Wisdom tooth removal and surgery

Symptoms of a problem wisdom tooth

• Pain or pressure at the back of the jaw, often coming in episodes
• Swollen, red or bleeding gum over a partly erupted tooth (pericoronitis), sometimes with a bad taste
• Difficulty opening the mouth or swallowing
• Food trapping and decay in the wisdom tooth or the molar in front of it
• Pain that returns at shorter intervals and lasts longer each time, which suggests a worsening impaction

Stress, teeth grinding and poor sleep can make pain feel worse, but they do not cause impaction. An X-ray (usually a full-mouth OPG) shows the position of the tooth, its roots and its relationship to the nerve in the lower jaw.

Simple extraction or surgery?

Using MediSave for wisdom tooth surgery

Surgical removal of wisdom teeth is a MediSave-approved day-surgery procedure, and Toothsmith is a MediSave-accredited dental clinic. Our all-inclusive surgical fee of $1,362.50 (one tooth) or $2,343.50 (two teeth) is 100% MediSave-claimable: the whole amount, including the consultation on the day, X-rays, surgery and medication, is deducted from MediSave and there is no cash payment, provided the MediSave account used has sufficient balance.

You may use your own MediSave or that of an approved family member (spouse, parent, child, sibling or grandparent) with their authorisation. We submit the claim for you after the procedure. More on our MediSave page.

What to bring

• Your NRIC
• If a family member’s MediSave is being used: their NRIC, a screenshot of their MediSave balance, and the signed Medical Claims Authorisation Form (we provide the form; the account holder signs it)
• A list of your medications and medical conditions

Medical conditions that need planning

• Diabetes. High blood sugar slows healing and raises infection and dry-socket risk. Aim for good control before surgery and let us know your recent readings.
• Blood thinners. Warfarin, apixaban, rivaroxaban, clopidogrel and similar medicines increase bleeding. Do not stop them yourself; tell us and we will coordinate with your doctor if adjustments are needed.
• Bisphosphonates or anti-resorptive medication (for osteoporosis or cancer) affect bone healing and change how we plan extractions.
• Heart conditions, previous radiotherapy to the head and neck, immunosuppression. Please inform us so that appropriate precautions can be taken.

Recovery and aftercare

Do

• Bite firmly on the gauze for 30 to 45 minutes after surgery; replace if bleeding continues.
• Apply a cold compress to the cheek, 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off, for the first 48 hours.
• Take painkillers and antibiotics (if prescribed) as directed, starting before the anaesthetic wears off.
• Eat soft, cool foods for the first 2 to 3 days and drink plenty of water.
• From the day after surgery, rinse gently with warm salt water after meals.
• Keep your head raised when resting and attend your review appointment.

Avoid

• Smoking and alcohol for at least 72 hours, ideally a week or more. Smoking is the main avoidable cause of dry socket.
• Rinsing hard, spitting or using a straw in the first 24 hours; these can dislodge the clot.
• Hot food and drinks on the day of surgery.
• Strenuous exercise for 3 to 5 days.
• Touching the wound with your tongue or fingers.

Contact us if bleeding does not stop with pressure, if pain worsens after day 3, if swelling increases after day 3, or if you develop a fever.

Why earlier removal is often advised

Roots are shorter and bone is more flexible in the late teens and early twenties, so surgery is generally simpler and healing faster. A partly erupted wisdom tooth that is left in place can cause repeated gum infections and decay or bone loss on the back of the second molar in front of it, which may not fully recover if removal is delayed. Not every wisdom tooth needs removal; the decision is made on your X-ray and symptoms.

Frequently asked questions