Wisdom Tooth Surgery
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 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.
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 choose sedation or general anaesthesia for the surgery?
Most patients have the surgery performed under local anaesthesia, which is sufficient to block the pain. However, we also offer sedation and general anaesthesia services for anxious patients or when their conditions are more complex.
Will I get a medial certificate (MC) after wisdom tooth removal?
Generally, five days of MC will be given after a wisdom tooth surgery. For non surgical wisdom tooth removal , generally 2-3 days of MC will be given.
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.
How long will swelling or pain last after wisdom tooth surgery?
After wisdom tooth surgery, you will usually experience 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 make you more comfortable and help your recovery. By the 3rd day, most patients would be pain-free.
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.
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.
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.
My jaw movement seems to have been affected, an it feels stiff after my tooth extraction. Is this normal?
It is normal to have stiff jaw muscles, which may limit the mouth opening for a few days after dental surgery. This usually resolves within a week after surgery.
Will I experience discomfort after the surgery?
It’s normal to experience mild discomfort after a tooth extraction or dental surgery. You will be given painkillers to take if needed. To prevent nausea and gastric discomfort, it’s recommended that you consume the painkillers only after a meal or with gastric-protective medication. You may reduce the swelling by using an ice pack at 20-minute intervals for about 6 hours after the surgery. Please call our clinic if you are unsure of your recovery process, and we will be happy to assist you.
