Wisdom Teeth Removal Cost

How Much Does Wisdom Teeth Removal Cost?

Simple Extraction: $75-$200 per tooth

Single Impacted Tooth: $225-$600

Four Impacted Wisdom Teeth: $1,000-$3,000

Also called third molars, wisdom teeth are the third and last set of teeth to appear in a person's mouth, usually between ages 17 and 25. There are typically four wisdom teeth, two on top and two on the bottom. Teeth that come in at an angle or fail to erupt through the gums are called impacted, and may need to be extracted. Many dentists do relatively straightforward extractions but may refer the removal of an impacted tooth to a specialist called an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.

Typical costs:

A simple wisdom tooth extraction (where the tooth is fully erupted from the gums and has simple roots) using a local anesthetic costs about $75 -$200 per tooth, or $300 -$800 to have all four wisdom teeth removed as simple, non-surgical extractions.
For an impacted tooth, extraction using a local anesthetic can cost $225 -$600 per tooth. The use of nitrous oxide to relax the patient typically adds $40 -$90; or general anesthetic can add $250 -$800 to the total cost. The type of impaction affects the price. Typically, a soft tissue impaction (the tooth is partially erupted through the gum) is the least expensive impaction to remove; a partial bony impaction (some of the tooth that should be above the gum line is encased in the jawbone) is typically more expensive; and a full bony impaction (the wisdom tooth is totally encased in the jawbone) costs the most to extract.
Dental insurance might cover 15%-50% of wisdom tooth removal if the procedure is considered medically necessary, and some dental plans only pay an annual maximum of $1,000 -$1,500. CostHelper readers without insurance report total costs of $250 -$750 for extracting a single impacted wisdom tooth. CostHelper readers with dental insurance report out-of-pocket expenses of $132 -$800 for a single impacted tooth, or an average of $416.
Many dentists or oral surgeons offer a package deal for extracting all four wisdom teeth at once. In lower-cost regions the total for four extractions plus sedation can be $1,000 -$1,650, but nationwide the average cost for removing four wisdom teeth using general anesthetic runs around $1,500 -$2,300, and it can be $2,500 -$3,000 for extremely complex cases in high-cost regions, with oral surgeons typically charging higher fees than general dentists. CostHelper readers without dental insurance reported paying $720 -$2,735 to have all four wisdom teeth removed at once, for an average cost of $1,616. CostHelper readers with dental insurance report out-of-pocket expenses of $190 -$994 or an average cost of $641 for extracting all four wisdom teeth.

What should be included:

Wisdom teeth may become impacted if there isn't enough room for them on the jaw. Impacted teeth can get recurring infections, cavities, gum disease or (more rarely) cysts and tumors. The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons provides an overview of wisdom teeth.
Typically wisdom teeth will be removed in an office, but in some cases the procedure might be done in a hospital (for example, when extracting four extremely impacted teeth or if there is a high risk of complications). Typically the quoted price includes a follow-up office visit to check healing or remove sutures.
After numbing the area around the tooth or administering general anesthetic, the oral surgeon or dentist opens the gum tissue above the wisdom tooth and removes any bone covering the tooth; separates the tissue connecting the tooth to the bone; and removes the tooth. The area is closed with stitches, which may dissolve over time or need to be removed after a few days. The patient will need to eat liquid or soft foods for several days. An animated video illustrates the process and WebMD.com provides an overview of the process.

Additional costs:

A panoramic X-ray ($60 -$150) is typically required before a wisdom tooth is extracted, and in some cases a cone beam CT scan ($250 -$600) may be needed. There might also be a separate charge for an initial exam ($50 -$350). Ask in advance if these costs are included in the quoted price.

Discounts:

Dental school clinics typically offer services by supervised students or faculty at reduced rates.
The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research provides tips for finding low-cost dental care.

Shopping for wisdom teeth removal:

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WedMD lists things to consider when choosing a dentist.
If the patient has dental insurance, the insurance company will provide a list of approved dentists and oral surgeons. Or, search for local members of the American Dental Association or the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.

Material on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult your physician or pharmacist regarding medications or medical procedures.

Article updated April 2012