Wisdom Tooth Extraction In Singapore

Wisdom teeth can come in normally and be functional for years before they become a problem. If you dentist sees on an x-ray that they will eventually cause structural damage or issues with alignment in your mouth, he/she will schedule removal while you are still relatively young, as your mouth will tend to heal quicker. If you are experiencing pain, swelling, nerve issues, or other discomfort that is being caused by your wisdom teeth, it is best to schedule an appointment with your dentist to see what the “root” cause of your pain is and schedule removal accordingly.

Most dentists pride themselves on using techniques and technologies that facilitate painless teeth extraction, but not all procedures are pain free. Discuss your concerns with your dentist and formulate a pre and post care plan to help you undergo your procedure and subsequent healing with as much comfort as possible. You can ask for sedation in cases where you think removal might be too difficult to do while awake; this is relatively easy and requires minimal downtime. The bottom line is, it is largely up to you to determine what kind of experience you will have in the dentist’s chair.

Your dentist may use different types of anesthesia, depending on the perceived complexity of your removal procedure. Options for numbing and anesthesia include:

Local anesthesia
Your dentist will administer local anesthesia with several different injections designed to numb only the site where he will be working. Before receiving injections, your dentist may also administer a topical numbing agent to reduce discomfort at your injection sites, making local anesthetic a snap.

Sedation anesthesia
Sedation anesthesia is a light anesthesia given via an IV in your arm. You will have no memory of the procedure, and you will also have local anesthetic to help facilitate the healing process after your work has been completed.

General anesthesia
With special considerations, you will be given general anesthesia. You’ll likely be sedated by inhaling a sedative through your nose, then given an IV sedative to remain under when your dentist performs his extraction procedure. Your care team will be monitoring your vitals throughout the procedure, and you’ll have no memory of it upon waking. You might also be given local anesthetic to reduce discomfort upon waking.

The cost of wisdom tooth removal in Singapore varies according to the type of procedure you are undergoing and the type of care you wish to receive. In general, government run institutions have costs that range in price from $600-$950, while those who wish to get care from privately owned institutions may pay anywhere from $800-$2200, depending on your type of procedure. If you have a Medisave account, this could help offset your costs when it comes time to pay for surgery.

While both public and private care do an adequate job of addressing concerns related to wisdom tooth removal, there is a marked difference in the speed at which appointments are made and care is administered. Government institutions tend to cater to a larger audience, so it may take additional time to address your concerns. Private institutions do have smaller clientele, so they can typically address patient needs and concerns more efficiently than government-owned practices. You alone must decide what type of care you desire, and choose a dentist and a practice that work well for you.

After your procedure, you will likely be brought to a recovery room where you can allow the effects of anesthesia to pass. Local anesthesia alone will allow you to leave the dental chair almost immediately after the procedure is completed.

Follow your dentist’s instructions with regard to:

Bleeding
There is likely to be oozing and bleeding in the days following surgery; try to avoid spitting, as you could actually dislodge any blood clots that are forming as part of the healing process. Replace gauze as directed by your surgeon to ensure that you are healing properly.

Pain management
Your dentist will most likely prescribe a combination of pain medication and Tylenol as part of your treatment protocol. Take medicines at the correct times and as prescribed to keep a tight rein on any pain that you may experience in the days and weeks after surgery. Holding a cold pack on your jaw can also numb pain if you need a little extra relief from time to time.

Swelling or bruising
There will most likely be swelling in the days following surgery; use an ice pack to relieve swelling, and it should subside in a few days. If the swelling is accompanied by pain or drainage from your surgical site, contact your dentist to find out if further action is needed.

Activity, food and drink
Plan to rest for the first few days following your surgery—drinking lots of water and eating soft foods will keep your surgical site intact and facilitate healing. Avoid carbonated, caffeinated, and alcoholic beverages, and do not drink from a straw, as that could cause a painful condition called dry socket to develop. Make sure you clean your mouth gently but thoroughly, as extra food particles can cause buildup of bacteria and infection that will put a damper on healing.

Make your appointment
Virtually painless teeth extraction is to be expected when you get your wisdom teeth removed; talking to your dentist beforehand about questions and concerns you may have will help you as you approach your extraction date. Your mouth–and your health—will thank you!