How much does wisdom teeth removal cost?
How much does wisdom teeth removal cost?
$150 – $350 cost to remove a simple wisdom tooth
$300 – $800 cost to remove an impacted wisdom tooth
Wisdom teeth removal cost
The average cost of a simple erupted tooth removal is $150 to $350 per tooth or $500 to $1,000 for 4 teeth. Impacted wisdom teeth removal costs $300 to $800 per tooth, depending on the complexity. The total cost of wisdom tooth extraction increases with IV sedation and prescription medications.
| Removal type | Cost for 1 tooth | Cost for 4 teeth |
|---|---|---|
| Simple / erupted | $150 – $350 | $500 – $1,000 |
| Impacted | $300 – $800 | $1,100 – $3,000 |
Wisdom teeth removal costs 50% to 80% less with insurance, depending on the plan and coverage type.
Wisdom tooth extraction cost by type
Wisdom tooth extraction costs vary depending on the tooth's position. "Erupted teeth" are above the gumline, while "impacted teeth" are partially or fully in the gums or jaw at an irregular angle. Some people may have a combination of erupted and impacted wisdom teeth to remove.
Simple wisdom tooth extraction
A simple wisdom teeth extraction costs $150 to $350 per tooth with local anesthesia, excluding insurance coverage. These erupted teeth have come out fully above the gums and are the easiest to remove.
Removing 4 erupted teeth during the same surgery costs $500 to $1,000 on average, without insurance. This discounted price applies for teeth that are easy to access with no complications. Requesting full IV sedation during the procedure can double the price.
Impacted wisdom tooth removal
Impacted wisdom teeth removal costs $300 to $800 per tooth on average, depending on how much of the tooth is above the gums. Impacted teeth cost more to remove due to the access difficulties. A partial soft-tissue impaction involves cutting the gums, whereas a full impaction requires surgery on the jaw.
| Type | Cost per tooth* | Total cost for 4 teeth* |
|---|---|---|
| Partial bony impaction (Teeth half-covered by gums) |
$300 – $650 | $1,100 – $2,400 |
| Full bony impaction (Teeth completely imbedded in the jawbone) |
$500 – $800 | $1,900 – $3,000 |
*Prices shown are the total cost without insurance coverage.
Wisdom teeth removal cost factors
Cost factors for a surgery to remove wisdom teeth include:
General exam fees – The dentist's appointment alone costs $100 to $200 for an evaluation of your teeth and some light cleaning. Most clinics don't include X-rays in this fee.
Teeth conditions – Removal costs rise depending on the number of teeth and if the teeth are decayed, infected, or have nerve damage.
Insurance – Dental or medical insurance can greatly reduce the cost of wisdom teeth removal, depending on the insurance plan and coverage limits.
Local anesthesia vs. sedation:
Local anesthesia – An injection in the gums costs $40 to $100 for a shot of lidocaine, Novocain, or mepivacaine. These drugs numb the area while keeping you awake during the procedure.
Sedation / general anesthesia – Full sedation costs $250 to $1,000, which is sometimes advisable for removing all 4 wisdom teeth. Types of general anesthesia include IV injections, nitrous oxide gas, or valium that puts you to sleep. You can request "twilight sedation" for an IV anesthetic that keeps you awake but calm.
Geographic location – Costs vary by region. Urban areas with higher costs of living typically charge more for wisdom teeth removal than rural areas.
Patient age – Older patients may face higher costs because of fully developed tooth roots and a denser jawbone that can complicate an extraction.
Aftercare – Extra costs may include medications for pain relief and antibiotics, as well as follow-up visits.
Facility fees – Procedures done in a hospital or surgical center may have additional processing fees compared to those performed in a dental office.
X-rays & scans – A digital X-ray costs $75 to $250, which is often essential to plan the extraction in the safest way possible.
Specialist fees – An oral surgeon with specialized training typically charges more for extractions than a general dentist.
Wisdom teeth removal FAQs
What are wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the set of molars in the very back of your mouth that typically emerge in your late teens or early twenties as a normal part of dental development. Most people have up to 4 wisdom teeth that can develop, and some people don't have any wisdom teeth.
Do you have to get your wisdom teeth removed?
You have to get your wisdom teeth removed if they cause chronic pain, infections, nerve damage, or potential future dental problems.
What should I expect during a wisdom tooth extraction?
During a wisdom tooth extraction, you'll receive anesthesia. After your mouth is numb or you're sedated, the oral surgeon will remove the teeth. Some clinics use less-invasive laser technology for the operation.
The procedure sometimes requires incisions in the gums that the doctor stitches up. Dental stitches typically dissolve on their own without any need for another visit to remove them.
How long does wisdom teeth removal take?
A single wisdom tooth removal takes 20 to 45 minutes, depending on the extraction complexity. Removing all 4 wisdom teeth in one appointment takes 45 to 90 minutes. Factors like impaction and tooth position can extend this timeframe.
Does insurance cover wisdom teeth removal?
Medical insurance may cover wisdom teeth removal if it's considered medically necessary due to infection risks for ruptured or badly impacted teeth. Coverage levels and deductibles differ by policy. Confirm details with your insurance provider prior to the procedure.
You sometimes need to purchase dental insurance separately as an add-on to your current insurance plan.
How do I reduce the cost of wisdom tooth extraction?
To reduce wisdom teeth removal costs:
Request extraction of all 4 teeth simultaneously for a better rate.
Choose local anesthesia instead of gas anesthesia to save money.
Use dental school services for quality care at reduced prices.
Sign up for a locally accepted dental savings plan for lower fees.
Seek a dentist who bills precisely for the anesthesia used, not a flat rate.
Ask around for a dental clinic that accepts a long-term payment plan.
Questions to ask a dentist
When inquiring about wisdom teeth removal, consider asking these questions:
How much is the minimum consultation and examination fee?
What is your standard fee for one wisdom tooth extraction?
How many years of experience do you have in wisdom teeth removals?
Have you handled cases like mine, especially if my situation is complex?
Will I need all my wisdom teeth removed, and if so, why?
Which types of anesthesia would you recommend for me?
Will I be able to drive home afterwards, or should I book a ride?
Does your quote include anesthesia and post-operative care?
How long does the extraction procedure typically take?
Will there be any additional fees for medications or aftercare supplies?
If unexpected issues arise during the surgery, how do you handle them?
Do you offer any sort of payment plan or financial assistance?
We use our proprietary database of project costs, personally contact industry experts to compile up-to-date pricing and insights, and conduct in-depth research to ensure accuracy in all our guides.