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What are Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars, which normally emerge between the ages of 17 and 25. These are the final permanent teeth to emerge, and while some people have no concerns, wisdom teeth frequently cause problems due to a shortage of room in the mouth. When wisdom teeth are unable to develop properly (known as impaction), they can cause discomfort, swelling, and other issues.

Many people have impacted wisdom teeth, which can

  • Grow at an angle to the adjacent tooth (second molar).
  • Grow at an angle, towards the back of the mouth.
  • Grow at a right angle to the other teeth, “sideways” in the jawbone.
  • Grow straight, but remain locked inside the jawbone.

Impacted wisdom teeth frequently cause discomfort, infections, and damage to neighbouring teeth, necessitating extraction by a dentist or oral surgeon. In Malaysia, wisdom tooth extraction is a common dental procedure. If you are in pain, seeking immediate treatment can prevent future issues and protect your long-term dental health.

Nuffield Dental specialises in wisdom teeth extractions, ensuring that you receive prompt, effective treatment to alleviate discomfort and maintain your smile.

Book your consultation today and let our skilled team handle your dental needs.

Table of contents

Why Is Wisdom Tooth Extraction Done?

Remember, maintaining your oral health is crucial. If you experience discomfort at the back of your mouth, it’s advisable to consult your dentist to evaluate the need for wisdom tooth extraction.

  • Impacted Wisdom Teeth: When wisdom teeth do not emerge or develop properly owing to space limits, they become impacted and can cause substantial pain.
  • Preventive Extraction: To avoid problems in the future, dentists may recommend extraction even if impacted wisdom teeth are not now causing pain.
  • Gum Disease (Periodontal disease): The area around growing wisdom teeth can be difficult to clean, resulting in gum disease that impairs general oral health.
  • Incorrect Growth: Wisdom teeth that are not properly angled can crowd or harm neighbouring teeth.
  • Tumours: In rare situations, tumours can form around impacted wisdom teeth, resulting in significant consequences that may necessitate surgical intervention.
  • Cysts: Untreated wisdom teeth can occasionally form cysts that harm the jawbone or oral tissue. If these cysts are not addressed, they may require more invasive surgery.
  • Overcrowding: Wisdom teeth can force other teeth out of position, resulting in overcrowding that may necessitate orthodontic treatment to address misalignment.
  • Infections and Abscesses: Wisdom teeth that only partially emerge might form pockets of infection, resulting in abscesses or chronic infections in the gums.
  • Routine Preventive Care:Regular dental check-ups help spot troublesome wisdom teeth early, allowing for preemptive removal before they create problems.
  • Tooth Decay:More common in partially erupted wisdom teeth because they are more difficult to clean.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, seeing a dentist can help protect your oral health. Delaying wisdom tooth treatment could affect your healthy teeth and lead to a larger bill. Contact Nuffield Dental to discuss your choices.

Wisdom Teeth Extraction Benefits

Prevents Oral Health Problems

Removing wisdom teeth lowers the risk of gum disease, infections, and tooth decay, especially when the teeth are impacted and difficult to clean. This preventative treatment helps to prevent problems that can impact your entire mouth and promotes better long-term oral hygiene.

Eases Discomfort

Many people have pain or discomfort from wisdom teeth, particularly when they are partially erupted or impacted. Removing them provides instant relief and prevents consequences like swelling, infections, and gum irritation. By targeting the source of the problem, extraction provides both immediate relief and long-term prevention.

Protects Surrounding Teeth

Untreated wisdom teeth can push on adjacent teeth, causing enamel, root, or bone damage. Extraction prevents this type of harm, thereby protecting the health of nearby teeth and maintaining the overall structure of your mouth. This also reduces the likelihood of requiring future corrective procedures such as braces or root canals.

Reduces Headaches

Pressure from impacted wisdom teeth can commonly cause tension headaches and jaw discomfort. The removal of these teeth decreases the pressure and reduces or eliminates headaches caused by wisdom tooth impaction. This benefit goes beyond dental health and enhances your overall comfort.

Avoid Staining Products

Impacted wisdom teeth can occasionally cause cysts or tumours to form within the jawbone. These growths can cause substantial harm to both bone and soft tissue, needing more advanced therapies. Early removal of wisdom teeth helps to reduce these dangers and protects jaw health.

Improves Recovery Time

Removal of wisdom teeth before they are completely formed or troublesome usually results in a quicker and smoother recovery time. Younger patients, in particular, recover more quickly because their bodies are more resilient to surgical treatments. Early intervention reduces the difficulty of rehabilitation.

Promotes Jaw Health

Impacted wisdom teeth might put too much pressure on the jaw, causing misalignment or stiffness. Removal relieves this tension, improving general jaw function and lowering the risk of developing Temporomandibular disorders (chronic dysfunction and pain in the jaw joint and surrounding muscles) or other jaw-related problems.

Prevents Sinus Issues

Wisdom teeth in the upper jaw are located near the sinuses. These teeth can become impacted, resulting in sinus pressure, headaches, or congestion. Removing them can alleviate sinus discomfort and avoid future issues.

Improves Dental Hygiene

Wisdom teeth, particularly when impacted, can make it difficult to practice excellent oral hygiene. Removing them opens up more room in the mouth, making brushing and flossing easier and more effective. This ultimately leads to cleaner teeth and a healthier mouth.

Prevents Overcrowding

By removing wisdom teeth, you avoid overcrowding, which can cause other teeth to shift out of alignment. This benefit not only protects your smile, but also helps you prevent future orthodontic treatments and keeps your teeth in good alignment.

Are you prepared to reap the benefits of wisdom tooth removal and improve your oral health? Contact us today to set up a consultation.

In addition to these maintenance practices, don't forget the importance of ongoing dental care, including regular check-ups and cleanings, as well as the use of retainers as prescribed by your orthodontist. By incorporating these habits into your daily routine, you can safeguard the results of your clear aligner treatment and enjoy a healthy, beautiful smile for years to come.

Types of Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Simple Extraction

Extraction of a fully erupted wisdom tooth is usually a simple procedure. We use a local anaesthetic to ensure that you do not feel any pain, and the entire procedure usually takes less than an hour. Our friendly doctors and nurses work hard to make sure you have a stress-free experience, so you can expect minimal discomfort after the procedure and return to your normal routine quickly.

Surgical Extraction

Surgical extraction may be required for impacted or partially stuck wisdom teeth. This entails making a small incision in your gum to access the tooth, which may need to be extracted in pieces if it is deeply embedded. Although the thought of surgery may be intimidating, we provide a variety of sedation options to keep you comfortable throughout the procedure. Recovery may take longer, but our team’s careful approach accelerates the healing process and reduces risks.

Operculectomy

When a wisdom tooth has only partially erupted, an operculectomy may be required. This procedure involves removing the gum tissue that covers the tooth, allowing it to emerge properly. Taking this step prevents further complications and promotes overall dental health. We strive to make this procedure as simple and painless as possible, allowing you to move beyond the discomfort of a partially erupted tooth.

Coronectomy

If a wisdom tooth’s root is near a nerve, we often recommend a coronectomy to minimise the risk of nerve damage. This procedure involves removing just the crown of the tooth while leaving the root intact. It’s a safe alternative that avoids the potential for long-term nerve issues. We understand the concerns about nerve damage and are committed to preserving your nerve health with this careful approach.

Find out which treatment option suits you best by scheduling an appointment with us today.

Other Wisdom Tooth Removal Treatments on the Market

Simple Analgesics

Simple analgesics like paracetamol or ibuprofen can help with mild wisdom tooth pain. These medications help to alleviate discomfort without requiring more invasive treatments.

Antibiotics

If an infection develops around a wisdom tooth, your dentist may prescribe antibiotics. These medications help to clear the infection and prevent it from spreading, which is critical for maintaining oral health.

Mouthwash

Rinsing with warm salt water or using an antiseptic mouthwash, such as chlorhexidine, can help treat partially erupted wisdom teeth that may be infected. This helps to clean the area and lowers the risk of further infection.

Depending on your dental condition, note that these treatments may not be an appropriate substitute for a wisdom tooth extraction. By prescribing necessary medications and advising on suitable mouthwashes, we ensure proper pharmaceutical care and empower patients to manage their oral hygiene and recovery effectively, complementing our specialised dental interventions.

Wisdom Tooth Impaction Types

The direction and angle at which impacted wisdom teeth erupt determine the complexity of extraction in many cases. By determining the type of impaction, your dentists can design the best treatment for you.

  • Mesial-angular impaction: The most common type occurs when the wisdom teeth curve forward towards the front of the mouth. This position can put strain on adjacent teeth, resulting in overcrowding or misalignment.
  • Distal-angular impaction:The wisdom tooth tilts backward towards the back of the mouth. While less common, it can nevertheless cause substantial pain and damage to nearby teeth or bones.
  • Vertical impaction:The wisdom teeth is inclined upward but still trapped in the jawbone. Though perfectly aligned, a paucity of room may prevent it from fully erupting, necessitating extraction to avoid difficulties.
  • Horizontal impaction:The tooth is positioned sideways, making it one of the most difficult types of impactions to remove. Horizontal impaction frequently pushes against neighbouring teeth, resulting in pain, crowding, and damage that may require orthodontic treatment.
  • Buccoangular impaction occurs when a tooth tilts towards the cheek, causing discomfort and irritation to the soft tissues. The location may also impact the alignment of other teeth, complicating the extraction operation.
  • Linguoangular impaction:In this form, the wisdom tooth tilts towards the tongue, complicating extraction because it is close to major nerves. This location heightens the danger of nerve injury during removal.
  • Inverted impaction:A rare and difficult condition in which the wisdom tooth is positioned upside down in the jawbone. Because of its odd orientation, this kind frequently requires invasive surgery to remove.

If you are feeling discomfort or pain as a result of impacted wisdom teeth, do not wait! Early intervention can help prevent future issues. Contact us today to set up a consultation.

Wisdom Tooth Extraction Procedure

Before the Procedure

Your first step is to schedule an appointment with an oral surgeon for a comprehensive examination. X-rays will assist you in assessing the position of your wisdom teeth and planning your treatment. You’ll also talk about your anaesthetic options, which include local anaesthesia to numb the area, sedation to keep you relaxed but awake, and general anaesthesia if you’d rather be unconscious. Share any drugs you are taking and ask questions regarding recovery and aftercare to ensure you are properly prepared.

During the Procedure

We recognise that surgery can be stressful, but your comfort is our top focus. Depending on the type of anaesthesia you choose, you will either be conscious and calm or completely asleep with no awareness of the surgery. Your oral surgeon will gently extract the tooth, ensuring that the procedure is as painless and comfortable as possible.

Aftercare

Following the procedure, follow your surgeon’s instructions to ensure a quick recovery.To decrease swelling, apply cold packs and stick to soft foods for the first few days. To avoid issues such as dry sockets, rinse the extraction site gently with salt water after 24 hours and refrain from smoking or using a straw. If any problems emerge, contact your dental staff immediately for assistance.

Ready to take the next step? Contact Nuffield Dental today to schedule your consultation.

Wisdom Teeth Removal Risks

Wisdom Teeth Removal Risks

  • Reactions to Anaesthesia:Depending on the type of anaesthesia used during the procedure, some patients may experience adverse reactions ranging from mild nausea to severe allergic reactions.
  • Damage to Adjacent Teeth:The removal of a wisdom tooth can sometimes cause damage to nearby teeth, especially if the wisdom tooth is impacted or the surrounding area is crowded.
  • Bleeding:Some bleeding is normal following the treatment, but if it becomes heavy or lasts longer than a few hours, medical intervention may be required to avoid complications.
  • Infection:The extraction site is prone to infection, particularly if food particles or bacteria penetrate the wound. Infection symptoms include yellow or white discharge, swelling, discomfort, and a fever. If an infection develops, your dentist may prescribe medicines to help treat it.

No procedure is 100% risk-free. At Nuffield Dental, we’re clear on the risks involved with every treatment.

It is critical to follow your dentist’s postoperative care instructions to reduce these risks and promote a normal recovery. If you’re experiencing any odd symptoms, such as prolonged bleeding, severe pain, or infection, dial Nuffield’s emergency dental hotline: we’re open 24 hours a day.

Wisdom Teeth Removal Complications

Wisdom Teeth Removal Complications

  • Nerve injury:During the extraction, there is a slight chance of nerve injury, which can cause temporary pain or numbness in the tongue, lower lip, chin, or teeth. In rare situations, the changed sensation may stay permanent, but this is unlikely.
  • Jaw Issues (Trismus):Some patients may develop trismus, a disease that limits their ability to open their mouth completely. This chronic problem can make it difficult to eat, speak, and maintain oral hygiene. In rare circumstances, underlying bone weakening can cause more serious jaw disorders, such as a cracked jaw.
  • Sinus Problems:When upper wisdom teeth are taken, an opening between the sinus cavity and the mouth may form, resulting in persistent sinus infections or other long-term sinus issues. This could necessitate more surgery to correct.
  • Retained Roots:In some circumstances, tooth root fragments may stay in the jaw following extraction. These residual roots can cause persistent pain, infection, or cyst formation, all of which may necessitate additional surgical surgery.
  • Dry Socket (Alveolar Osteitis):This condition arises when the protective blood clot in the tooth socket fails to form, becomes dislodged, or dissolves before the wound heals. It can cause considerable pain and delayed recovery, typically within the first few days after extraction.
  • Osteonecrosis:An uncommon but deadly disorder in which the jawbone fails to mend properly and begins to die from a lack of blood flow. This long-term consequence can cause significant pain, bone loss, and infection, necessitating extensive therapy and management.

After the procedure, watch for any of these issues and seek prompt treatment to prevent your symptoms from worsening. At Nuffield Dental, we provide care to address long-term issues, so you may recover with confidence.

Wisdom Tooth Extraction Cost in Kuala Lumpur

Wisdom Tooth Extraction Cost in Kuala Lumpur

Surgical extractions in Kuala Lumpur typically cost RM700 onwards, while non-surgical extractions cost upwards of RM100. The following factors could affect your bill:

  • Type of Extraction:Surgical extractions are more complex than non-surgical ones and therefore more costly.
  • Dentist Expertise:More experienced dentists typically charge higher fees.
  • Tooth Condition:Severely impacted or broken teeth may necessitate more time and complex techniques, which raises the overall cost.
  • Equipment and Technology:The use of advanced technology and specialised equipment may increase the cost of the extraction procedure.
  • Post-Operative Care:Follow-up visits and care can increase the total cost of the extraction procedure.

Book a consultation with Nuffield Dental to receive your personalised quote today.

Are There Subsidies For Wisdom Teeth Removal in KL Malaysia?

At Nuffield Dental, we offer a range of payment options, including QR payments, Touch and Go, and installment plans up to 24 months with most banks, ensuring that your treatment is both accessible and manageable. Depending on your policy, your health insurance may also cover the cost of wisdom tooth extraction.

Wisdom tooth extraction is an essential dental procedure that should be available to everyone. If you’re in a tight spot financially, don’t worry. Contact our team; let’s work out a solution together.

Dos and Don’ts After Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Do:

  • Apply Ice Packs: Apply an ice pack for 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off to minimise swelling and irritation, hence expediting recovery.
  • Rinse with Saltwater:To avoid infection, rinse your mouth with a light saltwater solution (½ teaspoon salt in a cup of water) starting 24 hours after surgery.
  • Eat Soft Foods:To avoid irritating the extraction site and promote faster healing, stick to soft foods such as yoghurt or soup. Ice cream works great – A good excuse reason to treat yourself.
  • Apply Warm Compresses:Apply a warm, damp cloth to your jaw to relieve discomfort and strain.
  • Stay Hydrated:Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and promote recovery.
  • Gently Exercise Your Jaw:To prevent stiffness, open and close your jaw gently, avoiding rapid motions.
  • Gently Exercise Your Jaw:If you develop a fever or if your pain and swelling do not improve, seek prompt dental care.

Don’t:

  • Smoking increases the likelihood of problems, such as dry sockets, and slows healing.
  • Use a Straw:Avoid using straws since suction can dislodge the blood clot and cause unpleasant consequences like bleeding and infection.
  • Skip medications:Take any prescribed pain relievers and antibiotics as directed. It’s dangerous to go off medications without your doctor’s approval.
  • Overexert yourself:Avoid vigorous activity such as running and dancing for a few days to minimise excessive bleeding and aid recovery.

Are you ready for a smooth recovery? Contact us if you have any post-extraction problems, and we will help you heal as quickly and comfortably as possible.

Wisdom Tooth Extraction Before and After

Wisdom Tooth Extraction Before and After

To view our patient’s before-and-after photos, book an appointment with us. Simply fill out this form to get started.

FAQ

1. Is Wisdom Tooth Removal Painful?
2. When's the Worst Day of Pain After Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
3. How Long Does Wisdom Tooth Removal Take?
4. How Long Does it Take to Recover From Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
5. Can All My Wisdom Teeth Be Removed at Once?
6. Should I Get a Wisdom Tooth Extraction Even if My Tooth Doesn’t Hurt?
7. When Is it Too Late to Remove Wisdom Teeth?
8. How Long Does it Take the Hole to Close After Wisdom Tooth Removal?
9. When Can I Start Eating After Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
10. What to Eat After Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
11. When Can I Go Back to Work or School After Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
12. Can Scaling and Polishing Prevent Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
13. Can I Brush My Teeth After Wisdom Tooth Removal?
14. When Can I Chew Gum Again After Wisdom Tooth Removal?

Medical References

Bailey, Edmund, et al. “Surgical Techniques for the Removal of Mandibular Wisdom Teeth.” Cochrane Library, vol. 2020, no. 7, July 2020, doi:10.1002/14651858.cd004345.pub3.

Hallab, Lamiae, et al. “Quality of Life After Extraction of Mandibular Wisdom Teeth: A Systematic Review.” Annals of Medicine and Surgery, vol. 81, Sept. 2022, doi:10.1016/j.amsu.2022.104387.

Zhang, Y., et al. “Wisdom Teeth, Periodontal Disease, and C-reactive Protein in US Adults.” Public Health, vol. 187, Oct. 2020, pp. 97–102, doi:10.1016/j.puhe.2020.07.039.

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Why Choose Nuffield Dental?

Nuffield Dental is a one-stop, multi-disciplinary dental care centre. At Nuffield, we put you first. We believe in providing personalised service for each patient.

Nuffield Dental is a one-stop, multi-disciplinary dental care centre. Here at Nuffield Dental, we pride ourselves of our personalised oral care for each and every one of our patients. We need to make sure you get all the help you need to make your dental procedures comfortable, accessible and seamless.

Our dentists have a special interest in orthodontic treatments and are accredited Invisalign providers who have been helping patients achieve confident smiles.

Invisalign Costs in Malaysia?

Please call one of our Nuffield Dental clinics in Malaysia for pricing details.

Call +6012 596 1737
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