How Much Does Wisdom Teeth Extraction Cost?
The overall cost of wisdom teeth extraction depends on a number of factors, and the national average for an extraction is $550 per tooth. This cost is for extraction alone and does not take into consideration the type of anesthesia being used or the position or condition of the tooth, for example. Additionally, when impacted wisdom teeth cause problems, these problems may compound the longer the tooth is allowed to remain in the mouth, which means that earlier extractions may be more affordable than those that are delayed. Many dental insurance providers will cover a substantial portion of the cost for wisdom teeth extraction, though this amount varies among providers. For patients without dental insurance, it’s helpful to understand the cost breakdown for the different types of wisdom teeth extraction and the various factors these costs include. It’s also always a good idea to ask your dentist about any payment plans their office may offer, which can help make the costs associated with wisdom teeth extraction more manageable.
When a wisdom tooth has erupted, meaning that the crown of the tooth has completely emerged from the jaw and gums, the cost of extraction ranges from $200 to $700 per tooth. Impacted teeth cost more than erupted teeth, though different levels and types of impaction have price variances. When an impacted tooth is completely impacted, remaining fully submerged beneath the bone, extraction can cost anywhere from $350 to $1,100 for each tooth. Removal of teeth that are only partially impacted beneath the bone costs between $300 and $950, and removal of teeth that are impacted only by the soft tissue, having already broken through the bone, ranges from $250 to $850. Again, these costs reflect only the extraction of the tooth and do not take additional procedures or anesthesia into consideration.
Additional costs associated with wisdom teeth extraction include sedation, dental examinations, and different imaging technologies that dentists use to evaluate the jawbone and positioning of the emerging wisdom teeth. In many cases, the cost of local anesthesia is included in the cost of extraction, though some practices bill this separately; local anesthesia can range in price from $75 to $200. Some patients choose additional anesthesia, opting for some level of sedation for their extraction procedure, which costs anywhere from $100 to $450, depending on the level of sedation desired and the type of medication that is used. In many cases, dentists choose to extract more than one wisdom tooth at a time, which helps patients save on anesthesia, exam time, and related costs.
Dental exams tend to cost between $50 and $200, and images taken during these exams are billed separately. A simple X-ray can cost as little as $25, while a panoramic X-ray that shows the full breadth of the jaw costs between $100 and $250. When more precise images are needed, dentists may rely on cone beam CT scans, which average $330 per scan and range from $150 to $750. Many of these imaging technologies may be covered by dental insurance, and dental examinations often are, too. When a wisdom tooth extraction is deemed necessary for medical reasons, the procedure may be covered, in total or in part, by simple medical insurance, and comprehensive dental insurance may not be necessary. This coverage may be affected by annual maximums, and you should work closely with your insurance provider and your dental team to determine the best, most affordable treatment plan for your clinical, personal, and financial needs.