You may experience several signs and symptoms if you have wisdom teeth erupting or causing issues:
Pain or Discomfort: You may feel pain or discomfort in the back of your mouth, particularly around the area where the wisdom teeth are located.
Swelling: Swelling of the gums or jaw in the vicinity of the wisdom teeth can indicate their eruption.
Difficulty Opening Mouth: If your jaw feels stiff or you have difficulty opening your mouth fully, it could be a sign of wisdom teeth pressing against adjacent teeth or tissues.
Tender or Bleeding Gums: Gums around erupting wisdom teeth may become tender or bleed, especially during brushing or eating.
Jaw Pain or Headaches: Wisdom teeth-related issues can cause jaw pain, headaches, or earaches, particularly if they are impacted or causing pressure on surrounding structures.
Unpleasant Taste or Smell: Food particles trapped around partially erupted wisdom teeth can lead to bad breath or a foul taste in the mouth.
Visible Teeth: If you can see partially erupted wisdom teeth in the back of your mouth, it’s a clear indication that they are present.
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s advisable to schedule a consultation with your dentist. They can assess your oral health and determine if your symptoms are related to wisdom teeth and recommend appropriate treatment if necessary.
Wisdom tooth surgery, also known as wisdom tooth extraction or removal, may be necessary in various situations:
Impacted Wisdom Teeth: When wisdom teeth are unable to fully emerge from the gums due to lack of space or obstruction by other teeth, they become impacted. Impacted wisdom teeth can lead to pain, infection, damage to adjacent teeth and cyst formation, necessitating surgical removal.
Overcrowding: If there isn’t enough space in the jaw to accommodate the wisdom teeth, they may cause overcrowding, shifting or misalignment of adjacent teeth. Surgery may be recommended to prevent orthodontic issues or to alleviate crowding.
Infection or Tooth Decay: Wisdom teeth that have partially erupted can create spaces where bacteria can accumulate, leading to infection, inflammation (pericoronitis) or tooth decay. Surgical extraction may be necessary to resolve the infection and prevent further complications.
Cysts or Tumours: Impacted wisdom teeth can sometimes lead to the formation of cysts or tumors around the impacted tooth. These cysts can cause damage to the surrounding bone and teeth and may require surgical removal of the impacted tooth and associated tissues.
Pain or Discomfort: Persistent pain, discomfort, or swelling in the area of the wisdom teeth may indicate underlying issues such as infection, gum disease, or damage to adjacent teeth. In such cases, surgical removal of the wisdom teeth may be recommended to alleviate symptoms and prevent complications.
Orthodontic Treatment: In some cases, the presence of wisdom teeth can interfere with orthodontic treatment plans. Orthodontists may recommend removing wisdom teeth to prevent them from affecting the alignment of other teeth or orthodontic appliances.
It’s essential to consult with a dental professional for a thorough examination and assessment to determine whether wisdom tooth surgery is necessary in your specific case. They can evaluate your oral health, assess the position and condition of your wisdom teeth, and recommend the most appropriate treatment option based on your individual needs.
During your initial consultation for wisdom tooth removal, your dentist or oral surgeon will:
Review your dental and medical history: Your dentist will inquire about any existing medical conditions, medications you may be taking, and previous dental treatments.
Perform a dental examination: Your dentist will assess the condition of your wisdom teeth, including their position, eruption status, and any signs of impaction, infection, or other issues.
Take dental X-rays: X-rays provide detailed images of your teeth and jawbone, helping your dentist evaluate the position of your wisdom teeth, their proximity to adjacent structures, and any underlying problems.
Discuss treatment options: Based on the examination findings and X-ray results, your dentist will explain whether wisdom tooth removal is necessary and discuss the procedure, risks, benefits, and alternative treatments.
If you and your dentist decide to proceed with wisdom tooth removal, the procedure typically involves the following steps:
Anesthesia administration: Before the procedure begins, your dentist will administer local anesthesia to numb the treatment area and ensure your comfort during the surgery. In some cases, sedation or general anesthesia may be recommended for patients who experience anxiety or require more complex extractions.
Tooth extraction: Using specialized dental instruments, your dentist will carefully remove the wisdom tooth from its socket in the jawbone. Depending on the tooth’s position, size, and condition, your dentist may need to section the tooth into smaller pieces for easier removal.
Surgical closure: After extracting the wisdom tooth, your dentist will clean the extraction site thoroughly and may place stitches (sutures) to close the surgical site and promote proper healing. In some cases, gauze may be placed over the extraction site to control bleeding and facilitate blood clot formation.
Following wisdom tooth removal, your dentist will provide detailed instructions for post-operative care to promote optimal healing and minimize complications. These instructions may include:
Pain management: Your dentist may prescribe pain medication or recommend over-the-counter pain relievers to manage discomfort and swelling following the procedure.
Oral hygiene: Proper oral hygiene practices, such as gentle brushing, rinsing with saltwater, and avoiding vigorous rinsing or spitting, are essential for keeping the extraction site clean and preventing infection.
Diet and activity restrictions: You may be advised to stick to a soft diet and avoid hard, crunchy, or spicy foods that could irritate the extraction site. Additionally, strenuous physical activity should be avoided immediately after surgery to prevent complications.
Follow-up appointments: Your dentist will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your healing progress, remove stitches if necessary, and address any concerns or complications that may arise.
By following your dentist’s post-operative instructions and attending scheduled follow-up appointments, you can ensure a smooth recovery process and minimize the risk of complications associated with wisdom tooth removal.”
We offers a comprehensive range of dental specialists to address various dental concerns effectively
After undergoing wisdom tooth surgery, the recovery phase is critical to ensure proper healing and avoid complications. Our team at Ashford Dental will be with you every step of the way, offering post-surgery follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and address any concerns.
In most cases the numbness continues for about 2 hours after you leave our facility. After about 2 hours, you will feel a bit of tenderness around the wisdom tooth area. You can sometimes experience a bit of swelling too. However, this generally will last for about a day or two before you start to feel much better.
Most people are actually much better after a day or two. But as with any medical procedure, this will depend on the difficulty of the removal and your body’s natural healing abilities. Our doctors will always advise you of your specific healing time.
Do’s
Don’ts
Following wisdom tooth surgery, it is essential to adopt a soft-food diet to aid in the healing process and prevent any disruption to the surgical site. Stick to nourishing yet easily chewable foods like yoghurt, mashed potatoes, smoothies, and soups. Avoid hot and spicy foods and crunchy or hard-to-chew items that might irritate the surgical site. It’s best to steer clear of straws, as the suction can dislodge blood clots and hinder healing. We recommend staying hydrated and following our comprehensive post-surgery dietary guidelines for a swift and hassle-free recovery.
Proper surgical site care is crucial to prevent infection and promote healing. Rinse your mouth gently with warm saltwater solution after meals to keep the area clean. Avoid vigorous rinsing or spitting during the initial days, as this may dislodge blood clots and slow healing. Applying an ice pack to the outside of your cheek for 15-20 minutes can help reduce swelling and discomfort. Ensure to follow any prescribed pain medications and antibiotics diligently. If you have any concerns or notice any unusual symptoms, don’t hesitate to contact our team at Ashford Dental for guidance and reassurance.
The timeline for resuming normal eating and oral hygiene practices after wisdom tooth surgery may vary from person to person. Typically, it is safe to start reintroducing soft solid foods back into your diet after a few days. However, only chew near the surgical site once you feel comfortable doing so. Maintaining excellent oral hygiene during the recovery period is vital, but be gentle when brushing around the surgical area. Avoid using toothpaste with strong flavours or chemicals that might irritate the site. Our Ashford Dental team will provide personalised instructions based on your recovery progress to ensure a successful healing journey.
Surgical removal of wisdom teeth is a procedure which requires a great deal of finesse, experience, surgical prowess and anatomical knowledge.This is because lower wisdom teeth are surrounded by 2 sensory nerves. On the outside of it runs the Inferior Alveolar Nerve. This nerve gives sensation to the lower teeth on that side, the cheek, the chin and the lip.Running on the inside of the wisdom tooth is the lingual nerve. This gives sensation to the inside part of the tongue and some taste sensation to the tongue as well.When removing the wisdom tooth, the surgeon must be very specific and deliberate in their technique in order to avoid these nerves. Damaging the nerves can result in partial or permanent loss of sensation to the affected area.Removal of upper wisdom teeth is also a procedure that requires experience and finesse. The upper wisdom tooth is usually very close to the maxillary sinus. The surgeon must be very careful to avoid breakages as this can result in root tips being pushed into the sinus.Based in Singapore, our dentists at Ashford Dental Centre have undergone training specific to wisdom tooth extraction and surgical procedures, and so will find the best way to deal with your particular dental situation. We also have more than a decade of clinical experience in performing difficult surgical wisdom teeth removals. In addition to this, all our dentists have calming and gentle demeanours to put you at ease and assure you of a smooth and efficient experience. Our recommended dentist has had years of experience in wisdom tooth extraction, having served numerous patients in Singapore. As such, our team is confident of giving you a safe and comfortable experience.Apart from housing the experienced surgeons, all our auxiliary staff in our clinics in Singapore have also undergone specific training for wisdom tooth extraction and surgical removals. They know exactly what to do in any given situation. Their surgical assistance makes our surgeons’ work much easier and makes your experience far more relaxing.
Wisdom tooth surgery, or wisdom tooth extraction or removal, is a common dental procedure to address various dental issues. While it is generally considered safe and routine, like any medical procedure, potential risks are involved. Patients in Singapore must be aware of these risks to make informed decisions about their oral health. Here, we discuss some of the possible risks associated with wisdom tooth surgery:
Infection: Infection is among the most common risks following wisdom tooth surgery. The surgical site is susceptible to bacterial colonisation, leading to inflammation and infection. While dentists prescribe antibiotics to prevent or treat infections, some patients may still experience localised or systemic infections.
Dry Socket: Dry socket, also known as alveolar osteitis, is another risk associated with wisdom tooth surgery, which happens when the blood clot that forms in the socket after the tooth extraction is dislodged or dissolves prematurely. This exposes the underlying bone and nerves, leading to severe pain and delayed healing. Smokers and individuals with a history of previous dry sockets are at a higher risk, and it is essential to avoid smoking and follow post-surgery guidelines to prevent this complication.
Nerve Damage: The position of wisdom teeth can vary; in some cases, they may be located near essential nerves in the jaw. There is a slight risk of damaging these nerves, leading to temporary or, in rare cases, permanent numbness, tingling, or altered sensation in the lips, tongue, or chin. Dentists carefully assess the proximity of nerves using X-rays to minimise this risk.
Sinus Complications: There is a risk of sinus complications for upper wisdom tooth extraction. The roots of upper wisdom teeth can be close to the sinus cavities. Communication between the mouth and the sinus can be created during the extraction. This can lead to sinus infections; in some cases, additional surgical procedures may be required to address the issue.
Excessive Bleeding: Bleeding is normal after tooth extraction, including wisdom tooth surgery. However, some patients may experience excessive bleeding that does not subside with the usual post-surgery care. Conditions such as bleeding disorders or improper clotting can increase the risk of this complication. Patients with such medical conditions should inform their dentist beforehand to receive appropriate guidance.
Jaw Stiffness and Swelling: Patients may experience temporary jaw stiffness and swelling around the surgical site post-surgery. While these symptoms are expected during the initial recovery period, prolonged or severe swelling may indicate an underlying issue, such as infection or dry socket. Applying ice packs and following the prescribed medication and care routine can help alleviate these symptoms.
Anaesthesia Complications: Using local or general anaesthesia during wisdom tooth surgery poses certain risks, such as allergic reactions, adverse drug interactions, or complications related to anaesthesia administration. Dentists carefully review the patient’s medical history and allergies to choose the appropriate anaesthesia and minimise these risks.
Delayed Healing: Some patients may experience delayed healing after wisdom tooth surgery, especially if they have underlying medical conditions or do not follow post-surgery care instructions. Delayed healing can prolong discomfort and increase the risk of infection. Patients must communicate with their dentist if they notice any signs of delayed healing.
Wisdom tooth surgery is generally safe and well-tolerated by most patients. However, it is essential to understand the potential risks and complications associated with the procedure. Patients should maintain open communication with their dentist, disclose their medical history, and follow post-surgery care instructions diligently to minimise the risks and ensure a smooth recovery process. Patients can make the best decisions for their oral health and overall well-being by being well-informed and proactive.
MediSave savings can be used by patients in Singapore to foot the cost of the removal or extraction of their wisdom tooth at any participating private dental clinic under the MediSave Scheme, as long as it is a surgical procedure. Refer to CPF’s Medisave page for more information.
If handled by an expert dentist in Singapore such as those found in Ashford Dental, your wisdom tooth surgery should not be painful apart from light pressure during extraction as patients would have undergone sedation.
Typically, it should take around 30-45 minutes for a wisdom tooth surgery in Singapore. The length of time varies based on whether it is a surgical or non-surgical wisdom tooth extraction.
Before opting for wisdom tooth surgery, alternative options can be considered. Depending on the specific case and dental condition, some alternatives may include regular monitoring, pain management, and conservative measures to address discomfort and dental issues. Consulting with a qualified dentist in Singapore will help determine the most suitable course of action for each individual’s unique situation.
Yes, there may be restrictions on exercise after wisdom tooth surgery. It is recommended to refrain from doing strenuous physical activities, heavy lifting, and intense workouts for at least the first few days following the procedure. Engaging in such activities too soon can lead to increased bleeding and potential complications in the healing process. Following your dentist’s post-surgery instructions is essential for a smooth recovery.
To minimise pain after wisdom tooth surgery, several steps are taken. Dentists typically prescribe pain medications to manage discomfort. Applying ice packs to the surgical site aids in reducing the swelling and numbness of the area. Following a soft-food diet and avoiding hot or spicy foods can prevent irritation. Additionally, adhering to post-surgery care instructions, such as maintaining good oral hygiene and attending follow-up appointments, helps ensure a smoother recovery process.
Dry socket symptoms typically peak around 2-4 days after the wisdon teeth extraction and may take 7-10 days to fully heal. Follow your dentist’s instructions for pain relief and oral hygiene for optimal recovery.
After two weeks of wisdom tooth surgery, your extraction site should feel nearly normal, though it may still appear partially healed and be tender to touch. However, it shouldn’t disrupt your daily activities.
Wisdom tooth extraction recovery usually takes about 7 to 10 days. During this period, swelling and discomfort gradually decrease, and the extraction site begins to heal.
To check for a wisdom tooth infection, look for symptoms such as pain, swelling, redness, and difficulty opening your mouth. Additionally, consult your dentist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.
To treat gum swelling caused by a wisdom tooth at home, rinse your mouth with warm salt water and apply a cold compress to the affected area to reduce inflammation. If the wisdom tooth gum pain persists or worsens, consult your dentist for further evaluation and treatment.
Wisdom tooth extraction pain typically lasts for a few days to a week, but it varies depending on individual healing times and the complexity of the extraction. If severe or prolonged pain persists, consult your dentist for further evaluation.
Yes, adjacent teeth, including wisdom teeth, may shift slightly after molar extraction, but the extent of movement varies. Regular dental check-ups can monitor any changes in tooth alignment.
After wisdom teeth removal, you may experience some swelling, discomfort, and minor bleeding, which typically subside within a few days. Follow post-operative care instructions provided by your dentist for a smoother recovery process.
Wisdom tooth ache can be caused by various factors including impaction, infection, decay, or erupting teeth. Consult with a dentist for proper diagnosis and wisdom tooth pain relief.
Yes, upper wisdom teeth may need to be removed if they are causing pain, overcrowding, infection, or other dental issues.
If your erupted wisdom tooth is causing discomfort, it’s advisable to see a dentist for evaluation. They can determine if any treatment is needed to alleviate the discomfort or if the tooth needs to be removed.
You may know if you have a wisdom tooth if you experience symptoms such as pain or discomfort at the back of your mouth, swelling or tenderness in the gums, or difficulty opening your mouth fully. A dental examination and X-rays can confirm the presence of wisdom teeth.
After wisdom tooth extraction, common side effects like pain, swelling, and numbness usually fade within a week. If symptoms worsen or persist, consult a doctor promptly.
At Ashford Dental, we understand the importance of accessible and affordable dental care, especially regarding wisdom tooth surgery. For Singaporean citizens, permanent residents, or those with immediate family members who are, there is a promising option to ease the financial burden. Medisave, a national medical savings scheme, can cover a significant portion of the cost of wisdom tooth extraction.The exact cost of wisdom tooth surgery may vary depending on the procedure’s complexity and the individual’s specific dental needs. Our team of experts in Singapore is dedicated to providing transparent and detailed pricing information tailored to each patient’s case. To obtain accurate and personalised pricing details for your wisdom tooth surgery, we encourage you to get in touch with our team in Singapore for further pricing details.Rest assured that we are committed to assisting you in understanding the potential insurance coverage, Medisave utilisation, and subsidies that may apply to your wisdom tooth surgery. We are here to ensure that your dental experience is satisfactory and financially feasible.
Ashford Dental Centre boasts three accessible locations across Singapore, providing comprehensive dental care services, including dental implant procedures.
215 Upper Thomson Rd, Thomson Ridge, Singapore 574349
Mon – Fri : 9 AM to 9 PMSat & Sun : 9 AM to 6 PM
197 Upper Paya Lebar Rd, Singapore 534874
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337 Bedok Rd, Singapore 469514
Mon – Fri : 9 AM to 9 PMSat & Sun : 9 AM to 6 PM
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