feel largely back to normal within about a week.
| When | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Day of surgery | Numbness for a few hours as the anaesthetic wears off; some oozing of blood is normal |
| Days 2 to 3 | Swelling and stiffness are usually at their worst, then start to ease |
| Days 4 to 7 | Steady improvement; most people are back to work, study and normal eating |
| After 1 week | Any remaining bruising or stiffness continues to fade; stitches are reviewed if needed |
Aftercare do's and don'ts
Do
- Take pain relief exactly as directed
- Hold a cloth-wrapped ice pack to your cheek for short periods in the first 24 to 48 hours
- Eat soft, cool foods and chew on the other side
- Keep your head raised on an extra pillow the first night
- Brush your other teeth gently and follow your written aftercare instructions
Don't
- Don't use a straw for the first few days
- Don't spit forcefully or rinse vigorously in the first 24 hours
- Don't smoke while the area heals
- Don't drink alcohol for at least 24 hours, or while taking prescribed medicines
- Don't do strenuous exercise for the first couple of days
When to call us
Contact us promptly if you have
- Bleeding that doesn't settle with firm pressure on gauze
- Pain or swelling that gets worse after day three
- A fever, or a bad taste with throbbing pain (possible dry socket or infection)
- Numbness that lasts beyond the day after surgery
If you have difficulty breathing or swallowing, or swelling spreads quickly, seek urgent medical care immediately.
Wisdom tooth surgery cost and MediSave
The cost of wisdom tooth surgery depends on how many teeth are removed, how deeply they're buried, the imaging needed and your choice of anaesthesia. After your assessment, we'll give you a clear, itemised estimate before any treatment begins.
- MediSave: surgical removal of wisdom teeth can be claimed from MediSave, subject to CPF withdrawal limits. Simple extractions of teeth that have fully come through are generally not claimable.
- Insurance: we offer direct billing with more than 20 insurers. Coverage for dental surgery depends on your plan, so we're happy to check for you.
Our team will help with the MediSave paperwork and explain any out-of-pocket amount upfront.
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Why patients choose Align for wisdom tooth surgery
- The right person for your case: experienced senior dental surgeons, with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon for complex cases
- Your choice of comfort: local anaesthesia, nitrous oxide, IV sedation or general anaesthesia, with specialist anaesthetists for sedation and general anaesthesia
- Clear explanations: we show you your own X-ray or in-clinic 3D CBCT scan and talk through every option, including leaving a healthy tooth alone
- Easy payment: MediSave claims and direct billing with 20+ insurers
- Central location: Forum The Shopping Mall on Orchard Road, open weekdays and Saturday mornings
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Book a wisdom tooth assessment
Whether your wisdom tooth is hurting or you'd just like to know where it stands, we're here to help. Tell us if you're in pain or feeling anxious, and we'll arrange the right appointment. We usually reply within one working day.
Phone +65 6773 7088 · WhatsApp +65 8877 0788 · Email hello@aligndentalsurgery.com. Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm · Saturday 9am to 1pm · Closed Sundays and public holidays.
This page is for general information and doesn't replace a personal assessment by a dentist.
Questions & answers
Wisdom tooth surgery: common questions
How long does wisdom tooth surgery take?
Is wisdom tooth removal painful?
How long does it take to recover from wisdom tooth surgery?
How many days off work will I need after wisdom tooth surgery?
Can I have all four wisdom teeth removed at once?
Can I be asleep for wisdom tooth surgery?
Can I use MediSave for wisdom tooth surgery in Singapore?
What is dry socket, and how can I avoid it?
What can I eat after wisdom tooth surgery?
At what age should wisdom teeth be checked?
What if my wisdom tooth roots are close to the nerve?
Will I need antibiotics after wisdom tooth surgery?
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