HOW MUCH DOES WISDOM TEETH REMOVAL COST?
When you start to feel painful swelling and pain in the back of your jaw, it’s difficult to avoid the high costs associated with wisdom teeth removal. It can cost up to $550 to remove a single wisdom tooth. This is the average cost to remove a wisdom tooth that is impacted which is a common condition. There are numerous factors and potential complications that can influence the price to remove wisdom teeth.
Cost for Wisdom Tooth Extraction
The status of the wisdom tooth and its position in the jaw are the primary factors in determining the cost of the extraction. A summary of the average costs based on the type of wisdom tooth is provided below:
| Wisdom Teeth Type | Average Cost | Range |
| Erupted | $300 | $200-$700 |
| Impacted - under soft tissue | $350 | $250-$850 |
| Impacted - partially bony | $450 | $300-$950 |
| Impacted - fully bony | $550 | $350-$1,100 |
Erupted wisdom tooth
An erupted wisdom tooth is the simplest and least expensive type of extraction. Erupted means the tooth has broken through the gums and is easily accessible. The procedure for removing an erupted wisdom tooth typically takes about 20 minutes. Only a small amount of anesthetic is required in this case. Traditional dentists may not be willing to remove wisdom teeth which are impacted. Impacted wisdom teeth often require input from an oral surgeon, which increases the costs significantly.
Impacted wisdom tooth - under soft tissue
When the wisdom tooth has not broken through the gums and is stuck under soft tissue, patients may experience some pain or swelling. For this type, the doctor makes a small incision in the tissue to access the tooth. Stitches may be required after the extraction is complete. The stitches will dissolve on their own after a few days.
Impacted wisdom tooth - partially bony
When the wisdom tooth is impacted and partially bony, patients may require some sedation. The amount of anesthesia required is determined by the length of the procedure. Anesthesia is charged based on 15 minute increments. The use of anesthesia can also increase the cost significantly.
For this procedure, the dentist or surgeon makes an incision in the gums and in a small piece of bone covering the tooth. The tooth may be broken into smaller pieces for easier removal. Patients may feel pressure during the procedure, however they should not feel any pain.
Impacted wisdom tooth, fully bony
Wisdom teeth often need to be removed when they are stuck under both the jaws and gums. Patients are usually under sedation for this procedure.
An incision is made in the gums and in the bone covering the tooth. In addition, the tooth may need to be broken into smaller parts in order to effectively remove it. This prevents the need for a larger opening and also helps expedite the recovery and healing time.
Saving money on wisdom tooth extraction
The price for wisdom teeth removal is greatly influenced by your location. If extractions are expensive in your area, you may consider having the procedure done in another location. Be sure to consider travel costs when evaluating alternative locations for the procedure.
Dental schools are also a great option for patients looking to reduce their costs. In this case, a licensed dental professional oversees the procedure which is completed by a dental student. While completing the procedure at a dental school can help save money, it often takes longer to complete the procedure.
More on Wisdom Tooth Extraction : Impacted Wisdom Teeth