Wisdom Tooth Extraction and Surgery | Elite Dental

Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Safely removes impacted or problematic wisdom teeth to prevent pain, infection, and crowding.

What Is a Wisdom Tooth?

A wisdom tooth is another name for the third molar, which is typically the last tooth to develop in the mouth. These teeth usually appear between the ages of 17 and 25, a period traditionally associated with maturity—hence the name. Most people have four wisdom teeth (one in each corner of the mouth), but some may have fewer or none at all.

What Is an Impacted Wisdom Tooth?

An impacted wisdom tooth is one that lacks sufficient space to erupt into its normal position in the mouth. When this happens, the tooth may grow at an angle, partially emerge, or remain trapped beneath the gums or jawbone.

Impaction is relatively common and may occur in one or more of the third molars. The way a tooth becomes impacted can vary:

  • Mesial impaction: The tooth is tilted forward, towards the front of the mouth.
  • Vertical impaction: The tooth is upright but fails to fully erupt.
  • Distal impaction: The tooth angles backwards towards the rear of the mouth.
  • Horizontal impaction: The tooth lies sideways, often pressing against the molar next to it.

Not every impacted wisdom tooth requires extraction. If there are no symptoms or damage to nearby structures, your dentist may recommend periodic observation. However, removal may be advised when the tooth causes pain, infection, or poses a risk to surrounding teeth and gums.

Possible Symptoms of an Infected or Impacted Wisdom Tooth

If infection or irritation develops, you may experience:

  • Pain or swelling around the back of the mouth
  • Red, tender, or bleeding gums, sometimes with pus discharge
  • Jaw swelling or stiffness
  • Bad breath or an unpleasant taste near the affected tooth
  • Headaches or general jaw ache
  • Difficulty opening the mouth or swallowing
  • Swollen lymph nodes along the jaw or neck
  • Fever

Regular dental check-ups and X-rays can help identify issues early and guide whether wisdom tooth removal is appropriate in your case.

When Do I Need a Wisdom Tooth Extraction?

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While impaction is one of the most common reasons for wisdom tooth removal, there are several other situations where extraction may be considered:

  • Recurrent gum infection: Partially erupted wisdom teeth can create areas that trap food and bacteria, leading to inflammation or infection around the gums.
  • Decay or gum disease: Wisdom teeth that are difficult to reach during brushing and flossing are more prone to cavities and gum problems.
  • Pressure on neighbouring teeth: Misaligned or crowded wisdom teeth may push against nearby molars, causing discomfort, shifting, or damage to existing restorations.
  • Orthodontic considerations: Wisdom teeth may be removed to prevent them from affecting braces, retainers, or other orthodontic treatment results.
  • Soft tissue irritation: A wisdom tooth that tilts outward may rub against the cheek or opposing gum, leading to recurring ulcers or soreness.
  • Structural damage or cyst formation: In some cases, cysts can form around unerupted teeth, potentially weakening the surrounding bone or affecting adjacent teeth.

Wisdom Tooth Extraction at Elite Dental Group

If you are considering a wisdom tooth extraction, here is what you can expect during the treatment process at Elite Dental Group:

1st Visit: Consultation and Imaging

At your first appointment, the dentist will examine your mouth and take X-rays or 3D scans to assess the position of your wisdom teeth and surrounding structures. This helps determine whether a simple wisdom tooth extraction or surgical removal is needed.

The dentist will then discuss the findings and outline a treatment plan based on your case.

2nd Visit: Extraction or Surgery

At the second visit, your wisdom tooth will be removed through either:

  • Simple extraction: If the tooth is visible and can be removed without surgery
  • Surgical extraction: If the tooth is impacted or located beneath the gums or bone

Local anaesthesia will be given to numb the area before the procedure. Sedation options, such as IV sedation or general anaesthesia, may also be available depending on the case.

Post-Treatment Care

A short follow-up appointment (around 15–20 minutes) is usually scheduled after the procedure to review healing.

It is also normal to experience some soreness or swelling in the days following extraction. If you develop severe pain or unusual symptoms, contact your dentist for further advice.

How Much Does Wisdom Tooth Extraction Cost in Singapore?

The cost of wisdom tooth removal at Elite Dental Group starts from $500 for simple extractions and from $1,500 for surgical extractions.

Here is a breakdown of treatment costs:

Consultation (inclusive of X-rays)

$100

CBCT (if required)

$300 – $450

Wisdom Tooth Extraction (non-surgical and surgical)

$500 – $2000 (depending on complexity)

Financing Options

Medisave and CHAS

We are a CHAS and Medisave-accredited dental clinic.

Major Banks

We accept interest-free instalment payments from all major banks.

Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL)

We have existing collaborations with BNPL platforms like Atome and Grab PayLater to help manage the costs of your dental treatments.

Dental, Hospitalisation and Corporate Insurance

We are on multiple dental and corporate insurance panels to provide more accessible dental care to you.

Our Approach to Wisdom Tooth Extraction

At Elite Dental Group, we understand that wisdom tooth extractions can cause anxiety for many patients. Our approach is to plan each case carefully and carry out treatment in a way that prioritises safety and patient comfort.

  • Comprehensive planning: Each case begins with clinical examinations and digital scans, such as 3D Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) imaging, to assess the position of the wisdom teeth and their proximity to nerves or sinuses.
  • Team-based care: Our dentists work alongside oral and maxillofacial surgeons when more complex cases require additional expertise.
  • Sedation options: Depending on the case, treatment can be performed under local anaesthesia, IV sedation, or general anaesthesia in a day surgery setting.
  • Modern facilities: Our clinic is equipped with digital imaging tools and follows structured protocols to support safe and hygienic extractions.

Topics

Frequently Asked
Questions

Got questions? We’ve got answers! Check out our FAQ section for common inquiries and helpful information to guide you.

Do I always need a wisdom tooth extraction?

Not everyone needs their wisdom teeth removed. Some people have enough space for these molars to erupt and function normally without causing discomfort or crowding.

However, wisdom teeth can become a concern if they are impacted, painful, or difficult to clean. When this happens, they may increase the risk of gum infection, tooth decay, or pressure on adjacent teeth.

Your dentist will evaluate your X-rays, gum health, and symptoms before recommending removal. The decision is made collaboratively, ensuring that the benefits of extraction outweigh any potential risks for your specific situation.

You may be advised to consider wisdom tooth removal if you are experiencing one or more of the following:

  • Discomfort in the wisdom tooth area
  • Redness or swelling of the gums near the tooth
  • Bleeding around the wisdom tooth
  • Swelling in the jaw
  • Difficulty opening or closing the mouth
  • Sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks
  • Trouble brushing or flossing around the tooth

Before recommending treatment, your dentist will also review your dental history, overall health, and other individual factors to ensure the approach is safe and appropriate for you.

It is normal to feel concerned about discomfort during dental procedures. At Elite Dental Group, wisdom tooth extractions are carried out under local anaesthesia, which numbs the treatment area.

For patients who feel nervous or prefer additional comfort, sedation options, such as intravenous (IV) sedation, can be discussed. These allow you to remain calm and relaxed during the procedure.

After the extraction, some mild soreness, swelling, or stiffness is expected for a few days. Your dentist will prescribe pain relief medication and provide detailed instructions on managing these symptoms to support a smooth and comfortable recovery.

The method used depends on the position and condition of the tooth:

  • Simple extraction: When the wisdom tooth is visible and can be removed without surgery.
  • Surgical extraction: When the tooth is partly or fully impacted, requiring a small incision or sectioning before removal.

Your dentist will explain which approach is most suitable based on your X-rays and oral anatomy.

Most wisdom tooth extractions take 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the number of teeth being removed and the complexity of the case. Your dentist will let you know what to expect beforehand so you can feel more prepared on the day of treatment.

As with any surgical procedure, extraction carries some risks, though these are generally uncommon and manageable. Possible risks include:

  • Infection at the extraction site
  • Dry socket, a temporary condition where the blood clot becomes dislodged
  • Nerve irritation, which may cause temporary numbness or tingling in the lips, tongue, or chin
  • Sinus complications, which can occur with upper wisdom tooth extractions if the roots are close to the sinus cavity

Your dentist will discuss these risks with you before treatment and explain how they are managed.

Mild to moderate discomfort after extraction is normal and generally lasts 3–7 days.

The first 24 to 72 hours tend to be the most uncomfortable as the tissues begin to heal, after which the pain usually subsides gradually. In some cases, such as with more complex extractions or slower healing, discomfort may persist for up to two weeks.

Your dentist will prescribe pain relief medication to help manage any soreness once the local anaesthetic or sedation wears off. Applying cold compresses, keeping the area clean, and following post-operative care instructions can also help reduce discomfort and swelling.

You should contact your dentist if you notice any of the following:

  • Severe pain
  • Bleeding that doesn’t stop
  • Fever
  • Difficulty swallowing

While swelling and mild soreness are normal, your dentist is there to check in and support you if anything feels unusual.

HOW CAN WE
HELP?

Heading to a dental clinic can be a scary and almost overwhelming experience. If you have landed on our website, we would like to extend our warmest welcome to you and your family. There is nothing to fear!

Should you require further information about our costs of treatment, or are looking for recommendations for your needs, we invite you to a consultation with our dentists at a time of your convenience.

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