Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, typically emerge between the ages of 18 and 24. Unfortunately, many people don’t have enough space in their jaws for these teeth to erupt properly, which can lead to pain, infection, and other dental complications.
If you’re experiencing issues with your wisdom teeth or considering extraction as a preventive measure, understanding the costs involved is essential for planning your dental care.
Read more: Wisdom Tooth Removal Surgery: Risks, Benefits, Recovery
This comprehensive guide breaks down the costs of wisdom tooth extraction in Singapore, factors affecting pricing, available subsidies, and everything else you need to know before undergoing the procedure.
Types of Wisdom Tooth Extraction
There are two primary methods for removing wisdom teeth in Singapore:
Simple Extraction
For: Upper and lower wisdom teeth that are visible, fully erupted, and not impacted
Process:
- Local anesthetic for pain relief
- Sometimes IV sedation to reduce anxiety and help with relaxation
- Loosening and extracting the wisdom tooth
Cost Range: $150-$350 per tooth at private clinics; $50-$250 per tooth at public hospitals
Surgical Extraction
For: Wisdom teeth that are hidden under the gums, partially erupted, not fully erupted, and/or impacted
Process:
- Local anesthetic for pain relief
- IV sedation may be offered to reduce anxiety and pain
- Small incision in the gum
- Possible bone removal around the tooth
- Tooth may be divided into sections before removal
- Extraction of the wisdom tooth
Cost Range: $450-$1,550 per tooth at private clinics; $380-$1,000 per tooth at public hospitals
Cost Breakdown for Wisdom Tooth Extraction
The following table presents a detailed breakdown of the typical costs associated with wisdom tooth extraction in Singapore:
| Procedure | Public Hospitals | Polyclinics | Private Dental Clinics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Consultation | $25-$75 | $20-$50 | $100 |
| X-ray | $25-$200 | – | $150-$250 |
| Full mouth X-ray (OPG) | $80-$120 | – | $80-$150 |
| CT Scan (if required) | $200-$320 | – | $400 |
| Simple wisdom tooth extraction | $50-$250 | $25-$40 per tooth | $150-$350 per tooth |
| Surgical wisdom tooth extraction | $380-$1,000 per tooth | Patients are referred to hospitals | $450-$1,550 per tooth |
| Waiting time | A few weeks to months | A few weeks to months | A few days |
Factors Affecting Wisdom Tooth Extraction Costs
Several factors influence the cost of wisdom tooth extraction in Singapore:
1. Age
Younger patients generally have softer, more elastic jawbones, which makes extraction easier and potentially less expensive. As we age, our bones become more dense and rigid, potentially increasing the complexity and cost of extraction.
2. Position of Gum Tissue
A wisdom tooth that has fully emerged is typically easier to extract compared to one that is still beneath the gum tissue. Teeth that haven’t fully erupted often require surgical intervention, increasing costs.
3. Submerged Level of Wisdom Tooth
If your wisdom tooth is completely buried within the bone, extraction will require drilling into your jaw, making the procedure more complex and costly.
4. Proximity to Nerves
Deeply buried wisdom teeth are closer to nerves, which makes extraction more technically challenging. When a tooth is extremely close to the nerve that supplies sensation to the lip, special care must be taken, potentially requiring a CT scan for planning.
5. Root Shape of Wisdom Tooth
A wisdom tooth with an irregular root shape is harder to extract, potentially requiring sectioning of the tooth, which increases the procedure’s complexity and cost.
6. Type of Healthcare Provider
Costs vary significantly depending on whether you choose a public hospital, polyclinic, or private clinic. Private clinics generally charge more but may offer shorter waiting times.
7. Type of Dental Professional
Whether you choose a general dentist or an oral maxillofacial surgeon (OMS) will affect the cost. Specialists typically charge more for their expertise, particularly for complex cases.
Public vs Private Dental Clinics
In Singapore, you have the option to get your wisdom teeth extracted at either public or private dental facilities. Here’s a comparison:
Public Dental Clinics
Public Hospitals
- Price (surgical wisdom tooth extraction): $380-$1,000 per tooth
- Waiting time: At least 4 months
- Notable institutions: National University Hospital (NUH), Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH), Khoo Teck Puat Hospital (KTPH), and National Dental Centre (NDCS)
- Public hospitals generally handle complex and surgical wisdom tooth extractions
- To access subsidized specialist care, a referral letter from a polyclinic is needed
Polyclinics
- Price (simple wisdom tooth extraction): $25-$40 per tooth
- Waiting time: A few weeks to months
- Polyclinics are located in residential areas across Singapore, making them convenient for residents
- They handle simple wisdom tooth extractions, but refer patients who require surgical extraction to public hospitals
- Some polyclinics under the National Healthcare Group (NHG) may require an $8 deposit
Private Dental Clinics
- Price (simple wisdom tooth extraction): $150-$350 per tooth
- Price (surgical wisdom tooth extraction): $450-$1,550 per tooth
- Waiting time: A few days
- Private clinics provide both simple and surgical extractions
- Though prices are generally higher, waiting times are significantly shorter, making them suitable for urgent cases
- Many private clinics are Medisave and CHAS accredited, making their services more affordable through these schemes
Medisave Claims for Wisdom Tooth Extraction
Medisave can be used to cover part of the costs for surgical wisdom tooth extraction, but not for simple extractions.
Eligibility and Coverage
You can claim between $350 to $2,700 from your Medisave for wisdom tooth surgery. The amount depends on:
- Complexity of the case: Whether tooth division or bone removal is necessary
- Number of wisdom teeth requiring extraction
Medisave Claim Limits (Per Tooth)
Without tooth division:
- 1 tooth: $350 (Total withdrawal limit: $650)
- 2-3 teeth: $1,550 (Total withdrawal limit: $1,850)
- 4 or more teeth: $2,150 (Total withdrawal limit: $2,450)
With tooth division:
- 1 tooth: $950 (Total withdrawal limit: $1,250)
- 2-3 teeth: $1,850 (Total withdrawal limit: $2,150)
- 4 or more teeth: $2,600 (Total withdrawal limit: $2,900)
With tooth division (completely buried in bone):
- 1 tooth: $1,250 (Total withdrawal limit: $1,550)
The most common scenario involves removing one impacted lower wisdom tooth, which typically requires both bone removal and tooth division. This is usually Medisave claimable for $950.
How to Make a Medisave Claim
- Bring your Singaporean Identity Card on the day of your wisdom tooth surgery to prove eligibility
- Ensure you have sufficient funds in your Medisave account
- The clinic staff will handle the paperwork for Medisave claims
- You can use your own Medisave account or an approved dependent’s account (parents, spouse, children, siblings)
For patients with sufficient balance in their Medisave account:
- You’ll only need to pay the difference between the total cost and the Medisave claimable amount
- Example: If surgery costs $1,300 and your Medisave claimable amount is $1,250, you’ll pay $50 out-of-pocket
For patients with insufficient balance in their Medisave account:
- You’ll need to pay the full amount upfront
- The clinic will process the claim, and once approved, you’ll receive a refund for the claimed amount
- You may also use a second Medisave payer if they are an approved dependent
Other Subsidies Available
Besides Medisave, several other subsidy schemes can help reduce the cost of wisdom tooth extraction in Singapore:
1. Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS)
CHAS is designed to provide subsidies for medical and dental treatments for lower and middle-income Singaporeans.
Subsidies for simple extraction (per tooth):
- CHAS Blue: $68.50
- Merdeka Generation: $73.50
- Pioneer Generation: $78.50
- CHAS Orange: Not applicable for dental extractions
Note: CHAS subsidies apply only to simple extractions, not surgical procedures.
2. Merdeka Generation Package
This package is exclusively for Singaporeans born from 1950 to 1959.
Subsidy for simple wisdom tooth extraction: $73.50 per tooth
3. Pioneer Generation Package
Available for Singaporeans born on or before December 31, 1949.
Subsidy for simple wisdom tooth extraction: $78.50 per tooth
Choosing Between General Dentist and Specialist
General Dentist
- Wisdom teeth surgery is taught at the National University of Singapore (NUS), and dental students must complete at least one case before graduating
- General dentists in Singapore are capable of performing wisdom tooth extractions, particularly for straightforward cases
- Generally less expensive than seeing a specialist
Oral Maxillofacial Surgeon (OMS)
- Specialists in oral and maxillofacial surgery who have additional training beyond dental school
- Recommended for complex cases, such as:
- Deeply buried wisdom teeth
- Wisdom teeth located close to the mandibular nerve
- Teeth in other sensitive areas near the jawbone
- Patients with medical complications
- Generally more expensive than general dentists
Your dentist will typically refer you to an OMS if your case is deemed too complex for general practice.
Pain Management and Recovery
Local vs. General Anesthesia
Local Anesthesia:
- Most common approach for wisdom tooth extraction
- Involves injecting pain-blocking agents into the gums
- You remain conscious during the procedure
- Cost is typically included in the surgery fee
General Anesthesia:
- Used in cases where multiple extractions are performed at once
- Puts you completely to sleep during the procedure
- More common among patients requiring all four wisdom teeth extracted simultaneously
- Costs an additional $800 (on average) for an anesthetist to administer the sedation
Recovery Process
Post-operative management is crucial for a smooth recovery after wisdom tooth extraction:
- Your dentist will prescribe medications for pain management
- You’ll receive post-operative instructions to follow
- Recovery time typically depends on the complexity of the extraction:
- Simple extractions generally have faster recovery times with less swelling and pain
- Surgical extractions may require more downtime and can cause more post-operative discomfort
The dentist should provide a comprehensive pain management plan, which might include painkillers, antibiotics, and detailed aftercare instructions.
When Should You Extract Your Wisdom Teeth?
Preventive Extraction
Even if your wisdom teeth aren’t currently causing problems, dentists may recommend extraction in the following situations:
- X-rays show potential future problems
- Risk of damage to adjacent teeth
- Signs of periodontal disease
- Decay that cannot be effectively treated
- Cysts or tumors developing around a wisdom tooth
Early Detection Benefits
Regular dental check-ups can help with early detection of potential wisdom tooth problems:
- Dentists often perform OPGs (large panoramic X-rays) at 3-year intervals to assess wisdom teeth
- Through 6-monthly examinations and cleaning, dentists can establish a risk profile based on factors like how well you maintain oral hygiene
- Early assessment can save you from pain and complications from an impacted or decayed wisdom tooth
Studies suggest that removing wisdom teeth at a younger age (typically early 20s) is often easier, less painful, and more cost-effective in the long run due to softer bone tissue and less developed roots.
FAQs About Wisdom Tooth Extraction
1. How long does a wisdom tooth extraction take?
A wisdom tooth can be removed in as quickly as 3-7 minutes for simple cases, or as long as 2 hours for complex surgical extractions.
2. Will I experience pain during the extraction?
No, you shouldn’t feel pain during the procedure as you’ll receive local anesthesia. Some pressure sensation is normal. Post-operative discomfort can be managed with prescribed medication.
3. Can I claim Medisave for all types of wisdom tooth extractions?
No, Medisave can only be used for surgical wisdom tooth extractions, not for simple extractions.
4. How long is the recovery period after wisdom tooth surgery?
Recovery typically takes about 1-2 weeks, with the first few days being the most uncomfortable. Most people return to normal activities within a week, though complete healing of the socket may take up to a month.
5. What’s the difference between wisdom tooth extraction and wisdom tooth surgery?
Extraction refers to the simple removal of a fully erupted wisdom tooth, while surgery involves making an incision in the gum and possibly removing bone to access a partially erupted or impacted tooth.
6. How do I know if I need my wisdom teeth removed?
Signs that might indicate the need for wisdom tooth removal include pain, swelling, infection, damage to adjacent teeth, gum disease, tooth decay, or cysts. Regular dental check-ups can help detect these issues early.
Conclusion
Understanding the costs involved in wisdom tooth extraction can help you make informed decisions about your dental health. While prices vary based on numerous factors, including the complexity of the case and the type of facility you choose, several subsidy options are available to help manage these expenses.
For the best results, consult with a dental professional who can assess your specific situation and provide personalized advice. Remember that early detection and treatment of wisdom tooth problems can save you both discomfort and costs in the long run.
Whether you opt for a public or private dental provider, ensure you understand all costs upfront, including consultation fees, X-rays, and the extraction procedure itself. With proper planning and knowledge of available subsidies, wisdom tooth extraction can be both affordable and stress-free.