Getting Your Wisdom Teeth Removed at a Singapore Polyclinic: Can It Be Done?
Having a wisdom tooth pulled out is a pretty common thing that many people will experience. But there’s a lot of confusion out there about where you can actually go to get this procedure done. A big question on many people’s minds is, “Can I get my wisdom teeth taken out at a polyclinic?” It’s easy to see why folks might be puzzled. After all, there are so many places offering dental services, from private clinics to bigger hospitals, and yes, polyclinics too. This blog post is here to help clear up any confusion and dive deep into the topic of wisdom tooth removal in Singapore. We’ll explore what options are available, what you might expect from the process, and how to figure out the best place to go for this common dental procedure. Whether you’re feeling a bit of discomfort in the back of your mouth or just planning for the future, we’ve got the information you need to make informed decisions about your dental health.
What are Wisdom Teeth?
What exactly are wisdom teeth, and why do we talk about them so much when it comes to dental health? Well, let’s start at the beginning. Wisdom teeth are the name given to the third and last set of molars that most people get in their late teens or early twenties, usually between the ages of 17 and 25. They’re a bit like the latecomers to the party inside your mouth, showing up after all your other teeth have found their place.
Now, you might wonder, if they’re just teeth, what’s the big deal? For some lucky folks, wisdom teeth come in nicely and fit in with the rest of their teeth without causing any trouble. But it’s not always a smooth process for everyone. A number of people run into issues with their wisdom teeth that can make them pretty uncomfortable.
One common problem is what dentists call “impaction.” This is a fancy way of saying that there isn’t enough room in your mouth for your wisdom tooth to come in properly. Instead of growing in like a regular tooth, an impacted wisdom tooth might grow at an angle, or even stay trapped beneath the gum line. This can lead to all sorts of unpleasantness, like pain, swelling, and even infection.
Another issue could be that your wisdom teeth do manage to break through the gums, but they cause crowding among your other teeth. This can mess up the alignment of your teeth, undoing any straightening work you might have had done in the past, like braces.
Because of these potential problems, many dentists keep a close eye on wisdom teeth. If they see that these late bloomers are going to cause trouble, they might suggest taking them out. This is why wisdom tooth removal is such a common procedure. It’s not just about dealing with the problems they’re causing now, but also about preventing future dental issues. So, getting back to our main topic, it’s important to know where you can get this procedure done, especially if you’re in Singapore and considering your options.
Can Polyclinics in Singapore Remove Wisdom Teeth?
Polyclinics in Singapore offer a wide range of healthcare services, including dental care. However, when it comes to complex dental procedures like wisdom tooth removal, they may not be equipped to handle them.
The extraction of a wisdom tooth is often more complicated than a regular tooth extraction due to its location and possible impaction. It requires specialized skills and equipment that may not be available at polyclinics. Therefore, while you can receive basic dental care at a polyclinic in Singapore, for procedures like wisdom tooth removal, you would typically need to visit a dental clinic or hospital.
Where Can You Get Wisdom Tooth Removal in Singapore?
If you’re looking for places to get your wisdom teeth removed in Singapore, there are several options available:
1. Public Hospitals:
Public hospitals like National Dental Centre Singapore (NDCS) and Khoo Teck Puat Hospital (KTPH) have oral surgery departments equipped with the necessary facilities for wisdom tooth removal. However, you would need a referral from a polyclinic or private dental clinic to get an appointment.
2. Private Dental Clinics:
Private dental clinics are another option for wisdom tooth removal in Singapore. These clinics often have oral surgeons who specialize in wisdom tooth extraction and other complex dental procedures. While the cost may be higher than public hospitals, you can usually get an appointment faster.
3. Dental Schools:
Institutions like the Faculty of Dentistry at the National University of Singapore (NUS) also offer wisdom tooth removal services. These procedures are performed by dental students under the supervision of experienced faculty members, making it a cost-effective option.
What to Expect During Wisdom Tooth Removal?
Wisdom tooth removal is typically performed under local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia, depending on the complexity of the case and patient’s comfort level. The procedure involves making an incision in the gum tissue to expose the tooth and bone, removing any bone blocking access to the root, dividing the tooth into sections if it’s easier to remove in pieces, removing the tooth, cleaning the site of removed tooth of any debris from the tooth or bone, stitching up the wound to promote healing (though this isn’t always necessary), and placing gauze over the extraction site to control bleeding and help a blood clot form.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while polyclinics provide essential dental care services in Singapore, they may not be equipped for complex procedures like wisdom tooth removal. However, there are several other options available for this procedure including public hospitals with oral surgery departments (with a referral), private dental clinics with specialized oral surgeons and even dental schools where supervised students perform these procedures at a lower cost.
Remember that each individual’s situation is unique; hence it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional who can provide advice tailored to your specific needs regarding wisdom teeth issues.
