Understanding the Cost of Wisdom Teeth Removal

Wisdom teeth, also referred to as third molars, are typically the last permanent teeth to erupt in the mouth. Along with possible wisdom, they may also bring some complications. In some cases, wisdom teeth are recommended for extraction by your dental professional for reasons such as tooth impaction (becoming trapped partially or fully underneath the gums), infection, pain, swelling, overcrowding, tooth decay, gum disease, cyst formation, and damage to neighboring teeth.

But, how much does wisdom teeth removal cost? In this article we’ll explore wisdom teeth removal cost and everything you need to know about wisdom teeth removal so that you can make informed decisions within your budget.

What Are Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars, which erupt at the back of the mouth. There are typically four wisdom teeth to erupt, two in the upper jaw and two in the lower jaw, between the ages of 17 and 25 years old. Wisdom teeth evolved for the purpose of helping humans chew and grind tougher foods. However, in more modern times with softer diets, the need for wisdom teeth for chewing is generally considered no longer necessary.

Why Do Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?

Many individuals now do not have adequate room to fit all four wisdom teeth, which has consequently led to complications during their eruption. Commonly due to spacing issues in the mouth, wisdom teeth become partially or fully trapped underneath the gum, leading to pain, swelling, cyst formation, damage to nearby teeth, tooth decay, gum disease, tooth misalignment, and other issues.

There are many common myths and misconceptions about wisdom teeth removal, including that the procedure is painful, harmful, and unnecessary. However, wisdom teeth removal is a safe and effective procedure that can both help treat and prevent issues. Wisdom teeth removal is typically quick and relatively painless, and you will be given anesthetic and sedative options to make the procedure more comfortable. Even wisdom teeth that are asymptomatic may still require extraction if they pose a threat to your oral health.

Influencing Factors on Wisdom Teeth Removal Costs

How much does wisdom teeth removal cost? There are several factors that can influence wisdom teeth removal cost, including the complexity of the extraction, geographic location, type of anesthesia used, dentist or surgeon expertise, and the possible need for additional procedures. Check it out:

Complexity of the Extraction

Type of Tooth Extraction	Description	Cost Range Per Tooth
Simple Extraction	Removal of a fully erupted and visible tooth that is easily accessible.	$75–$300
Surgical Extraction	Removal of a partially or fully impacted tooth below the gum line that is not easily accessible.	$180–$800

Wisdom teeth removal cost is influenced by the complexity of the extraction. Simple extractions tend to cost less than surgical extractions, which tends to require greater procedure time and expertise, and additional special dental materials/equipment and advanced anesthesia/sedation. Impacted wisdom teeth require surgical extraction and can be categorized into soft tissue (tooth fully erupted through bone but underneath gums), partial bony (tooth partially erupted through bone), or full bony impactions (tooth completely under bone). Full bony impactions are the most complex type of impaction and may require bone removal and general anesthesia, which tends to cause a higher overall cost.

Geographic Location

~~State / District~~ Region	Cost Range for Simple Extractions Per Tooth
West	$180–$294
Northeast	$169–$240
Midwest	$160–$174
South	$152–$175

Wisdom teeth removal cost varies based on geographical location. The region you live in and whether you live in an urban or rural area can impact the cost of wisdom teeth removal. Wisdom tooth extraction cost is generally higher in urban areas with higher costs of living and competitive dental markets in contrast to rural locations.

Type of Anesthesia Used

Type of Anesthesia	Description	Cost Range
Local Anesthesia	Standard numbing medication injected into a specific area of the mouth to minimize discomfort.	Typically included in cost of procedure.
Sedation	Medication that produces conscious sedation through nitrous oxide, oral sedation, or intravenous (IV) sedation to minimize anxiety and discomfort.	$270–$675
General Anesthesia	Medication that produces unconscious sedation for complex dental procedures.	$490–$1,250

The choice of dental anesthesia used also can impact the overall cost of wisdom teeth removal. In general, local anesthesia is the most affordable option and is often included in the overall cost of the procedure. General anesthesia tends to be the most expensive type of anesthesia, which is often recommended for complex or the removal of multiple wisdom teeth.

Dentist or Surgeon Expertise

Oral surgeons complete an additional 4-6 years or more in training following their dental school education to gain experience in complex surgical procedures, including impacted wisdom teeth extraction. As a result, wisdom teeth removal cost is generally higher when performed by oral surgeons due to their specialized training and expertise. Simple wisdom teeth extractions performed by general dentists may be lower in cost compared to an oral surgeon’s fees for service.

Additional Costs

It is important to consider possible additional costs for pre-operative and post-operative procedures. This may include initial consultation fees with your general dentist or oral surgeon, dental X-rays for diagnostic purposes, post-operative medications, bone grafts, and follow-up appointments. Speak with your dentist about your specific treatment plan and any potential extra costs prior to starting treatment.

Average Costs for Wisdom Teeth Removal

How much does wisdom teeth removal cost? Keep reading to learn what to expect when it comes to wisdom teeth removal costs.

National Averages

The average estimated cost for a simple extraction wisdom teeth removal is $75 to $300 per tooth. For surgical extraction of wisdom teeth, the average estimated cost ranges between $180 to $800 per tooth. The estimated average for removing all four wisdom teeth in the U.S. according to CareCredit ranges between $1,200 to $4,175.

Costs Without Insurance

How much is wisdom teeth removal without insurance? As mentioned, wisdom teeth removal cost without insurance per tooth ranges between $75 to $300 for simple extractions, and $180 to $800 for surgical extractions. If the costs of wisdom teeth extraction become a financial burden to patients without dental insurance, it is important to consult with dental professionals regarding payment options and financial resources. It is important not to delay or avoid treatment to prevent health complications.

Costs With Insurance

How much does wisdom teeth removal cost with dental insurance? Dental insurance can significantly reduce out-of-pocket expenses for wisdom teeth removal. Many dental insurance plans cover wisdom tooth extraction cost from 50%-80%. Check with your insurance provider to determine your specific coverage and plan details.

Strategies to Mitigate Wisdom Teeth Removal Costs

Wisdom tooth extraction cost can be mitigated with simple strategies. Here’s what you need to know:

Utilizing Dental Insurance Effectively

To maximize dental insurance benefits effectively, you should review your plan’s coverage details thoroughly. If your plan has network limitations, make sure you find a dentist who’s in-network with your dental insurance. Make sure that you understand your plan’s co-payment (out-of-pocket cost for a dental service), deductible (out-of-pocket payment required before insurance coverage is available), and coverage limits (the maximum amount insurance will pay for covered services per year).

Flexible Payment Options

If you’re concerned about wisdom teeth removal cost without insurance, payment plans and financing options may help ease your worries. Many dental offices offer payment plans, discounts, loans, or third-party financing options like CareCredit, which can make the cost of wisdom teeth removal more affordable.

Tax-Advantaged Accounts

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) offer tax-advantages that can be used for eligible dental expenses. Speak with your dental professional to determine if you are eligible to use your FSA or HSAs for wisdom teeth removal.

Experience Hassle-Free Wisdom Tooth Extraction with Great Lakes!

Wondering ‘how much does it cost to get wisdom teeth removed?’ Wisdom tooth removal cost is made affordable at your nearest Great Lakes Family Dental Group. Our team of dental specialists provide exceptional quality of care for patients of all ages with any dental needs. We are in-network with most dental insurance providers and offer flexible payment options to make your dental experience hassle-free. Schedule your consultation today!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average cost of wisdom teeth removal?

Wisdom teeth removal in the United States costs on average between $200 to $1,000 per tooth without dental insurance. Wisdom tooth removal cost can vary depending on the complexity of the procedure (i.e. simple vs. surgical extraction, type of impaction), your location (i.e. urban vs rural), dentist’s expertise/specialty training (i.e. general dentist vs oral surgeon), and additional procedures associated with the extraction (i.e. consultations, x-rays, dental anesthesia).

How can I find a dentist or oral surgeon near me?

Sometimes, the best referral for a dentist or oral surgeon near you can come through word-of-mouth from friends, family, healthcare professionals, and loved ones. You can also search for dentists and oral surgeons near you using the American Dental Association (ADA) and the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS) websites.

Does insurance cover wisdom teeth removal?

In general, many dental insurance plans offer coverage for wisdom teeth removal. On average, insurance plans cover 50–80% of the cost of wisdom teeth removal. However, some plans may have specific requirements for coverage including a co-payment, deductible, annual maximum payout, proof of medical necessity, coverage waiting period, or in-network and out-of-network dental guidelines. First check with your insurance provider to determine your coverage.

Are there any risks associated with wisdom teeth removal?

Wisdom teeth removal is a safe and effective dental procedure. However, there are some risks associated with wisdom teeth removal, such as possible infection (i.e. fever, pus, foul taste or odor), nerve damage (i.e. numbness or tingling), damage to adjacent teeth during the procedure, jaw or sinus issues, excess bleeding and swelling, and dry socket. Seek professional help immediately if you experience these complications.

What should I expect during the recovery process?

It is important to follow your dentist’s post-operative care instructions following wisdom teeth removal for proper recovery. Mild to moderate discomfort, swelling and bleeding are common during the first couple of days following the procedure. You may also experience jaw stiffness and difficulty chewing for a few days, which can be improved with gentle jaw stretching exercises and a soft-food diet. It is normal to notice the formation of a blood clot in the extraction site, which is a part of the healing process. Your dentist may recommend avoiding strenuous activity for the first few days and the use of ice packs or over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications to manage symptoms. If your symptoms become severe or appear to worsen after wisdom teeth extraction, contact your dentist immediately.

Is it worth removing wisdom teeth if there are no current issues?

Your dental professionals will assess your unique dental needs when it comes to whether or not your wisdom teeth should be removed. It may be recommended to monitor wisdom teeth that are not causing any immediate problems. However, some dentists may still recommend wisdom teeth removal despite a lack of symptoms as preventative care to avoid potential future problems such as harm to adjacent teeth, tooth decay due to difficult access for cleaning, and cyst or abscess development.