Wisdom tooth surgery in Bedok

At Happy Tooth Dental in Bedok Central, Dr Patricia Ong (BDSc, University of Melbourne) examines and removes wisdom teeth, including impacted wisdom teeth that need minor surgery. Dr Ong has a special interest in wisdom tooth surgery and has been caring for patients in Bedok since 2011.

What is an impacted wisdom tooth?

Wisdom teeth are the last molars at the back of the mouth. They usually come through between the ages of 17 and 25. Often there is not enough room for them, so they stay partly or fully under the gum, or grow at an angle against the tooth in front. This is called an impacted wisdom tooth.

An impacted wisdom tooth cannot be removed like a normal extraction. It needs minor surgery: the dentist makes a small opening in the gum and may divide the tooth into smaller pieces so it can be removed gently.

Signs your wisdom tooth may need attention

• Pain or swelling at the back of the jaw
• Swollen, tender gum over a tooth that has only partly come through
• Food getting trapped, or a bad taste at the back of the mouth
• Difficulty opening your mouth fully
• Decay or gum problems in the tooth in front of the wisdom tooth

Not every wisdom tooth needs to come out. If yours is healthy and not causing problems, Dr Ong will tell you so and may suggest checking it at your regular visits instead.

Important: if you have severe swelling of the face, a fever, or difficulty swallowing or breathing, see a doctor or go to the nearest A&E straight away.

Why see Dr Patricia Ong for your wisdom tooth

What happens at your wisdom tooth appointment

1. Examination and X-ray

Dr Ong checks your teeth and gums and takes an X-ray in the clinic to see the position of the wisdom tooth, its roots and the nearby nerve.

2. Your options explained

She explains whether the tooth should be removed, what the procedure involves, the expected recovery, the cost and how much Medisave can cover. You decide when you are ready.

3. The procedure

The area is numbed with local anaesthetic, so you stay awake but most patients feel pressure rather than pain. Most procedures take under an hour, depending on the position of the tooth.

4. Aftercare and review

You go home with written aftercare instructions and any medicine you need. Dr Ong will arrange a review visit if it is needed to check your healing.

If your wisdom tooth is very close to the nerve, or the surgery is better done under general anaesthesia, Dr Ong will explain why and refer you to a hospital or specialist.

Recovery after wisdom tooth surgery

• First 24 hours: some bleeding or oozing is normal. Keep biting gently on the gauze.
• Days 2 to 3: swelling and jaw stiffness are usually at their worst.
• Within about a week: most swelling and discomfort settles.

Aftercare tips

• Do not rinse, spit forcefully or use a straw for the first 24 hours.
• Hold a cold pack on your cheek for 10 to 15 minutes at a time on the first day.
• Eat soft, cool food such as porridge, yoghurt or soft tofu, and chew on the other side.
• Take any medicine exactly as prescribed.
• From the second day, rinse gently with warm salt water after meals.
• Avoid smoking and alcohol while the area heals.
• Keep brushing your other teeth gently.

When to contact us

• Bleeding that does not stop after biting on gauze for 30 minutes
• Pain that gets worse after the third day
• Fever, pus or a persistent bad taste
• Swelling that keeps spreading

Call 6441 1882 or WhatsApp 8181 1755 during clinic hours. Outside clinic hours, go to the nearest A&E if symptoms are severe.

Cost, Medisave and CHAS

The cost depends on the position of the tooth and how complex the surgery is. Dr Ong will tell you the cost after your examination and X-ray, before any treatment begins.

Medisave can be used for surgical removal of wisdom teeth, subject to MOH withdrawal limits. Our team will check how much you can claim and help with the paperwork. If you hold a CHAS, Pioneer Generation or Merdeka Generation card, ask us whether subsidies apply to your treatment.

Wisdom tooth surgery: frequently asked questions

Does wisdom tooth surgery hurt?

Local anaesthetic numbs the area, so most patients feel pressure rather than pain during the procedure. Some soreness and swelling afterwards is normal, and Dr Ong will advise you on pain relief.

How long does recovery take?

Swelling usually peaks on day 2 or 3 and settles within about a week. Recovery can take longer if the tooth was deeply impacted.

Can I use Medisave for wisdom tooth removal?

Yes. Medisave can be used for surgical removal of wisdom teeth, subject to MOH withdrawal limits. Happy Tooth Dental is a Medisave-accredited clinic, and our team will help you with the claim.

Do all wisdom teeth need to be removed?

No. A wisdom tooth that has come through properly, is easy to clean and is not causing problems can usually stay. Dr Ong will recommend removal only when there is a clear reason.

How long does the procedure take?

Most wisdom tooth procedures take under an hour. Dr Ong will give you a better estimate after looking at your X-ray.

Can I go back to work or school the next day?

Many people rest for a day or two after surgery. Dr Ong can give you a medical certificate if you need one.

What should I eat after wisdom tooth surgery?

Choose soft, cool food such as porridge, yoghurt, soft tofu or steamed egg for the first few days. Avoid hot, spicy, hard or crunchy food until the area feels better.

Which languages does Dr Ong speak?

Dr Ong speaks English, Mandarin, Cantonese and Hokkien. Our nurses speak Malay.