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      Tooth Extraction in Singapore: Procedure, Aftercare, and Recovery

      What Is a Tooth Extraction?

      A tooth extraction is the removal of a tooth from its socket, typically due to decay, damage, or overcrowding. Performed by a dentist or oral surgeon under anesthesia, the procedure varies by the tooth’s accessibility. In cases like Singapore, these extractions are frequent and discussed with dentists to weigh benefits and risks.

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      When Do You Need a Tooth Removed?

      Dentists try to keep natural teeth whenever possible, but sometimes a tooth is too damaged and must be taken out.

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      Do I Need Wisdom Tooth Surgery?Edited

      Severe Tooth Decay (Cavities)

      Cavities are holes in your teeth caused by bacteria. They can cause pain and infection. Brushing your teeth well and visiting the dentist regularly can help prevent them. If a cavity gets too big and damages the inside of the tooth, your dentist might need to remove the tooth if it can’t be fixed with a crown.

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      Broken Teeth

      Teeth can crack from injury or decay. If a tooth is too broken to fix with fillings or crowns, it may need to be removed.

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      Impacted Teeth

      This usually happens with wisdom teeth that can’t come through normally. They cause pain and swelling and often need to be removed. If a wisdom tooth only partly comes through and traps food, it can cause infections and needs to be taken out.

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      Crowded Teeth

      If your teeth are too close together, it makes cleaning hard, and you might need braces or have to have some teeth removed to make room.

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      Severe Gum Disease (Periodontitis)

      This is an advanced gum infection that damages the gums and bones holding your teeth. If it gets very bad, your teeth might become loose, and removing them might be necessary to stop the disease.

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      Molar Tooth Extraction

      Molar extractions often require more intricate procedures due to their larger roots and deeper placement. Surgical extraction may be necessary if the molar is impacted or has multiple roots that are intertwined.

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      Swelling (Infection or Cyst)

      Potentially damages teeth and requires removal if treatment doesn't reduce swelling.

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      Tooth Luxation (Loosening or Displacement)

      Trauma or severe gum disease can cause a tooth to become loose or displaced within its socket. Luxated teeth may not always be salvageable and might require extraction if they pose a risk of further oral health complications or are significantly painful.

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      After Tooth Removal

      Sometimes, infections can happen after a tooth is removed, showing signs like fever, abscess, bad breath, and a lot of bleeding. This needs quick dental treatment and antibiotics.

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      If Previous Dental Treatments Fail

      Sometimes, treatments like root canals or implants don’t work, and the tooth has to be removed. This should be checked by a specialist.

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      Preventive Removals

      Occasionally, teeth are removed to prevent future problems, especially before getting braces to straighten teeth or to manage issues with wisdom teeth.

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      Before Getting Braces

      It’s important to check your teeth and plan for treatments like braces. This might include removing some teeth that are decayed or damaged.

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      Other Reasons

      If your immune system is weak, like during chemotherapy or an organ transplant, removing a tooth might be needed to avoid serious infections.

      Tooth Extraction Procedure

      Before the Procedure

      • Prior to the extraction, a detailed dental X-ray helps evaluate the affected tooth’s condition, ensuring the extraction plan is precise.
      • It’s crucial to provide a complete medical history to your dentist to tailor the procedure safely, particularly if you have health conditions that affect healing or infection risk.
      • Maintaining good oral hygiene and avoiding hard or sticky foods before the procedure can also help minimise complications.

      After the Procedure

      • Rest: Keep activities light for the first day.
      • Gauze: Bite gently on the gauze provided to help stop any bleeding. The gauze must remain in place for at least 20–30 minutes initially, and you should replace it whenever it becomes soaked.
      • Bleeding: A little bleeding is typical; if it continues, replace the gauze as needed.
      • Recovery: Expect peak swelling around 48 hours after the procedure; apply cold packs for 10 minutes at a time to reduce it.
      • Medication: Follow your dentist’s instructions regarding any prescribed painkillers or antibiotics. Over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen may be sufficient to control pain after a routine extraction.
      • Aftercare: After the first day, rinse your mouth gently with saltwater to aid healing. You can drink water right after, but avoid disturbing the extraction site by avoiding straws, spitting, and vigorous rinsing for at least 24 hours.
      • Complications: Be alert for signs of infection like ongoing pain or fever, and contact your dentist if these occur. If a dry socket (painful condition where the protective blood clot in a tooth socket is lost, exposing bone and nerves) occurs, your dentist may place a sedative dressing over the socket to protect it as a new clot forms.
      • Follow up: Follow up with your dentist as directed. Regular cleanings and checkups are essential.

      Expected Healing Timeline

      • First 24 Hours: Blood clot forms, minimal activity recommended.
      • 2-3 Days: Swelling peaks, apply cold packs to reduce it.
      • 1 Week: Significant improvement in symptoms; continue to avoid straws and rigorous washing.
      • 2 Weeks: Most of the soft tissue healing is complete.

      During the Procedure

      • Local Anesthetic: You’ll receive a numbing injection to keep you pain-free. If you start to feel pain during the procedure, notify your dentist immediately for additional anesthetic.
      • General Anesthesia: If needed, especially if you're anxious, you'll be asleep through the procedure.
      • Instruments Used: Expect your dentist to use tools like forceps to grip the tooth and elevators to loosen it.
      • Pressure Sensation: Feeling pressure is normal, but it shouldn't be painful.

      Eating and Oral Care Post-Procedure

      • Oral Care: Continue brushing and flossing your other teeth the day after your surgery but avoid the extraction site to protect the blood clot. After a few days, you may rinse and spit gently.
      • Things to Avoid After Tooth Extraction: It's crucial to avoid smoking, using straws, spitting, and eating hard foods in the days following an extraction to prevent complications such as dry socket.
      • Food to Eat After Tooth Extraction: Opt for soft, nutritious foods such as yogurt, pudding, soup, and scrambled eggs during the first few days post-procedure to facilitate healing. You can return to a normal diet by the second week or so.
      • Tooth Extraction Bleeding After 2 Hours: If bleeding continues for more than two hours post-extraction, it is important to contact your dentist. Continued pressure with a clean gauze pad may be necessary to control prolonged bleeding.

      Follow up and Communication with Your Dentist

      It's crucial to maintain communication with your dentist following a tooth extraction. Schedule and attend follow-up appointments as recommended to ensure proper healing and to address any potential complications early. If you experience unusual symptoms such as persistent pain, excessive bleeding, or signs of infection, contact your dentist immediately. Regular follow-ups help monitor your recovery and provide peace of mind during your healing process.

      Types of Dental Extractions

      Simple Extraction

      Simple extractions involve removing visible teeth that are accessible and generally only require local anesthesia to numb the area. You might feel pressure but should not experience pain.

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      Simple Extraction

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      Complex Extraction

      Complex or surgical extractions are necessary for teeth that are not easily accessible, such as impacted wisdom teeth. These might require an incision and removal of some bone, typically under general anesthesia for comfort. Both procedures may involve using gauze to control bleeding post-extraction, and surgical extractions may require dissolvable stitches.

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      Complex Extraction

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      Tooth Extraction Benefits

      Tooth extraction offers significant benefits for oral health and aesthetics:

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      Pain Relief:
      Removing a severely damaged or infected tooth provides immediate relief from discomfort, allowing the area to heal properly.

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      Gum Health Enhancement:
      The procedure eliminates sources of harmful bacteria, protecting the gums from further damage and promoting overall gum health.

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      Decay Prevention:
      By extracting a decayed tooth, the spread of cavities to adjacent teeth is halted, safeguarding your oral health.

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      Infection Control:
      If a tooth is infected, its removal prevents the spread of infection to surrounding tissues and bone, crucial for maintaining oral structure integrity.

      Orthognathic Surgery

      Orthodontic Preparation:
      Extractions can create necessary space for orthodontic treatments, such as braces, ensuring better alignment and results from these procedures.

      Retained Baby Teeth

      Aesthetic Improvements:
      Removing problematic teeth can prevent a cascade of dental issues, preserving or enhancing the appearance of your smile and facilitating future dental restorations like implants.

      Blood Clot Formation After Tooth Extraction

      The blood clot that forms after a tooth extraction typically appears as a dark red or maroon gel-like substance. It sits snugly in the socket where the tooth was removed, filling the space to prevent bleeding and protect the underlying bone and nerves. Over time, it may darken as it stabilises in the healing process.

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      Blood Clot Formation After Tooth Extraction

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      Do My Child's Milk Teeth Need to Be Extracted?

      Generally, children's milk teeth don't need to be extracted; they naturally fall out as permanent teeth come in. However, if a milk tooth is causing pain, infection, or isn't falling out while the permanent tooth is emerging, a dentist might recommend extraction. It’s always best to consult with a pediatric dentist to ensure your child’s teeth develop healthily.

      Tooth Extraction Alternatives

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      Root Canal Treatment

      Root canal treatment is aimed at saving a severely damaged or decayed tooth. The infected pulp is removed, and the tooth's interior is cleaned and sealed. This procedure can prevent further infection and maintain your natural tooth.

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      Dental Fillings

      Dental fillings are used to repair cavities caused by tooth decay. The decayed portion is removed, and the space is filled with a material like composite resin or amalgam. This prevents bacteria from entering and causing further decay.

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      Dental Crowns

      Dental crowns are caps that cover and protect a damaged tooth. They restore the tooth’s shape, size, and strength. Crowns can be made from porcelain, metal, or a combination, ensuring durability and a natural appearance.

      Tooth Extraction Risks

      Understanding the risks associated with tooth extractions can help you prepare and manage your recovery:

        • ● Dry Socket: Occurs when the blood clot at the extraction site fails to form or dislodges prematurely, leaving the bone exposed. This painful condition requires careful management by your dentist.

        • ● Infection: There is a risk of bacteria invading the extraction site, leading to symptoms like pain, swelling, and fever, often managed with antibiotics.

        • ● Excessive Bleeding: Some bleeding is normal, but excessive or uncontrolled bleeding may need immediate medical attention.

        • ● Swelling: Common after extraction, typically peaking within 24-48 hours. Ice packs and anti-inflammatory medications are effective for management.

        • ● Nerve Injury: Particularly during the extraction of lower jaw teeth, there is a risk of injury to the inferior alveolar nerve, which can result in temporary numbness or tingling in the lower lip, chin, and teeth. While most nerve injuries are temporary, they can occasionally be permanent. Dentists minimise this risk by carefully planning the extraction procedure, often using detailed imaging techniques to map out the position of the nerve relative to the tooth. In the event of nerve damage, your dentist will monitor your recovery closely and may refer you to a specialist for further management.

        • ● Sinus Perforation: Particularly during the removal of upper teeth, there is a small risk of creating an opening into the sinus (hollow cavity in the skull that produces mucus), necessitating further treatment.
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      Tooth Extraction Complications

      While complications from tooth extractions are relatively rare, recognizing them promptly can be crucial:

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      Persistent Dry Socket:
      If the initial condition of dry socket doesn’t improve or worsens, it might require further treatments such as socket dressing and more intensive pain management.

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      Ongoing Heavy Bleeding:
      If bleeding continues beyond the immediate recovery phase, it could signify a complication that requires medical intervention.

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      Worsening Infection:
      If initial infection symptoms escalate or do not improve with standard treatment, additional dental follow-up and possibly a different antibiotic regimen may be necessary.

      What is Gum Disease

      Prolonged Swelling:
      Swelling that does not significantly reduce after a few days or worsens can indicate an infection or other complications.

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      Persistent or Increasing Pain:
      Pain that doesn’t subside with standard pain management or gets worse can be a sign of complications such as infection or dry socket.

      Cost of Tooth Extraction in Singapore

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      • ● Procedure Variability: Costs depend on factors like the complexity of the extraction.
        • ● Simple Extraction: SGD 70.85 - SGD 218.00.
        • ● Complex Extraction (including Wisdom Tooth Extractions): SGD 1,000 - SGD 1,500.
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      MediSave Claims: Some costs are claimable via MediSave, subject to Ministry of Health (MOH) approval.

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      Specialist Fees: More complex cases handled by an oral surgeon (specialist dentist) will be higher.

      Are There Subsidies for Tooth Extractions in Singapore?

      Yes, subsidies are available for tooth extractions in Singapore.

      CHAS (Community Health Assist Scheme)

      • For Singaporean citizens from low to middle-income families.
      • CHAS Blue, Merdeka Generation, and Pioneer Generation cardholders can receive subsidies.

      Government Institutions

      • Hospitals and Polyclinics: Routine extractions cost between $600 to $825.
      • You may use Medisave to cover costs.

      Check with your dental clinic for specific subsidy eligibility and amounts.

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      Why Choose Nuffield Dental for Dental Extractions?

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      Experienced Team:
      Nuffield Dental's dentists and oral surgeons come with years of experience in performing tooth extractions.

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      Patient Comfort:
      Our priority is to make you feel at ease, ensuring minimal discomfort during your visit.

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      Transparent Pricing:
      With clear information about our costs listed, you’ll know what to expect without surprises.

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      Versatile Services:
      Whether it's a simple extraction or a complex oral surgery, Nuffield Dental covers all needs efficiently.

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      Convenient Clinic Locations:
      Multiple clinics across Singapore make it easy to find a nearby location for your dental extraction.

      FAQs About Tooth Extraction

      Is a Tooth Extraction Painful?

      No, tooth extractions are usually not painful due to local anesthesia, which numbs the area. You might feel pressure, but sharp pain is rare. Pain management includes painkillers and ice packs.

      I Have a Phobia of Tooth Extractions... Help?

      Rest assured - our clinic offers a supportive environment with experienced professionals and calming techniques to help manage your phobia and ensure a stress-free tooth extraction.

      How Long Does a Tooth Extraction Take?

      Simple tooth extractions typically take 20 to 40 minutes, while surgical ones may take longer. The process can extend to an hour if multiple teeth are removed.

      Will I Get an MC After My Tooth Extraction?

      You will receive a medical certificate after your tooth extraction, allowing 1-2 days off for simple extractions and up to a week for more complex ones.

      How Can I Make a Tooth Extraction Heal Faster?

      To speed up healing time after a tooth extraction, follow your dentist’s instructions, maintain oral hygiene, avoid harmful habits, eat soft foods, stay hydrated, and rest well.

      Can I Get Multiple Tooth Extractions at Once?

      Yes, multiple tooth extractions can be done in one session. This is common for braces preparation or if several teeth are damaged or diseased. Pain management and recovery plans are essential.

      Do My Baby Teeth Need to Be Extracted?

      Baby teeth usually don't need to be extracted as they typically fall out naturally to make room for permanent teeth. However, extractions may be necessary if they don't fall out on time or cause alignment issues.

      How Do I Know if My Tooth Extraction Hole is Infected?

      Signs of infection after a tooth extraction include severe pain, persistent swelling, foul odour, pus, fever, and bleeding. Contact your dentist immediately if these occur.

      Medical References

      Kamalova, E. E. Maslak I. V. Fomenko, A. L. Kasatkina, T. N. Kamennova, T. G. Khmizova, K. V. Nikitina, M. K. REASONS FOR PRIMARY TEETH EXTRACTION IN CHILDREN AGED 1-14 YEARS: A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY. 8 Nov. 2020,

      archives.palarch.nl/index.php/jae/article/view/3956.

      Ness, Gregory M., et al. “Impacted Teeth.” Springer eBooks, 2022, pp. 131–69, doi:10.1007/978-3-030-91920-7_5.

      Passarelli, Pier Carmine, et al. “Reasons for Tooth Extractions and Related Risk Factors in Adult Patients: A Cohort Study.” International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health/International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, vol. 17, no. 7, Apr. 2020, p. 2575, doi:10.3390/ijerph17072575.

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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.

      Dental care

      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.

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      Extraction

      Our dentists have a special interest inoral maxillofacial surgery and are accredited dental providers who have been helping patients achieve confident smiles.

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      Extraction Costs in Singapore?

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

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