How Much Does Wisdom Tooth Removal Cost?

Wisdom teeth, also called third molars, are the last adult teeth to grow in and often need to be removed for oral health reasons. About 5 million people in the U.S. get their wisdom teeth removed every year, contributing to an annual cost of more than $3 billion.

Wisdom teeth removal is one of the most common dental procedures, but that doesn’t mean it’s inexpensive. The procedure costs $75 to $600 per tooth.

Can Wisdom Tooth Removal Have Additional Costs?

When you remove your wisdom teeth, there are other costs to consider.

These extra costs are tied to comfort, safety, and recovery. They also add to the overall cost of wisdom teeth removal.

Additional costs for wisdom tooth removal include:

• Nitrous oxide — $40 to $150
• General anesthesia — $250 to $800
• X-ray — around $150
• Follow-up exams — about $100 per appointment
• Teeth cleaning — $70 to $200
• Pain management — Up to $60 for prescription pain medication

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Does Dental Insurance Cover Wisdom Teeth Removal?

Dental insurance plans usually don’t cover the total cost of wisdom teeth extraction. Most dental insurance plans cover a percentage of the cost if the extraction is medically necessary.

Depending on the dental insurance plan, they may only cover an annual maximum of $1,000 to $1,500. Many people split the procedure into two years to get more coverage.

Talk to your dental insurance provider to find out how much they’ll cover and how much you’ll have to pay out of pocket.

How Much is Wisdom Teeth Removal Without Insurance?

Without dental insurance, you can expect to pay $75 to $200 for a simple extraction and $225 to $600 for a single impacted tooth. Removing all four wisdom teeth at once may cost less than undergoing multiple procedures.

This includes the cost of local anesthetic. General anesthesia and sedation with laughing gas will cost more.

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Factors that Affect the Cost of Wisdom Tooth Removal

The cost of wisdom teeth surgery depends on various factors, including:

Whether the Tooth is Impacted or Erupted

Teeth that have erupted (grown through the gums) are usually less expensive to remove than impacted teeth. An impacted wisdom tooth is still beneath the gum tissue and possibly the jawbone.

Whether or not the tooth is impacted greatly affects the cost of a wisdom tooth extraction procedure. Average costs are:

• Simple extraction for an erupted tooth — $75 to $200 per tooth
• Surgical extraction for an impacted tooth — $225 to $600 per tooth

These costs include local anesthesia only. General anesthesia and nitrous oxide will cost extra.

Type of Tooth Impaction

Another factor that affects the cost of removing impacted wisdom teeth is the amount of bone covering the tooth. Wisdom teeth that have grown through the jaw bone but remain impacted beneath the gums cost less to remove than those still covered by bone.

Partially bony tooth extractions are more expensive. Full bony extractions cost the most because they require more extensive surgery.

Number of Teeth That Need to Be Removed

The costs listed above are for the removal of one wisdom tooth. You should expect to pay more if you need multiple wisdom teeth removed. Talk to your dentist about which wisdom teeth must be removed and which may be viable.

Additionally, some dentists and oral surgeons offer treatment discounts to people who need all four wisdom teeth removed.

Geographical Location

The area in which your oral or maxillofacial surgeon is located will affect the cost of wisdom teeth removal. This is true for any dental procedure. Dental offices in big cities typically charge more than those in less-populated areas.

Anesthesia Options

Your dentist will use local anesthesia to numb the wisdom tooth area before the procedure. Local anesthesia is usually included in the wisdom tooth removal cost, so you shouldn’t have to pay extra.

Some people need a different anesthesia option during their wisdom teeth removal procedure. Options include:

• Gentle sedation — Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) may be delivered through a mask to help you stay relaxed during wisdom tooth extractions.
• General anesthesia — This keeps you asleep throughout the surgical procedure.

Your dentist or oral surgeon will recommend the best anesthesia option for you.

Your Age

Wisdom tooth surgery tends to cost more for older adults. This is because the bone tissue in your jaw becomes more dense in adulthood.

Teens and young adults have softer jawbones, which makes impacted wisdom teeth easier to remove. Wisdom tooth roots also are not fully developed until adulthood. When the roots are immature, the teeth are easier to remove and recovery is faster.

Other Ways to Pay for Wisdom Tooth Removal

If you don’t have dental insurance, there are other ways to help you pay for wisdom teeth extractions. They include:

• Discount dental plans — A dental discount card that you can use to get lower prices on services
• Medicaid and CHIP — State-run programs that offer medical benefits to eligible individuals and families
• Medicare — A federal health insurance plan for people aged 65 and older
• Dental schools — Most dental schools have clinics offering care at a reduced fee
• State and local resources — Local programs in your region that offer free or cost-reduced dental care
• Payment plans — Installment payments that help you pay the overall bill in more manageable increments
• Treatment packages — Some oral surgeons offer package deals for removing all four teeth at once

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What are the Risks of Not Removing Wisdom Teeth?

When wisdom teeth are stuck beneath your gum tissue or grow in crooked, they can cause problems such as:

• Damage to adjacent teeth
• Crowding of surrounding teeth
• Cysts and tumors
• Tooth decay and gum disease

While the immediate cost of wisdom teeth extraction may seem significant, failing to address these can lead to more severe oral health problems. This results in higher future expenses for dental and medical treatments.

If your dentist thinks your wisdom teeth will cause oral health problems, your insurance may deem the extraction medically necessary. However, in some cases, the financial burden may also extend beyond dental insurance coverage, especially if complications arise.

Summary

Wisdom tooth extraction can cost anywhere from $75 to $600 per tooth, depending on the complexity of the procedure.

The geographical location of your oral surgeon can also affect the price of a wisdom tooth removal. There are additional dental fees to consider in the total cost, such as anesthesia, x-rays, and follow-up dental care.

Dental insurance can cover a portion of wisdom teeth extraction if it’s medically necessary. However, there are other ways to pay for the procedure without insurance, including payment plans and removing all four wisdom teeth at once.