You have come to the right place if you are considering having your wisdom teeth extracted. In this article, we’ll discuss the average cost of wisdom tooth removal, the factors that affect the overall cost, and insurance-related issues.
One of the biggest obstacles to having your wisdom teeth removed is often the cost. How much is wisdom teeth removal? Budget between $200 and $1,100 per tooth for the removal of your wisdom teeth. Depending on the specifics of the procedure, prices can vary greatly. Read on to discover more.
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Why Do Wisdom Teeth Need To Be Removed?
Between the ages of 17 and 24 is when wisdom teeth typically begin to erupt. Usually, a dentist will notice this during a checkup and offer advice on whether or not they should be removed.
People typically need to have their wisdom teeth removed because their mouths have gotten so small that they cannot fit this final set of teeth. They may crowd the other teeth, forcing them out of alignment and making them crooked if they don’t have enough room to erupt properly.
The likelihood of developing gum disease and oral infections increases if the teeth can partially protrude through the gums.
When it’s time for the wisdom teeth to fall out, the dentist will typically refer the patient to an oral surgeon for the procedure.
Related Reading: Do You Have to Get Your Wisdom Teeth Removed?
How Much Does Wisdom Teeth Removal Cost Without Insurance?
For simple extractions of erupted teeth, you can expect to spend between $200 and $700 per tooth, with $300 being the average.
Costs for extracting impacted teeth range from $250 to $1,100 per tooth, with a $350 to $550 average. The lower end of the price spectrum is for teeth that have erupted through your gums, while the higher end is for teeth that have become lodged in your jawbone.
What Factors Will Affect The Cost Of Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Your out-of-pocket costs for wisdom teeth removal depend on many different factors:
Condition of Your Tooth
The teeth that have fully erupted from the gums are referred to as erupted teeth. Due to easy access for the dentist or oral surgeon, they are easier to remove.
Impacted teeth, on the other hand, may be partially or wholly trapped in the jawbone or under the gum. Your surgeon won’t be able to simply numb the area and remove your tooth. Instead, they may need to give you sedation and then make an incision in your gum tissue to reach the tooth. Impacted teeth must be removed, which is more expensive because it takes more materials, time, and expertise.
Number of Teeth Needing Extraction
As mentioned earlier, the cost of extractions is determined by the number of extracted teeth. It will therefore be less expensive to remove just one of your wisdom teeth rather than all four if it is the only one giving you problems. The teeth that must be extracted and those that are optional will be disclosed to you by your dentist.
Age of Patient
When you get older, wisdom tooth extraction costs typically increase. Bone density increases with age, which can complicate surgery. Additionally, surgery costs increase with complexity. The bones in your mouth are softer when you’re a teen or a young adult, which facilitates surgery.
Type of Anesthesia
Dentists typically use local anesthesia during the procedure to numb the area around your bothersome teeth. You shouldn’t be charged more for local anesthesia because it is typically covered by the cost of your extraction.
You don’t have to use local anesthesia, though. Another option for sedation is to use a mask (like with nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas), prescription drugs, or an IV line. You can benefit from sedation by maintaining your composure and relaxation throughout the procedure. In additionally to local anesthesia, it is sometimes employed.
Your dentist might favor having the extractions done while you’re under general anesthesia if you have several impacted wisdom teeth. You will therefore receive an IV infusion of sleep-inducing medication.
Where You Live
If you compare prices in big cities to those in other places, you’ll typically pay more for wisdom tooth removal. To get a rough price for wisdom tooth removal in your area, consult Delta Dental’s cost estimator.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Yes, but how much is covered depends on the plan and how difficult the extraction is. The amount paid out-of-pocket will be significantly decreased with a comprehensive dental plan. Insurance will probably pay for between 50% and 80% of the total cost, but it is the patient’s responsibility to confirm that the dentist or surgeon accepts their insurance.
Dental insurance is a great option, but there are frequently annual caps on how much they will pay for all dental care (typically around $1500). Splitting the procedure over two years is one way to increase coverage.
Will Insurance Cover The Full Cost Of Wisdom Teeth Removal?
In most cases, your extraction will not be fully covered by dental insurance. In most cases, the insurance provider will pay the remaining balance of the bill after you pay a portion of it.
Your dental insurance policy’s specifics will determine how much you pay. For example, if your plan has 100/80/50 terms, your insurance will cover 100% of preventive care, 80% of basic procedures, and 50% of major procedures.
Your contribution to the cost, however, might be in question. You would most likely be responsible for 20% of the cost if your wisdom teeth have come in. However, if they are, your insurer will likely classify the procedure as a major one. You would be accountable for covering half the cost in that situation.
Keep in mind that most dental insurance policies have an annual cap as well. Therefore, the price may go over that cap if you need to have all four teeth extracted. Then, you would be liable for paying 100% of every dollar you spent in excess of your limit.
Risks Of Wisdom Teeth Removal
Although the idea of getting your teeth pulled can be frightening, you can relax knowing that the procedure is common and poses very little risk. Some of the things that can be expected include the following:
- Pain and swelling in the gums
- Difficulty opening jaw
- Light to moderate bleeding for 24 hours
- Some general discomfort
After having their wisdom teeth removed, patients typically recover in three to four days. There is still a chance of infection because it could take several months for the wound to heal. Following wisdom tooth extraction, the dentist will provide instructions on how to care for the mouth.
Though less frequent, there are some higher risks associated with wisdom tooth removal. They include:
- Infection from bacteria or trapped food particles
- Dry socket, a condition that occurs when a blood clot does not form after an adult tooth is removed, causing exposure of the bone and nerves
- Damage to nearby teeth, nerves, jawbone, or sinuses
Serious issues are incredibly unlikely to occur. Most people experience little pain after having their wisdom teeth removed and recover quickly.
Read More:
- What to Eat After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
- How To Sleep After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
- When Can You Drink Alcohol After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Is Extracting Wisdom Teeth Worth It?
In most cases, you shouldn’t disregard the loss of wisdom. Even though having your wisdom teeth removed can be expensive, delaying treatment for impacted or misaligned wisdom teeth can result in more expensive and involved procedures. Keep in mind that an impacted wisdom tooth can never be saved; therefore, you should never worry about how much it will cost to have them removed.
Make an appointment with Dr. For a consultation appointment, call Millwala at 281-667-0607. Our hardworking team is here to assist you!
Final Words
Taking care of one’s teeth and gums is crucial for overall health, despite the fact that having one’s wisdom teeth removed is expensive. The cost of having wisdom teeth removed usually proves to be worthwhile because of this. When the wisdom teeth are extracted, the anxiety over the costs and risks also goes.
Use our online tool if you need to locate a dentist for wisdom teeth removal or any other dental issue. We’ll assist you in scheduling a meeting with an expert in your area.
