For many patients, their third molars or wisdom teeth need to be extracted. These teeth can be impacted, come in at a bad angle, cause crowding and other types of issues. In many cases, it is best to extract the wisdom teeth. This article will review the expected cost for extracting the wisdom teeth and other factors that which can impact the overall price.
Wisdom Teeth Extraction
In some cases, the wisdom teeth will erupt completely in the correct alignment. If this occurs, the tooth may not need to be extracted. Unfortunately, it is common for the wisdom teeth to be impacted below the bone and gum tissue, which can cause other issues such as cysts and tumors. In other cases, the wisdom teeth will only partially erupt, allowing for bacteria and plaque to collect around the tooth and below the gums. In other cases, the teeth may cause crowding and damage to the adjacent teeth when there is not enough room.
Because of their location in the far back of the mouth, wisdom teeth can also quite difficult to brush and floss. In cases where the wisdom teeth need to be extracted, it is ideal to have them removed as soon as possible to avoid complications or issues. When a patient is a young aduly, the roots have not complete developed. This aids in ensuring the success of the procedure and can also expedite the healing process.
Cost
In most cases, an oral maxillofacial surgeon will extract the wisdom teeth. Oral surgeons have completed additional training and are qualified to administer general anesthesia. There are numerous factors which can impact the cost of the extraction. This may include if the teeth have erupted, if they are impacted, the type of anesthesia, and geographical location. Below is a summary of the estimated cost for wisdom teeth extraction:
Average Cost
Type
Description
$75–$200
Simple tooth extraction
Teeth are fully erupted and contain a simple root system, local anesthesia is used
$225–$600
Impacted extraction
Cost is dependent on the type of impaction. A partially erupted tooth is less expensive than a full bony impaction where the entire tooth is in the jawbone. A local anesthesia is used
$40–$90
Nitrous oxide
Used to relax the patient during the procedure
$250–$800
General anesthesia
Used to put patient to sleep during procedure
Additional costs which should be considered can include x-rays, which typically cost about $150. There may also be an additional cost for the initial appointment and follow-up exam.
Below are various options for covering the cost of the procedure. The cost can also be payed for out of pocket:
1. Dental insurance: In cases where the procedure is considered medically necessary, insurance often covers up to 50% of the procedure. Depending on the coverage, there may be a maximum amount of coverage. Follow up with on the dental and medical insurance policy coverages to determine the expected costs and coverages prior to the procedure.
2. Discount dental plans: There are also various discount dental plans which allow patients to pay an annual fee for discounted dental procedures within a network of dentists.
3. Payment plans: In many cases, an oral surgeon will offer patients with a package deals for the removal of all four wisdom teeth at once. Payment plans may also be available which can divive the cost into smaller amounts over a set period of time.
Be sure to discuss your options with the dental professional and your insurance provider. While the upfront cost may seem expensive, extracting the wisdom teeth can help to prevent serious and expensive future problems.