Let’s delve into the question of “How Much is it to Get Wisdom Teeth Removed”.
The last set of molars, commonly known as wisdom teeth, usually don’t require special attention when they emerge healthily and align correctly in the mouth. Despite this, approximately 10 million wisdom teeth are extracted annually in the United States. The primary reason for their removal is often pain caused by insufficient space in the mouth, leading to impacted teeth stuck beneath the gumline.
Wisdom teeth can pose various issues, including crowding or misalignment of adjacent teeth, damage to neighboring teeth, the development of cysts causing jaw harm, and the induction of inflammation and cavities. While the extraction of wisdom teeth is a common procedure, it can be financially burdensome, especially in cases of impacted teeth.
The cost of wisdom teeth removal without insurance varies based on several factors. For simple extractions of fully emerged teeth, the expenses typically range between $250 and $700 per tooth, with an average cost of $350. In the case of impacted teeth, removal costs range from $415 to $750 per tooth, with an average between $400 and $500. The lower prices are associated with erupted teeth or impacted teeth inside the gums, while the higher prices are for teeth lodged in the jawbone or positioned closer to vital structures such as sinuses and nerves.
Several factors influence the overall cost of wisdom teeth removal, including the tooth’s condition (erupted or impacted), the number of teeth requiring extraction, the type of anesthesia chosen, the patient’s age, the geographical location and the type of dentist performing the procedure. Specialists fees are typically higher than a general dentist due to the higher level of expertise and experience. Erupted teeth are simpler to remove, while impacted teeth demand more resources, time, and skill, resulting in higher costs. Extraction costs are per tooth, meaning that removing only one problematic wisdom tooth is less expensive than extracting all four. The type of anesthesia, such as local anesthesia or sedation, can also affect the overall cost. Additionally, the age of the patient and the geographical location, particularly in large cities, can contribute to higher extraction costs, as older adults may have denser bones and surgical procedures may be more complex. To get a better idea of prices for wisdom teeth removal for you or your loved one specifically, call our office at 770-764-0840 to schedule an appointment. We will be more than happy to help answer all your questions.
Will insurance cover the complete expense of wisdom teeth removal?
Typically, dental insurance does NOT cover the entire cost of wisdom teeth extraction. Even with insurance coverage you will still pay a significant portion due to the limited amount of coverage provided by most dental insurance.
The extent of your payment is contingent on the specifics of your dental insurance policy.
However, uncertainties may arise regarding your share of the cost. If your wisdom teeth have surfaced, you might need to contribute 20% of the cost. On the other hand, if they are impacted, the procedure is likely considered major, requiring you to cover half the bill.
It is important to note that most dental insurance plans have an annual maximum. Consequently, if you are having all four teeth removed, the cost may surpass this limit, and you would then be responsible for 100% of each dollar exceeding your maximum.
What can you anticipate paying out of pocket for wisdom teeth removal?
In the absence of dental coverage, you will be accountable for the entire bill, encompassing the tooth extraction cost and additional expenses such as:
- The initial exam, typically priced at around $165, and X-rays, ranging from $160 to $290.
- Anesthesia costs, varying between $215 to $300 per 15-minute increment, with an initial general anesthesia cost estimated at $260.
- Pain medication, often involving over-the-counter options or, in some cases, prescribed opioids, costing around $60-70 retail.
- Follow-up visits, for which you may incur additional charges if not included in the surgery’s price.
Additional costs for potential complications:
- Operculectomy, a procedure to remove gum tissue, adding $185 to $400 per tooth.
- Treatment for dry socket, a common complication, with the application of a zinc oxide paste costing $70 or less.
- Infection treatment, involving antibiotics such as amoxicillin or clindamycin, each priced at less than $15 -30
For those without existing dental coverage, we offer third party financing that allows you to cover our treatment and pay it off slowly over time. If you have further questions you can call our office at 770-764-0840 to schedule a consultation.