Wisdom Tooth Removal Cost 

Growing wisdom teeth can cause pain, damage to surrounding teeth, and other complications, which is why your dentist may recommend an extraction. The wisdom tooth removal cost will largely depend on the complexity of your case. Some extractions are simple and can be performed by your general dentist, while impacted wisdom teeth may need to be extracted by an oral surgeon. The total cost of your treatment will also increase if you choose to receive sedation or pain medication following your extraction. If your extraction is medically necessary, the costs may be partially covered by your dental insurance.

Factors Which Influence Cost

Preparatory procedures, the complexity of your surgery, and extent of your recovery could all influence the overall cost of your wisdom tooth removal. 

Advanced Imaging 

In some cases, your dentist may need to perform a cone beam computed tomography scan prior to your procedure. This advanced imaging technology allows dentists to visualize your biostructures, perform risk assessment, and carefully plan your surgery. However, the technology used to obtain and post-process your images can be expensive. 

Level of Sedation 

Your level of anxiety and the sedation options offered by your dentist will also affect the cost of your extraction. Local sedation, which blocks pain during the procedure, is the most cost-effective option. Some dentists also offer nitrous oxide, oral medication, and intravenous (IV) sedation to help you achieve deeper levels of relaxation during complex procedures. 

Some dentists offer a discounted rate if you are extracting all four wisdom teeth during one procedure. 

Impacted vs. Simple

If your wisdom teeth grow at an angle or do not erupt, they are referred to as impacted wisdom teeth. A dentist will typically refer impacted wisdom tooth cases to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, which will add to the cost of your treatment due to additional consultation fees. The process for extracting impacted wisdom teeth is also much more complex compared to a conventional extraction.  The cost will be dependent on the degree of difficulty involved in the removal. 

Soft Tissue Impaction vs. Partial Bony Impaction vs. Full Bony Impaction

The type of impaction will also affect the price of your extraction. If a tooth has partially erupted from the gums, this is known as soft tissue impaction. Soft tissue impaction is typically the least expensive case to treat. A tooth that is partially encased in the jawbone is known as  Partial bony impaction and will be a more expensive extraction. Lastly, a tooth that is fully trapped in the jawbone, or a full bony impaction, will require the most expensive treatment. The more complex your impaction is, the more difficult and expensive the extraction will be. 

Simple, Fully Erupted Wisdom Tooth 

If your wisdom teeth are fully erupted and do not have complex roots, your dentist may be able to perform the extraction in his or her office. This extraction is called non-surgical wisdom tooth removal and can cost just as much as a traditional tooth extraction. 

Number of Teeth Being Extracted 

Some dentists offer a discounted rate if you are extracting all four wisdom teeth during one procedure. This can also help you save on sedation costs, consolidate your recovery into one time period, and prevent the need for future extractions.

Medication for Recovery

Depending on your sensitivity and complexity of your case, your doctor may prescribe pain medication for your recovery. You can choose from less expensive options such as Tylenol, but prescription medications may cost you more. 

Financing your Treatment 

Impacted wisdom teeth can cause severe discomfort, infection, and inflammation, which is why many insurance companies will classify an extraction as medically necessary and partially cover the cost of your treatment. However, each insurance company can only pay a certain percentage of your procedure, and you should consult with your provider to get a more accurate estimate of your out-of-pocket costs.