Wisdom Tooth Extraction vs Surgery: A Dental Patient’s Guide

Understanding Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the final set of teeth to emerge at the back of the mouth. They usually appear between the ages of 17 and 25. Most people develop four in total, with two in the upper jaw and two in the lower.

Because they erupt later than the rest of the adult teeth, there is often not enough space for them to grow correctly. This limited room can lead to several common issues:

• Impaction: When a wisdom tooth is partially or fully trapped beneath the gum or jawbone because it is blocked by bone or another tooth.
• Overcrowding: When the new tooth pushes against existing teeth and shifts their alignment.
• Pressure on nearby teeth: A partially erupting tooth can apply force on the neighbouring molar, causing discomfort or damage.
• Gum inflammation: Partially erupted wisdom teeth often trap food and bacteria, leading to tender or swollen gums.
• Cyst formation: In some cases, a fluid-filled sac can form around an impacted tooth, which may damage surrounding structures if untreated.

An early assessment with a dentist or oral surgeon can help identify these problems early and determine whether removal is needed, allowing for timely and well-planned treatment.

What Is Wisdom Tooth Extraction?

A simple wisdom tooth extraction refers to the removal of a tooth that is fully visible and has completely erupted through the gum line. This procedure is suitable when the entire crown of the tooth is not impacted or causing significant alignment issues. Since it is a more straightforward process, recovery time is often shorter, with fewer potential complications.

During a simple extraction, the dentist administers local anaesthesia to numb the tooth and the surrounding gum tissue. The tooth is then gently loosened from its socket with a dental elevator before being lifted out with forceps. Once the tooth has been removed, the site is cleaned and a piece of sterile gauze is placed to support blood clot formation.

What Is Wisdom Tooth Surgery?

Wisdom tooth surgery is recommended when a tooth is impacted. In these cases, the tooth cannot be reached or removed with standard extraction techniques, so a more complex surgical approach is required. This procedure is typically performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon who is trained to manage difficult or higher-risk cases.

Surgery is often advised when the wisdom tooth presents challenges, such as:

• Being trapped in the gum or bone
• Growing sideways or at an angle
• Recurrent infections or swelling (pericoronitis)
• Pain that spreads to the jaw or ear
• Damage to the neighbouring molar, including decay or root resorption
• Cyst formation around the tooth

During the procedure, the surgeon numbs the area with local anaesthesia or may provide sedation for added comfort. A small incision is made in the gum to expose the tooth and the surrounding bone. If needed, a limited amount of bone is removed to allow better access. The tooth is often divided into smaller sections so it can be removed more gently. After the tooth is extracted, the area is cleaned and the incision is closed with dissolvable stitches to support healing.

Simple Extraction vs Surgery: A Quick Breakdown

When a wisdom tooth needs removal, your dentist will determine whether a simple extraction is sufficient or if surgery is required. Here are the key differences to help you understand what each procedure involves.

• Complexity: A simple extraction is relatively straightforward because the tooth is fully visible and accessible. Surgery is more complex and involves an incision, possible bone removal, and stitches.
• Tooth Position: A fully erupted and upright tooth can usually be removed with a simple extraction. An impacted, partially erupted, or angled tooth typically requires surgical intervention.
• Anaesthesia and Time: Both procedures are performed under local anaesthesia to keep you comfortable. Surgical removal, however, usually takes longer and may also involve sedation for added comfort, especially in more complex cases.
• Recovery: Healing from a simple extraction is generally quick and takes only a few days. In contrast, surgical recovery takes longer, typically around a week or more. Patients may also experience post-operative swelling and discomfort.
• Cost: Because of its complexity, surgical removal is more expensive than a simple extraction. In Singapore, surgical wisdom tooth procedures are often Medisave-claimable, which helps offset the cost, while simple extractions are not.

Which Wisdom Tooth Procedure Do You Need?

The best way to determine whether you require a simple extraction or surgical removal is through a thorough dental examination. This includes a clinical assessment and detailed imaging to reveal the exact position and orientation of your wisdom tooth as well as its proximity to nerves and surrounding bone.

At PKWY Dental Specialist Practice, our experienced oral surgeons and dental specialists manage both straightforward and complex wisdom tooth cases. With advanced imaging technology, we provide precise diagnoses and recommend the most appropriate removal technique for your situation.

Conveniently located in Orchard, PKWY Dental is an MOH-accredited clinic, allowing eligible surgical wisdom tooth removal fees to be claimed through MediSave. Book an appointment with us for a comprehensive evaluation and to discuss your treatment options with our experienced team.