Wisdom Tooth Extraction Singapore Guide — 2025

What Are Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth are the third molars located at the back of your mouth. They typically erupt between ages 17–25. Because the jaw often lacks space, wisdom teeth frequently become:

• Impacted wisdom teeth

• Partially erupted

• Stuck under gum or bone

• Angled or horizontal

These positions increase the risk of infection, swelling, gum disease, food trapping, and wisdom tooth pain.

Signs You May Need Wisdom Tooth Extraction

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You may require simple extraction or surgical extraction if you experience these symptoms of wisdom tooth infection:

• Persistent wisdom tooth pain

• Swelling along the jaw or gums

• Recurrent infection (pericoronitis)

• Difficulty chewing or opening your mouth

• Pressure on neighbouring teeth

• Bad breath or unpleasant taste

Delaying removal increases the likelihood of gum infection, cyst formation, and damage to adjacent molars.

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Risks of Delaying Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Untreated wisdom teeth may lead to:

1. Recurrent infections (pericoronitis)

Food debris collects under gum flaps, causing recurring inflammation.

2. Decay on nearby molars

Impacted teeth often push against the molar in front, causing cavities or root damage.

3. Cysts or Bone Loss

Fluid-filled sacs can form around impacted teeth, eroding bone over time.

4. Gum Disease around the impacted area (Periodontal Problems)

Bacterial accumulation can lead to gum disease, causing deep pockets and bone loss around the back molars.

5. More Complex Future Surgery

Roots grow longer and jawbone becomes denser with age, increasing surgical complexity.

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6. Impaction against bone

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Types of Impacted Wisdom Teeth

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When wisdom teeth do not fully erupt due to lack of space or obstruction by bone or gum tissue, they are classified based on their position and orientation. Understanding these types helps dentists plan extraction more safely and anticipate complexity:

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Mesial Impaction

This is the most common type, where the wisdom tooth tilts forward toward the tooth in front, often pressing against it and increasing risk of decay, crowding or pain.

Distal Impaction

The tooth is angled away from the neighbouring teeth toward the back of the mouth. This is less common but still may require surgical removal if it interferes with eruption or causes discomfort.

Horizontal Impaction

Here, the wisdom tooth lies on its side, parallel to the jawbone. This orientation often causes pressure, pain and pressure on adjacent teeth and typically requires surgery to remove.

Vertical Impaction

The tooth is aligned correctly but remains trapped beneath the gum or bone. While sometimes less complicated than horizontal impaction, it still may interfere with neighbouring teeth.

Soft Tissue Impaction

Part of the tooth has broken through the gum, but the rest is still covered by gum tissue. Food and bacteria can easily get trapped, leading to inflammation and infection.

Bony Impaction

The wisdom tooth is still entirely or mostly encased in jawbone, requiring bone removal during surgical extraction. This type is usually more complex and may need longer recovery.

Types of Wisdom Tooth Extractions in Singapore

Simple Extraction

Used for fully erupted teeth that can be removed without cutting the gum or bone.

Procedure:
Gentle loosening → Removal in one piece
Time: 10–20 minutes

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Surgical Extraction

Required for:

• Impacted wisdom teeth

• Teeth partially covered by gum or bone

• Teeth angled sideways

• Deep or complex impactions

• Teeth near nerves

Procedure involves:
Gum incision → Bone trimming → Tooth sectioning → Stitches
Time: 30–60 minutes

These are Medisave-claimable procedures.

Wisdom Tooth Extraction Procedure (Step-by-Step)

1. Consultation & Diagnosis

Your dentist evaluates:

• Tooth position

• Depth and angulation

• Infection or swelling

• Signs of gum disease

• Nerve proximity (especially the Inferior Alveolar Nerve)

Digital X-rays help assess nerve proximity, allowing the dentist to plan the safest surgical approach.

2. Before the Procedure

Local anaesthesia is standard, with optional medication to help anxious patients feel more at ease.

If you have dental anxiety, sedation options such as oral sedation or IV sedation may be recommended, especially for multiple surgical extractions.

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3. During the Procedure

Simple Extraction

• Minimal swelling

• No stitches required

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Surgical Extraction

• Small gum incision

• Bone removal where necessary

• Tooth sectioning

• Stitches placed after cleaning

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Total time: 30–60 minutes per tooth

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4. After the Procedure & Recovery

Blood Clot Healing (Critical Step)

A stable blood clot must form at the extraction site.
If the clot becomes dislodged, it may lead to dry socket, a painful condition where bone becomes exposed.

Avoid:

• Straws

• Smoking

• Vigorous rinsing

• Spicy or crunchy food

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Recovery Timeline

• Day 1–3: Pain and swelling peak; inflammation is normal

• Day 4–7: Stitches begin dissolving; swelling reduces

• Day 7–14: Eating becomes easier; healing accelerates

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