Updated Feb 2023
The four wisdom teeth are found all the way in the back of your mouth. They’re the last ones to erupt, typically by your late teens or early 20s. But the sad reality is that many people end up having problems, such as infections or impactions, with these chompers.
Sometimes, the only solution is to extract one or more wisdom teeth to restore your oral health. There are a lot of things to think about if you need to have your wisdom teeth pulled, and one of them is the cost.
How much does it cost to extract wisdom teeth? Believe it or not, the price can be surprisingly high. So, let’s dive into the average cost of wisdom teeth removal so you can get a better idea of what to expect.
How much does wisdom teeth removal cost without insurance?
If you don’t have dental insurance and need to undergo wisdom tooth extraction, you’ll be responsible for paying the entire bill on your own.
The amount that you’ll have to pay will depend on various factors, such as the dental professional you use, where you’re receiving care, and whether you’ll be sedated during the procedure. Also, if your tooth is impacted or it has grown at an angle rather than straight, the cost will be higher.
A simple extraction might cost anywhere from $75 to $200, on average, for one wisdom tooth.
A surgical extraction might cost anywhere from $225 to $1,100, on average, for one wisdom tooth, and it depends on the impaction.
Cost to pull wisdom teeth based on impaction
The worse the impaction, the higher the extraction price because the procedure becomes more complicated and riskier. Also, if you have an impacted wisdom tooth, you may need to go to a specialist or oral surgeon to have it removed, and that may increase the cost. On the other hand, if you have a wisdom tooth that has erupted normally but it needs to be pulled, your dentist might be able to perform a simple extraction with local anesthesia.
Here’s a breakdown of the average costs of removing impacted wisdom teeth:
Soft tissue impaction
If a wisdom tooth is still covered by gum tissue, removing it will require an incision that will complicate the extraction. You might also end up needing more anesthesia than you would with a simple extraction, and you may need stitches too. All of this drives up the cost.
On average, you might need to pay anywhere from $225 to $850 for a soft tissue impaction. The overall average is around $350.
Partial bony impaction
With a partial bony impaction, the wisdom tooth didn’t erupt completely from the jawbone. This means that an incision will need to be made into the gums and the oral surgeon will need to get through the bone that’s covering the tooth as well. This will be even more complicated and require more time. General anesthesia or sedation may also be necessary.
On average, the cost of removing a wisdom tooth with a partially bony impaction might be anywhere from $300 to $950. The overall average is around $450.
Full bony impaction
The most severe impaction is the full bony impaction, which means the tooth is still in the jawbone, perhaps even on its side horizontally. The oral surgeon will need to get through the gums and the bone that surrounds the tooth, perhaps even breaking the tooth into pieces to remove it more easily. Therefore, this extraction is the most complex, and you may need to be unconscious during this procedure with general anesthesia.
On average, the cost to extract a wisdom tooth with a full bony impaction might be anywhere from $350 to $1,100. The overall average is around $550.
How much does it cost to remove all wisdom teeth?
If your dentist has recommended that you remove all four wisdom teeth at the same time, you might be able to save a bit of money. But, again, the cost will depend on factors like the type of impaction of each tooth.
Here’s a breakdown of how much you might spend to have all of your wisdom teeth extracted:
- Wisdom teeth that have fully erupted and need simple extractions might cost anywhere from $300 to $800, on average.
- Wisdom teeth with soft tissue impaction might cost anywhere from $800 to $1,500, on average.
- Wisdom teeth that show a bony impaction might cost anywhere from $1,000 to $1,800, on average.
Other fees that might be added to the cost of having wisdom teeth pulled
The cost of the extraction is one thing, but you may also need to cover additional fees, such as:
- Exam fees: $50 to $200, on average
- Panoramic X-rays: $100 to $250, on average
- Sedation: $100 to $500, on average
Does insurance cover wisdom teeth removal?
How much does it cost to remove wisdom teeth with insurance? The amount of money you can save with the help of insurance will depend on the coverage provided by your dental plan. You could potentially save hundreds of dollars if your insurance will cover a percentage of the cost, such as 80% or 50%.
To be clear on how much you’ll owe versus how much your insurance will pay, check the details of the plan carefully, including the copay, deductible, and coinsurance. There might be restrictions or limitations on coverage too, and the annual maximum should be considered.
Talk to your dentist or oral surgeon about how you can reduce your wisdom teeth removal cost with insurance. If you need to have more than one tooth pulled, for example, you might be able to space out the extractions so you won’t exceed your plan’s annual maximum.
Another option is dental discount plans. These tend to be more affordable than dental insurance plans, but there are restrictions as to which dentist you can see (must stay in-network) to receive the savings.
The right dental plan can help cover the cost to have wisdom teeth removed
Do you want greater peace of mind when it comes to affording dental care? Consider enrolling in comprehensive dental insurance. This simple step can help you save a lot of money, especially when it comes to impacted wisdom teeth removal.
To start your search for the ideal dental insurance, check out the Direct Benefits Marketplace, where you can easily compare the options available in your area and sign up whenever you’re ready.
Sources:
https://www.katycypressoralsurgery.com/how-much-does-wisdom-teeth-removal-cost/
https://www.newmouth.com/blog/wisdom-teeth-removal-cost/
https://www.finestdentistry.com/how-much-does-wisdom-teeth-removal-cost/
https://www.highlandoakdental.com/how-much-does-wisdom-teeth-removal-cost/