Wisdom Tooth Surgery in Singapore
Assessment and removal of impacted wisdom teeth under local anaesthesia, IV sedation or general anaesthesia.
What Is an Impacted Wisdom Tooth?
Wisdom teeth (third molars) usually appear between the ages of 17 and 25. When there is not enough space, they may grow at an angle or remain partly or fully trapped in the gum and bone — this is called impaction.
When Is Removal Recommended?
- Repeated gum infection around a partly erupted tooth (pericoronitis)
- Decay in the wisdom tooth or the neighbouring molar
- Damage to the root or bone of the adjacent tooth
- Cysts or other changes around the tooth
- As part of orthodontic or jaw surgery planning
Wisdom teeth that are healthy, fully erupted and easy to clean may not need removal. An X-ray (OPG) and, where the tooth is close to the nerve, a 3D cone-beam CT scan help decide the safest approach.
Anaesthesia Options
Surgery can be carried out under local anaesthesia in the clinic, with intravenous sedation for anxious patients, or under general anaesthesia in a day-surgery setting when several teeth are removed together or the surgery is complex.
Recovery
Expect swelling and some discomfort for three to five days, managed with prescribed painkillers. A soft diet, gentle salt-water rinses after the first day and avoiding smoking help healing. Most patients return to work or school within two to four days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is wisdom tooth surgery claimable under MediSave?
In Singapore, surgical removal of impacted wisdom teeth is a MOH-listed surgical procedure and is generally MediSave-claimable, subject to prevailing limits. Please confirm with the clinic at your visit.
Can all four wisdom teeth be removed at once?
Often, yes — particularly under IV sedation or general anaesthesia. The decision depends on the complexity of each tooth and your preference.
What is dry socket?
Dry socket is a painful condition where the blood clot in the socket is lost early. It is more common in smokers and after lower wisdom tooth removal, and is treated simply at the clinic.
Treated by Dr. Loo Sun Din (Dr. Jarod Loo), Specialist Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon. This page is general information; your surgeon will advise on the options, risks and costs specific to you.