Emergency Dentistry
Same-day dental care for urgent problems — toothache, a broken or knocked-out tooth, swelling, or a lost filling or crown. Book an urgent slot by region, or call, and we will see you at the nearest available clinic.
Pricing
Surgical removal (per tooth): $650 to $1,550 (general dentist) or $1,250 to $1,800 (specialist oral & maxillofacial surgeon)
For a fully erupted wisdom tooth that can be taken out by simple extraction, see Extractions. Prices exclude consultation, medication, and X-rays.
Surgical removal of an impacted wisdom tooth is MediSave-claimable — a fixed operation limit from MOH's Table of Surgical Procedures (operations range from $240 to $5,290), plus up to $830 a day in day-surgery facility charges.
Prices are indicative and based on normal case complexity. A consultation is required for a definitive quote.
Overview
Wisdom tooth surgery may have to be performed if the wisdom tooth is impacted or partially erupted. However, for wisdom teeth that have erupted fully, they can usually be removed with regular extractions by a dentist.
Why Might I Need to Remove My Wisdom Teeth?
There are several reasons for it such as:
Infection and Gum Swelling
Your wisdom tooth may not have sufficient space to erupt fully and may end up being impacted in your jaw. When the tooth is only partially erupted, the gums can become painful and swollen due to infection because it is difficult to brush them and keep the tooth clean. In severe cases, these infections may cause facial swellings or even restrict mouth opening.
Tooth Decay
Being positioned so far at the back of our mouths, wisdom teeth can be hard to brush and floss. This commonly causes tooth decay. If the wisdom tooth is impacted, food also tends to get trapped easily, resulting in the decay of both your upper and lower wisdom tooth and the neighbouring tooth.
Cyst Growing Around the Wisdom Tooth
Cysts may appear when fluid is built up around an unerupted tooth in the jaws. The cysts can become infected, which causes pain and swelling. If left untreated, the cysts can grow larger in size and destroy the jaw bone and roots of the neighbouring teeth. Hence, these cysts should be treated early.
How Are Wisdom Teeth Removed?
Wisdom teeth that have erupted fully can usually be removed with regular extractions. However, surgery may have to be performed if the wisdom tooth is impacted or partially erupted.
Who it's for
People with impacted, partially erupted or repeatedly infected wisdom teeth, or a wisdom tooth that is hard to clean and causing problems. An X-ray (sometimes a 3D scan) shows the tooth's position and how close it sits to the nerve. Symptom-free, well-positioned wisdom teeth may simply be monitored.
Time and visits
A single surgical appointment, commonly 30 to 60 minutes depending on the tooth. Any stitches are removed about one to two weeks later.
Recovery and aftercare
Swelling and discomfort are common for a few days and ease over about a week. Soft foods, cold packs and prescribed pain relief help; avoid smoking, vigorous rinsing and strenuous activity early on to protect the healing socket.
Risks and considerations
Temporary swelling, bruising and jaw stiffness are common. Less common are infection and dry socket; for lower wisdom teeth close to a nerve there can be temporary or, rarely, lasting altered sensation in the lip or tongue. The surgeon checks nerve proximity on the X-ray before surgery.
FAQ
Wisdom Tooth Surgery: frequently asked questions
Are there any special oral care instructions I should be aware of after wisdom tooth surgery?
Avoid brushing the surgical site on the day of surgery but be sure to brush and floss the other areas of your mouth as you would normally. You will also be given a mouthwash to help with oral hygiene. The gap at the wisdom tooth site is only temporary, and it will close after a while as the gums heal over it.
How long will wisdom tooth surgery take?
The duration of the surgery ranges between 15 to 60 minutes, depending on the condition and complexity.
Can I participate in sports or physically strenuous activities after wisdom tooth surgery?
We recommend that you avoid physical exertion for the period of medical leave after your surgery, as your body will need rest for the surgical site to heal quickly and smoothly.
What is the process for wisdom tooth surgery?
Local anaesthesia is administered so you feel no pain during the surgery. The dentist opens the gum tissue to remove the tooth, sometimes cutting it into smaller pieces. The gums are then stitched to close the wound. After the surgery, avoid crunchy, chewy, spicy, or acidic foods. Recovery takes a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the surgery's extent.
Does wisdom tooth extraction hurt?
The actual procedure is typically performed under local anaesthesia, so you won't feel any pain during the surgery. However, it's common to experience some discomfort and swelling after the procedure. Your oral surgeon will provide appropriate pain management options.
Show 12 more questions
Is the formation of a blood clot normal after wisdom tooth surgery?
Blood clot formation is necessary to stop bleeding. Please do not touch the surgical site using your fingers or tongue. On the day of the surgery, avoid drinking through straws, rinsing your mouth excessively, or spitting vigorously, as these could affect blood clot formation.
What food can I eat, and what should be avoided after wisdom tooth surgery?
Once the numbness has worn off, it's recommended that you consume something because nourishment is key in the healing process. Take a soft and cool diet that does not require chewing for the first few days (i.e. porridge, oatmeal, milkshake yoghurt, or soup etc.). Avoid hot and spicy foods to reduce irritation of the surgical sites. Smokers should also avoid smoking as it is counterproductive to the healing process.
Can I eat or drink before wisdom tooth surgery?
Your oral surgeon will provide specific instructions regarding fasting before the surgery. Typically, you will be advised not to eat or drink anything for a certain period before the procedure to prevent complications and ensure your safety during anaesthesia.
How many days of medical leave (MC) are given for wisdom tooth surgery?
Generally, about 5 days of medical leave is given after the surgical removal of a wisdom tooth — sometimes up to a week for a complex case. For a simple, non-surgical extraction, it is usually 2 to 3 days. Your dentist confirms the exact number for your case.
How long does it take to recover from wisdom tooth surgery?
The recovery time can vary depending on the complexity of the extraction and individual factors. Generally, it takes about a week to ten days to recover fully. During this time, you may experience some swelling, mild pain, and difficulty opening your mouth fully.
Are there any risks or complications associated with wisdom tooth surgery?
Like any surgical procedure, there are potential risks and complications, although they are relatively rare. These can include infection, dry socket (delayed healing), damage to surrounding teeth or nerves, excessive bleeding, or sinus complications. Your oral surgeon will discuss these risks with you beforehand.
How long will swelling or pain last after wisdom tooth surgery?
After wisdom tooth surgery, you will usually have mild pain, swelling and discomfort for a few days. This is normal and limited to the surgical area. You will be given painkillers and other medicine to keep you comfortable and help your recovery, and the discomfort usually eases over the following days.
What is wisdom tooth surgery?
Wisdom tooth surgery, also known as wisdom tooth extraction, is a surgical procedure to remove one or more wisdom teeth (third molars) that may be impacted, causing pain, infections, or other dental problems.
When should I come back to the clinic for stitch removal after wisdom tooth surgery?
Stitches are usually removed 1-2 weeks after surgery. Your dentist will advise you on the exact date during your visit.
Will I need to schedule a follow-up appointment after wisdom tooth surgery?
Yes, your oral surgeon will schedule a follow-up appointment to monitor your healing progress. They will check the extraction site, remove any stitches if necessary, and address any concerns or questions you may have.
Why are wisdom teeth often removed?
Wisdom teeth are commonly removed due to various reasons, including lack of space in the mouth, impaction (when the tooth doesn't fully emerge), improper alignment, potential damage to nearby teeth, gum disease, or recurrent infections.
My wound is still bleeding after wisdom tooth surgery. Am I required to approach a dentist at once?
It is common to bleed slightly from the surgical site for 1-2 days after surgery. To stop bleeding, place a piece of gauze directly at the surgical site and bite down firmly. Change the gauze every 30 minutes or as needed. Keeping your head elevated with pillows can also help to control bleeding. However, if bleeding continues or increases, please call our dental clinic for advice immediately, and we will be happy to assist you.
Explore
All procedures → Related procedures
Oral Surgery
Surgical procedures of the mouth and jaw, including surgical extractions, wisdom tooth removal, bone grafts and biopsies, under local anaesthesia, sedation or general anaesthesia.
Extractions
Removal of teeth that cannot be saved due to decay, gum disease, fracture or crowding, done under local anaesthesia. Replacement options are discussed before any extraction.
Read more
More → Related articles
Wisdom Teeth: Care, Pain & When to Remove
Understand wisdom tooth symptoms, treatment options, and the right time for removal
Wisdom Teeth: When to Remove Them
Understanding when extraction is necessary, and when your wisdom teeth can stay put
What Exactly Does an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon Specialist (OMS) Do?
Discover the advanced surgical care OMS specialists provide for your teeth, jaws, face, and overall oral health
Oral Surgery Recovery: A Practical Guide
Essential tips for managing pain, protecting your smile, and healing quickly after oral surgery