Key Takeaways
- The average cost of wisdom tooth removal is about $300 per tooth, but total costs can vary widely.
- Most patients can expect to pay between $1,000 and $3,000 to have multiple wisdom teeth removed.
- Dental insurance often covers a portion of wisdom tooth removal costs when the procedure is medically necessary.
- Factors like the number of teeth removed, impaction, sedation, and additional treatments can all affect the final price.
- Not all wisdom teeth need to be removed, but impacted or problematic teeth are often recommended for extraction.
- Most people start feeling better within a week, though full recovery can take several weeks.
- Payment plans, financing options, HSAs, and FSAs can help make wisdom tooth removal much more affordable.
The cost to remove wisdom teeth is usually the first thing people think about when their dentist recommends having them taken out. Will insurance kick in? Are there ways to save money in the overall process? The tricky part is that the price can fluctuate quite a bit depending on your situation. Things like how many teeth need to be removed and just how complex the surgery will be play a very big part. Keep reading so you can be as prepared as possible if yours need to come out. If you need to get your wisdom teeth removed and you live in Utah, we’re ready to help you and have offices conveniently located near Salt Lake City and South Jordan.
How Much Does it Cost to Remove Wisdom Teeth?
For most patients, the overall cost falls somewhere between $1,000 and $3,000, depending on how many wisdom teeth need to be removed and how complex the procedure is. Someone having one or two teeth extracted will usually pay less than someone having all four removed at the same time. Because a lot of patients choose to have all of their wisdom teeth taken out during a single appointment, total costs often end up closer to the higher end of the range.
Average Cost Per Tooth
On average, most people pay about $300 per tooth for removal. The exact price will mainly depend on a few factors, such as whether the tooth is fully erupted, partially impacted, or completely impacted beneath the gums. Prices can range from around $150 for a simple extraction to $600 or higher for a more complex surgical removal. Keep in mind that factors like location, experience of your oral surgeon, and dental insurance coverage all greatly affect the final price.
Wisdom Teeth Removal Costs with Insurance
If you have dental insurance, you can typically plan on paying significantly lower costs than the full price of treatment. Most dental plans will kick in coverage when the removal is medically necessary. This is especially the case when the teeth are impacted, causing pain, damaging nearby teeth, or increasing the risk of infection.
Depending on your plan, insurance may cover anywhere from 50% to 80% of the procedure after deductibles and annual maximums are taken into account. For many patients, that means an overall treatment cost that might have been $1,000 to $3,000 without insurance could end up costing just a few hundred dollars out of pocket.
Just keep in mind that coverage can vary widely between plans. Factors like waiting periods, annual benefit limits, and whether your provider is in-network can all affect what you’ll ultimately pay. Make sure to review your benefits well in advance to help prevent surprises and give you a clearer picture of your out-of-pocket costs.
Wisdom Tooth Removal Type
Average Cost
Simple extraction $150–$400 per tooth
Surgical extraction $250–$600+ per tooth
Four wisdom teeth removed $1,000–$3,000+
Sedation/anesthesia $200–$800+
Wisdom Teeth Removal Cost Without Insurance
If you don’t have dental insurance, paying for wisdom tooth removal out of pocket can feel pretty overwhelming, especially if the surgery wasn’t something you were planning on. The good news is that many dental offices and oral surgeon practices understand this and offer ways to make treatment more affordable. Payment plans, financing programs, and cash-pay discounts are all fairly common. This allows you to spread the cost out over time rather than having to come up with all the money up front.
And it might seem like a hassle, but comparing treatment estimates from a few different providers is usually well worth your time. While it might be tempting to put off treatment because of the cost, wisdom teeth that are causing problems often become more expensive to deal with if complications develop down the road.
What Factors Affect the Cost of Wisdom Teeth Removal
One of the reasons the cost to remove wisdom teeth can vary so much is that no two people’s cases are exactly the same. The condition and position of the teeth play a major role. Wisdom teeth that are trapped beneath the gums, growing at an angle, or located close to important nerves typically require a more involved procedure than teeth that have fully erupted.
- Number of wisdom teeth removed – Having multiple teeth removed during the same procedure will generally increase the total cost.
- Complexity of the extraction – Impacted or difficult to access teeth typically require a more involved surgical procedure.
- Diagnostic imaging – X-rays and 3D scans might be needed to evaluate the position of the teeth and the surrounding structures.
- Sedation or anesthesia option – The type of sedation used can have a noticeable impact on the overall treatment costs.
- Additional treatments – Some patients might require treatments for infection, bone grafting, or other procedures before or during extraction.
- Dental Insurance coverage- Out-of-pocket costs can fluctuate significantly depending on your plan’s benefits and limitations.
- Location and provider experience – Costs and fees can differ based on where the practice is located and if you go through a dentist or an oral surgeon.
How to Know if Your Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed
Wisdom teeth don’t always need to be removed. If they’re not causing any problems, some people can go their entire lives without needing them extracted. However, if you’re dealing with pain in the back of your mouth, swollen gums, jaw soreness, headaches, or a feeling like your teeth are being pushed together, your wisdom teeth could definitely be the cause. Some people also notice recurring infections or have a hard time keeping the area clean because the teeth are only partially erupted.
With that said, wisdom teeth can still cause issues even before you notice any of the usual symptoms. It’s common for a dentist to spot a problem on an X-ray and recommend removal before the teeth start causing pain or damaging any of the nearby teeth. If you’ve been told your wisdom teeth are impacted, coming in sideways, or don’t have enough room to fully erupt, removal is probably your safest option.
What’s Included in Wisdom Teeth Removal
People are often surprised when they realize a quote for wisdom tooth removal includes more than just pulling the tooth. The exact services can vary from one provider to another, but the overall treatment typically covers the following:
- Initial consultation and oral exam
- Dental X-rays or 3D imaging to evaluate the position of the teeth
- Treatment planning and review of your extraction options
- Local anesthesia to numb the treatment area
- Sedation or general anesthesia when needed
- Extraction procedure
- Sutures if needed
- Post-operative instructions
- Follow-up care
How Long Does It Take Wisdom Teeth to Heal After Removal?
We’ve all heard those horror stories about how awful the recovery can be after wisdom teeth removal. The good news is, most people actually feel significantly better after just a few days without anything crazy going on. The first 24 to 72 hours are usually the toughest, with some swelling, soreness, and mild discomfort being completely normal. Most people start feeling noticeably better after about a week, but it’s also very normal to still have some tenderness, jaw stiffness, or sensitivity for a couple of weeks afterward.
Tips for a Smooth Recovery After Wisdom Tooth Removal
- Avoid using straws for at least 7 days
- Stick to soft foods for the first few days
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Avoid smoking or vaping for at least 72 hours
- Take it easy for the first 24 to 48 hours
- Keep the extraction sites clean
- Use ice packs during the first 24 hours
- Take medications as directed
Costs to Remove Wisdom Teeth Conclusion
Wisdom tooth removal isn’t the same for everyone. The cost, recovery time, and even whether your wisdom teeth need to come out at all can vary quite a bit. If you’re wondering what makes sense for your situation, or if it’s simply been a while since you’ve had your teeth and gums checked, we’d be happy to help over at Utah Periodontal Specialists. We have locations in Salt Lake City and South Jordan, making it easy to get answers, explore your options, and stay ahead of potential dental problems before they become bigger issues.
FAQs
Can wisdom teeth grow back?
No, true wisdom teeth can’t grow back once they’ve been removed. In rare cases, some people have extra teeth, called supernumerary teeth, that might come through later and be mistaken for wisdom teeth.
What happens if you don’t get a wisdom tooth removed?
If a wisdom tooth isn’t causing you problems, it might not need to be removed. However, problematic wisdom teeth can lead to pain, infections, gum disease, tooth decay, damage to neighboring teeth, and other oral health issues if they aren’t treated.
Does insurance cover wisdom tooth removal?
Many dental insurance plans cover a portion of wisdom tooth removal costs, especially when the extraction is considered medically necessary. Coverage varies by plan, so it’s important to review your benefits before treatment.
Can you pay for wisdom tooth removal with an HSA?
Yes. Wisdom tooth removal is generally considered a qualified medical expense, which means you can typically use funds from a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) to help cover the cost.
How can you reduce wisdom tooth removal costs?
One of the best ways to reduce costs is to use dental insurance if you have it. You can also ask about payment plans, financing options, cash-pay discounts, or treatment through a dental school or community clinic.
Is wisdom tooth removal considered oral surgery?
In many cases, yes. Impacted wisdom teeth and more complex extractions are often classified as oral surgery and may be performed by an oral surgeon or periodontist.
How long should you take off work or school after wisdom tooth removal?
Most people take one to three days off following the procedure. More complex extractions might require additional recovery time.
What is the most expensive part of wisdom tooth removal?
For many patients, sedation, anesthesia, and surgical extraction of impacted teeth account for a large portion of the overall cost. The complexity of the procedure generally has the biggest impact on the final price.
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