Wisdom Tooth Surgery - A NSF Guide
Wisdom tooth extraction might not be on your priority list during NS—until the discomfort kicks in. The good news? NSFs get fully subsidized medical care, meaning you can get this procedure done for free. The bad news? Delays in booking could mean long waiting times or even having to pay for it yourself post-ORD. Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your NSF benefits while getting this done smoothly.
Step 1: Know What You Want
Before rushing to get a referral, take a moment to decide what works best for you. Some hospitals offer longer medical leave (MC) than others, which can affect your recovery time. If you’re wondering how much time you’ll get to heal, here’s a quick breakdown:
- National Dental Centre Singapore (NDCS): 5 days MC
- Khoo Teck Puat Hospital (KTPH): 6 days MC
- Ng Teng Fong General Hospital (NTFGH): 8 days MC
- Military hospitals (e.g., MMI): 7 days MC
Another important decision is whether to remove all four wisdom teeth in one go or to stagger the procedure. Extracting everything at once means one recovery period, but more discomfort, while doing one side at a time makes eating easier but requires two separate surgeries (but double the trauma... 🤔).
If your ORD is coming up, time is of the essence. Some hospitals have wait times ranging from 1.5 to 2.5 months, so if you want this done while still covered by NSF benefits, book early. If necessary, call multiple hospitals to check which can take you the soonest.
Step 2: Getting a Referral
In NS, no referral = no free surgery. To start the process, you’ll need to schedule a dental check-up at a military medical facility that supports dental checkups / assessments, such as Kranji Camp 3 Medical Centre or Military Medicine Institute (MMI). If you’re not sure where to go, ask at your camp's medical centre for guidance.
At the dental checkup, a military dentist will assess whether your wisdom teeth need surgery and issue a referral if necessary. If you have a preferred public hospital/polyclinic (NDCS, KTPH, NUH, or NTFGH), request a referral to that specific location during your check-up. Otherwise, you may be opt in for a surgery at a military hospital, which typically grants 7 days MC (Not too bad, right?).
As most people ORD around January, April, July, and October, book your surgery early to avoid the rush and secure your preferred hospital or timing.
Once your referral is issued, book your surgery immediately. Waiting too long could mean losing out on your preferred slot or being forced to do the surgery after ORD—which means paying out of pocket.
Step 3: Booking Your Surgery
With a referral in hand, your next step is to secure a surgery date. Call your chosen hospital and ask about the earliest available slot for a pre-surgery consultation.
During the pre-surgery consultation:
- An X-ray will be taken to check the position of your wisdom teeth.
- Your dentist will discuss anaesthesia options (local or general).
- The risks and benefits of the surgery will be explained, i.e. nerve damage, infection, or dry socket.
General Anaesthesia vs. Local Anaesthesia
- Local anaesthesia numbs the area around your teeth, allowing you to stay awake during surgery.
- General anaesthesia puts you to sleep during surgery, making it a good option if you’re anxious or having multiple teeth removed. (not covered by NSF benefits)
If you opt for general anaesthesia, you may need to fast before surgery. Follow all pre-surgery instructions carefully by the doctor to ensure a smooth procedure.
Step 4: The Night Before Surgery
The day before surgery, make sure you’re well-prepared. If you’re undergoing general anaesthesia, fasting may be required—your doctor will let you know the exact timeframe. Ensure you have a caregiver or friend available if needed, especially if sedation is involved as you’ll be unable to drive post-surgery due to the effects of anaesthesia 😵💫. Alternatively, have a Grab / Gojek account configured for a ride home.
Stock up on soft foods like porridge, yogurt, and ice cream, as chewing solid food will be difficult for a few days.
Step 5: Surgery Day – What to Expect
It’s normal to feel a little nervous, but wisdom tooth surgery is much less painful than you’d think.
The only mild discomfort is the anaesthesia injection, which feels like a small prick. Once numb, you won’t feel any pain—just some pressure as the dentist works on your teeth. Depending on complexity, the procedure takes 30 to 60 minutes.
Once done, you’ll rest briefly before being discharged with painkillers, antibiotics, mouth wash, and recovery instructions. Follow these carefully to avoid complications.
Step 6: Post-Surgery Recovery
The First 24 Hours
Expect some swelling and mild discomfort—using an ice pack helps. Take your painkillers and antibiotics on time to prevent infection. Avoid rinsing or spitting forcefully to prevent dry socket, a painful condition that slows healing.
The Next Few Days
Keep physical activity minimal, eat food at lukewarm temperature, and stay away from alcohol, smoking, or spicy foods as it irritates the gum. If stitches were used, they may dissolve on their own or require removal in a week; follow your dentist’s advice.
🚨 If you experience severe pain, excessive bleeding, or signs of infection, or numbness that doesn't go away, contact your dentist or hospital immediately.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Waste Your NSF Benefits
Since wisdom tooth surgery is fully subsidized for NSFs, don’t wait until it’s too late. Planning ahead ensures you:
- Get your referral early to avoid delays.
- Choose your hospital wisely to rocover comfortably.
- Book ASAP before hospital slots fill up.
- Recover smoothly by following post-surgery care properly.
If you have been to other hospitals for wisdom tooth extraction or if you’ve been through wisdom tooth extraction in NS before, share your experience in the comments!