Wisdom Tooth Removal
in Singapore
Simple, complex and surgical wisdom tooth extraction at our Tanjong Pagar and Marine Parade clinics. Surgical extraction is MediSave claimable for eligible Singapore Citizens and PRs.
Wisdom tooth removal (also called wisdom tooth extraction) is the removal of a third molar that is impacted, infected, decayed, or causing crowding. In Singapore, simple extraction of a fully erupted wisdom tooth is not MediSave claimable, while surgical extraction of an impacted wisdom tooth is MediSave claimable for eligible Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents, with claim amounts set by MOH’s Table of Surgical Procedures. At Meiplus Dentalcare, treatment is available at our Tanjong Pagar and Marine Parade clinics, with CHAS, Pioneer Generation and Merdeka Generation subsidies also accepted.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of permanent teeth to emerge, typically appearing between the ages of 17 and 25. Most adults develop four wisdom teeth, one in each corner of the mouth.
Because modern human jaws are often too small to accommodate these additional molars, wisdom teeth frequently don’t have enough space to erupt fully or correctly.
Not all wisdom teeth need to be removed. Some erupt correctly and cause no problems. Removal is typically recommended when a tooth is impacted, infected, or damaging adjacent teeth.
Terms You’ll Hear
- Wisdom tooth / third molar
- The last of the permanent teeth to emerge, usually between ages 17–25, located at the very back of the mouth.
- Impacted wisdom tooth
- A wisdom tooth that cannot fully erupt due to insufficient space or obstruction from an adjacent tooth or bone.
- Pericoronitis
- Gum infection and inflammation around a partially erupted wisdom tooth, caused by bacteria trapped under a flap of gum tissue.
- Simple extraction
- Removal of a fully erupted, accessible tooth without incision — not MediSave claimable.
- Surgical extraction
- Removal of a partially or fully impacted tooth requiring an incision, and sometimes bone or tooth sectioning — MediSave claimable for eligible patients.
- Dry socket
- A painful complication where the blood clot at the extraction site is lost or fails to form, exposing bone and nerve; most common 3–5 days after extraction.
Can I Use MediSave for
Wisdom Tooth Removal?
Surgical extraction of impacted wisdom teeth is a classified surgical procedure under MOH’s Table of Surgical Procedures (TOSP), and is therefore MediSave claimable for eligible Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents.
Surgical Extraction
Partially or fully impacted wisdom tooth requiring an incision, and sometimes bone removal or tooth sectioning.
Simple Extraction
Fully erupted wisdom tooth, accessible without an incision. Not classified as a surgical procedure under TOSP.
MediSave Claim Amounts
Which TOSP table applies to your case is determined by the number of teeth and the complexity of the extraction, confirmed only after an OPG X-ray and clinical examination.
Claim amounts include the $300 consumables allowance. Figures reflect MOH’s Table of Surgical Procedures effective 1 April 2025 and are subject to change — please confirm current limits with MOH or your dentist. Actual claim amounts depend on case complexity and are assessed at consultation.
Other Subsidy Schemes We Accept
Meiplus Dentalcare is an accredited provider for CHAS, Pioneer Generation, Merdeka Generation and the MediSave Scheme. Subsidy eligibility and amounts depend on your scheme tier and the treatment required — our team will confirm your eligible subsidy at consultation.
Signs You May Need
Wisdom Tooth Removal
Wisdom tooth problems can develop gradually or appear suddenly. If you’re experiencing any of the following, a dental assessment including an OPG X-ray is recommended.
Pain or swelling at the back of the jaw
Persistent pain, tenderness or swelling at the back of the mouth is one of the most common signs, often occurring when the tooth is partially erupted or pressing against adjacent teeth.
Gum infection (pericoronitis)
A partially erupted wisdom tooth creates a flap of gum tissue that’s difficult to clean. Trapped bacteria can cause swollen, red gums, bad breath, and sometimes difficulty opening the jaw fully.
Impacted wisdom tooth
An impacted tooth cannot fully erupt due to insufficient space or obstruction, and is more likely to cause crowding, cyst formation, and damage to neighbouring teeth and bone.
Decay or damage to adjacent teeth
Wisdom teeth are hard to clean properly, raising the risk of plaque buildup and decay in both the wisdom tooth and the second molar next to it.
Cyst formation
A fluid-filled cyst can develop around an unerupted or impacted wisdom tooth. Left untreated it can enlarge and damage surrounding teeth, bone and nerves — identified via X-ray.
Food trapping and hygiene difficulties
Partially erupted or misaligned wisdom teeth create areas where food and bacteria accumulate and are difficult to remove through regular brushing and flossing.
Types of Wisdom Tooth
Removal in Singapore
The procedure required depends on the position, angulation and eruption status of the tooth, assessed through clinical examination and OPG X-ray imaging.
Simple Extraction
Performed when the wisdom tooth has fully erupted above the gum line and is accessible without surgical intervention. Under local anaesthesia, the dentist uses a dental elevator to loosen the tooth before removing it with forceps.
- Time 10–20 minutes
- Incision Not required
- Stitches Usually none
- MediSave Not claimable
Complex Extraction
Needed when a tooth is erupted but awkwardly positioned or root-bound, requiring sectioning or additional manipulation to remove safely — more involved than a simple extraction, without full surgical exposure.
- Time Varies by case
- Incision Sometimes
- Stitches Sometimes
- MediSave Assessed at consultation
Surgical Extraction
Required when the tooth is partially or fully impacted beneath gum or bone. A small incision is made to access the tooth; bone may be removed and the tooth sectioned into pieces to reduce trauma. Dissolvable or removable stitches close the site.
- Time 20–45 minutes
- Incision Yes
- Stitches Yes
- MediSave Claimable for eligible SC/PR
Wisdom Tooth Removal Cost
in Singapore
Cost depends on the type of extraction required and the complexity of the case, confirmed after a clinical consultation and OPG X-ray review. Prices are per tooth.
Simple Extraction
Fully erupted, accessible tooth removed without an incision.
Complex Extraction
Erupted but awkwardly positioned or root-bound, needing sectioning or extra manipulation.
Surgical Extraction
Partially or fully impacted tooth requiring an incision, and often bone removal or tooth sectioning.
Surgical extraction may be substantially offset by MediSave. Claim amounts start from $720 for a single tooth requiring bone removal — see the MediSave section above for the full TOSP breakdown.
Prices stated are estimates and subject to prevailing GST. Final treatment cost will be determined according to individual patient needs and finalised after consultation with our dentists and OPG X-ray review.
Recovery & Aftercare
After Wisdom Tooth Removal
Most patients recover within one to two weeks, though initial soft tissue healing typically takes 7 to 10 days. Complete healing of the bone in the socket can take several months, though this doesn’t affect daily activities.
What to Expect in the First 24–48 Hours
- Some bleeding, swelling and mild discomfort is normal, and usually manageable with prescribed pain relief.
- Apply an ice pack to the outside of the cheek for 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off during the first 24 hours to reduce swelling.
- Stick to soft foods, avoid hot liquids, and avoid vigorous rinsing or spitting, which can dislodge the healing blood clot.
- Rest and avoid strenuous activity, which can increase bleeding and slow healing.
Dry Socket: What It Is and How to Reduce the Risk
Dry socket occurs when the blood clot protecting the extraction site is lost or fails to form properly, exposing the underlying bone and nerve. It’s the most common complication after wisdom tooth removal, and typically causes a sudden increase in pain around day 3 to 5 — after healing seemed to be progressing normally.
If you experience worsening pain after day 3, contact your dentist promptly.
FAQs on Wisdom Tooth Removal
When should I get my wisdom tooth removed in Singapore?
Removal is typically recommended when a wisdom tooth is impacted, infected, decayed, causing crowding, or forming a cyst. Not every wisdom tooth needs removal — some erupt correctly and cause no issues. A dental assessment with an OPG X-ray is the best way to determine whether removal is needed in your case.
Is wisdom tooth removal painful?
The procedure itself is performed under local anaesthesia, so you shouldn’t feel pain during removal. Mild to moderate discomfort, swelling, and tenderness are normal for a few days afterward and are usually well managed with prescribed pain relief.
How long does wisdom tooth removal take?
A simple extraction of a fully erupted tooth typically takes 10 to 20 minutes. A surgical extraction of an impacted tooth typically takes 20 to 45 minutes, depending on the complexity of the case.
Can I use MediSave for wisdom tooth removal in Singapore?
Surgical extraction of an impacted wisdom tooth is MediSave claimable for eligible Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents, with claim amounts set by MOH’s Table of Surgical Procedures (from $720 for a single tooth requiring bone removal, up to around $2,740 for four teeth). Simple extraction of a fully erupted tooth is not MediSave claimable, as it isn’t classified as a surgical procedure.
Is wisdom tooth removal covered by CHAS in Singapore?
Meiplus Dentalcare is an accredited CHAS, Pioneer Generation, and Merdeka Generation provider. Subsidy eligibility and amounts depend on your specific CHAS tier and the treatment required — our team can confirm your eligible subsidy at consultation.
How much does wisdom tooth removal cost in Singapore?
At Meiplus Dentalcare, simple extraction ranges from $250 to $350 per tooth, complex extraction from $650 to $950, and surgical extraction from $1,250 to $1,950. Prices are estimates and subject to prevailing GST, and are confirmed after a clinical consultation and OPG X-ray review. Surgical extractions may be substantially offset by MediSave for eligible patients.
What is an impacted wisdom tooth?
An impacted wisdom tooth is one that cannot fully erupt through the gum due to insufficient space in the jaw or obstruction from an adjacent tooth. Impacted wisdom teeth are more likely to cause crowding, infection, cyst formation, and damage to neighbouring teeth, and typically require surgical extraction.
How long is recovery after wisdom tooth removal?
Most patients recover within one to two weeks, with initial soft tissue healing taking around 7 to 10 days. Full bone healing in the socket can take several months, though this doesn’t typically affect normal daily activities. Watch for a sudden increase in pain around day 3 to 5, which can indicate dry socket.
What is dry socket and how can I avoid it?
Dry socket happens when the blood clot protecting the extraction site is lost or doesn’t form properly, exposing bone and nerve underneath. It’s the most common complication after wisdom tooth removal, usually causing a sudden increase in pain a few days after surgery. Avoiding smoking, straws, and vigorous rinsing in the first few days significantly lowers the risk.
Where can I get wisdom tooth removal in Tanjong Pagar or Marine Parade?
Meiplus Dentalcare offers wisdom tooth removal consultations and procedures at two clinic locations — our flagship clinic in Tanjong Pagar and our branch in Marine Parade — with dentists trained at King’s College London, the University of Melbourne, and the National University of Singapore.
Subsidy Schemes
We are an accredited dental group for Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS), Merdeka Generation Scheme, Pioneer Generation Scheme, and the Medisave Scheme
Dental Clinics Near You
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