Wisdom Teeth Extraction: The Costs

Hi guys!

Sometime last week, I got two of my wisdom tooth removed.

Being the first amongst my circle of friends to require wisdom teeth removal, I didn't have updated information on how much it would cost hence unsure if I could afford it. Therefore, I hope this post would be useful for those in the same boat as me.

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CONSULTATION + X-RAY COST

First up, we have the consultation cost shown below;

Consultation Cost
Click to enlarge

Consultation cost has to be paid upfront. My consultation was done at National Dental Centre (NDC). It can also be done at Changi General Hospital (CGH). Slightly over a year ago, I was referred to CGH for my wisdom teeth consultation. 

Cost-wise, I'm not sure if CGH's the same as NDC. The only reason I went to the NDC the second time round was that my polyclinic dentist happened to refer me there. He didn't ask for my opinion, and I didn't protest. Although CGH would have been much more convenient for me, I'm pretty sure had I requested for CGH he would have acquiesced. 

Important note: The dentist at CGH informed me if I waited for more than 6 months after getting my X-ray done to go for removal, I might be subjected to go for another X-ray. Reason being, it is very possible that your teeth might have shifted within those few months. The dental surgeon conducts the surgery based off  the latest X-ray taken. Hence it is crucial that the latest X-ray is also recent to maximise accuracy. As shown above, an X-ray can be quite costly therefore please plan ahead. 

SURGERY: Estimated Cost

After the consultation, an appointment for the removal will be made. While that is being done, a nurse will go through the estimated cost of the extraction and/or surgery. This will be reflected in the Day Surgery Authorisation Form.

Mine is shown below;

Day Surgery Authorisation Form
Click to enlarge

For my case, "Surgical Operation" includes;
1) Simple Extraction
     - Removal of a tooth that has fully grown out.
2) Excision
     - Removal of an impacted tooth i.e. not fully grown out.

'Consumables' are basically the disposable items used for the surgery. For example, the disposable scrub hat and booties worn by the patient into the surgery as well as the sterile supplies used.

Important Note: If each wisdom tooth only requires simple extraction, Medisave cannot be used to offset the total amount.
You can only pay for an extraction via Medisave if and only if you undergo an excision during the same session.
This clause can be seen under the "Estimated Medisave Claimable Amount for Day Surgery Operation" segment of the Day Surgery Authorisation Form.

Medisave Authorisation Form
Click to enlarge

As my removal includes an excision, I opted to pay via my father's Medisave. Furthermore, although I'm utilising his Medisave, he need not be present for the operation.  

All I needed to bring was;
1) Completed Medisave Authorisation Form (approach staff on where to obtain it)
2) Photocopy of the account holder's NRIC
3) Photocopy of the witness's NRIC

SURGERY: Actual Cost (Updated: 18 Nov 2014)

About two weeks after the surgery, I received an invoice for the actual surgery cost.

Mine is shown below;

Actual Surgery Cost
Click to enlarge

As you can see, it shows that the estimate given in the Day Authorisation Surgery Form is a rather accurate.

MEDICINE

I was given;
1) 7 units of painkillers (1/day, taken when needed)
2) 2 x 250ml of mouthwash

Those amounted to $31 (as seen the invoice above).

Depending on the depth of the cut needed to make to remove an impacted tooth, patient may be required to consume a course of antibiotics.

STITCH REMOVAL

Slightly over a week after the surgery is done, I had to return to NDC again to have my stitches removed. This visit was neither free nor covered by Medisave, sadly.

The cost incurred is shown below;

Stitch Removal Cost
Click to enlarge

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Those undergoing NS, please just get it over and done with while it's free. One surgery will get you about 6 days MC.
wink wink nudge nudge

I hope this has been useful to some of you. Will write about the experience soon! I have another extraction scheduled in November :O

♥ Sheena V