How Can You Determine the Costs of Wisdom Tooth Extraction?

If your wisdom teeth cause pain and discomfort, you may need an extraction procedure for relief. It is a standard dental procedure, where the costs may vary due to several factors. Mostly, the dentist will charge according to the number of teeth removed and the type of procedure used.

In some cases, complications of your situation can also influence the overall wisdom tooth cost. The factors that may affect the costs include:

• Location of your dentist
• Cost of diagnostic tests like x-rays or dental cone beam CT scan
• Specialty required by the dentist
• Dental insurance if any
• Type of anesthesia used
• Medications and other prescriptions

Here is a breakup of total expenses you can expect before opting for this surgery.

Cost Based on the Level of Impaction

Depending on the existing conditions of your wisdom teeth, your dentist will recommend the method of extraction. The costs vary accordingly.

Cost of Simple Extraction: As the least expensive method, it involves simple pulling or wiggling out of the affected tooth. The dentist will use specialized instruments to remove the tooth without cutting jawbone or gum in this method. It may cost around $200 for each tooth.

Cost of Surgical Extraction: If you have an erupted wisdom tooth that's breaking down and needs tissue removal, it may cost slightly more than a simple extraction. The cost may go around $250 per tooth in this case.

Cost of Soft Tissue Extraction: When the wisdom tooth is covered with gum tissue, the removal process gets slightly complicated. Here, you have to pay about $350 for each tooth.

Cost of Partial or Full Bony Extraction: Sometimes, the wisdom tooth may be partially or fully embedded in the jawbone. When the level of impaction is deep, the surgery will also cost more. It can range from $400 to $500 per tooth.

Cost of Removing All Fours

If your dentist or oral surgeon recommends removing all four wisdom teeth in one sitting, don't forget to ask about their package.

The total cost of removal plus sedation may be between $1000 and $2000, depending on the type of procedure. Here, consider any additional charges or fees, as well.

Cost Based on the Type of Anesthesia

For a severely impacted wisdom tooth, the procedure may get complicated, and you need general anesthesia. In a simple extraction, on the other hand, you need local anesthesia. The costs of the procedure will also vary according to this factor.

Local anesthesia numbs the area around the wisdom tooth. The cost of a tooth extraction with this method doesn’t exceed $400 per tooth. However, for complicated removal that involves a general anesthetic, you may have to pay a higher price.

Dental Insurance Coverage for Wisdom Tooth Extraction

The amount of coverage in your dental insurance may vary from one provider to another. Mostly, insurance plans cover only a portion of the total costs. But, you may still expect the company to reimburse up to 50% of the total costs. If your dental plan comes with an annual maximum, it may cover only $1000 to $1500 per year.

Without dental insurance, out-of-pocket expenses for tooth extraction may be slightly higher. While people with dental insurance have to pay $200 to $1000 for simple extraction of all four teeth, wisdom tooth cost may be from $800 to $2750 for those without insurance.

Before the procedure, ask your dentist or oral surgeon to check the coverage amount with your dental insurance provider.

When Should You Visit a Dentist for Wisdom Tooth Extraction?

Pain due to the wisdom tooth can be extreme and discomforting. You may have difficulty eating or sleeping due to this condition. Since wisdom teeth are the third set of molars popping up in the back corners of your mouth at an adult age, they may create some complications.

There may cause a misalignment in the incoming tooth, damage to other teeth, or gum problems. In all these cases, symptoms like toothache, jaw stiffness, or gum swelling are common.

If you experience such symptoms after surgery, go and check with your dentist immediately for a complete checkup. They will do a detailed examination of your mouth with x-rays to determine the right procedure and wisdom tooth cost. Accordingly, you can prepare your budget and check with your insurer about the coverage limits.

Since the removal of wisdom tooth is inevitable in most cases, you can do your research and choose the best dentist. Cost is a significant factor. Don’t hesitate to ask about the total expenses and any other concerns you have.