How Much Does Wisdom Teeth Removal Cost with or without Insurance?

How Much Does Wisdom Teeth Removal Cost Without Insurance?

When you don’t have dental insurance, the cost of wisdom teeth removal can vary. On average, the price without insurance for a simple extraction is between $200 and $600 per tooth. However, if the teeth are impacted or need surgical extraction, the price can rise to $1,000 or more per tooth. The complexity of the procedure plays a big role in the final price.

The cost of tooth extraction also depends on your location. Dental surgery in large cities may cost more than in rural areas. It is important to discuss the full price with your dentist before scheduling any procedure. Costs can change based on whether you need sedation for dental procedures or additional tests like panoramic X-rays.

Cost to Pull Wisdom Teeth Based on Impaction

The impaction level of your wisdom teeth is a key factor in the overall cost. Impacted teeth are more difficult to remove, which leads to higher costs. There are three main types of impaction: soft tissue impaction, partial bony impaction, and full bony impaction.

Soft tissue impaction means the tooth hasn’t fully erupted but is only covered by gum tissue. This is the least complicated and usually costs the least. Partial bony impaction happens when part of the tooth is covered by bone, making the procedure more difficult. Finally, full bony impaction means the tooth is completely covered by bone, and the removal is the most complex, requiring more surgery and higher costs.

Soft Tissue Impaction

For soft tissue impaction, the wisdom tooth extraction is relatively simple. The tooth is partially erupted, so the procedure is easier. The cost for this type of impaction generally ranges from $200 to $600 per tooth, depending on your location and the dental clinic you visit.

This type of extraction does not require a complex surgical procedure, which helps keep the dental procedure costs lower. However, you still need to consider additional fees like anesthesia options and exam fees that can add up.

Partial Bony Impaction

Partial bony impaction occurs when the tooth is partially covered by bone, making extraction more complicated. The dentist or oral surgeon needs to remove part of the bone around the tooth before extraction. This type of extraction generally costs between $400 and $800 per tooth. The use of sedation for dental procedures might also be necessary, increasing the cost further.

Expect additional costs for post-operative care after tooth extraction as well, since healing takes longer compared to soft tissue impaction.

Full Bony Impaction

Full bony impaction is the most complex. The tooth is completely surrounded by bone, requiring surgery to remove the tooth. The cost for this type of extraction is typically between $800 and $1,500 per tooth. The procedure may require general anesthesia or IV sedation, adding to the cost of tooth extraction.

After the procedure, you will need follow-up dental care, including checkups to ensure proper healing. Dental specialists often perform these extractions, and their services may increase the price.

How Much Does It Cost to Remove All Wisdom Teeth?

If you need all four wisdom teeth removed, the total cost will depend on the complexity of each extraction. For simple extractions, the cost is typically between $800 and $2,400. For surgical tooth extraction, the price can range from $3,200 to $6,000 for all four teeth.

Dental insurance coverage often includes some or all of these costs, but the exact amount covered depends on your insurance plan. Be sure to check the specifics of your dental insurance plans before going ahead with the procedure.

Wisdom Teeth That Have Fully Erupted and Need Simple Extractions

For wisdom teeth that have fully erupted, the extraction is simpler. This means the tooth is already above the gum line, making it easier for the dentist to pull it out. The cost of wisdom teeth removal for fully erupted teeth ranges from $200 to $600 per tooth.

Simple extractions are less expensive compared to more complicated procedures because they don’t require surgery or anesthesia options like IV sedation.

Wisdom Teeth with Soft Tissue Impaction

When wisdom teeth are impacted by soft tissue, the cost of removal can range from $400 to $1,200 per tooth. This impaction is easier to handle than bony impaction but still requires some surgical intervention. An oral surgeon will make an incision in the gum to access and remove the tooth. The overall cost will vary depending on location and the level of sedation required.

Wisdom Teeth That Show a Bony Impaction

For wisdom teeth with a bony impaction, the extraction is more difficult. Dental specialists usually perform these procedures, and the price for full bony impaction extractions can range from $800 to $1,500 per tooth. This type of extraction requires more advanced techniques, such as removing bone around the tooth, making it the most expensive option for wisdom teeth extraction.

Other Fees That Might Be Added to the Cost of Having Wisdom Teeth Pulled

In addition to the basic cost of wisdom teeth removal, several other fees may apply. These additional costs can quickly add up, so it is essential to be aware of them.

Exam Fees

Before the extraction, you will likely need a dental examination to assess the condition of your teeth and determine the necessary procedure. The exam fees usually range from $50 to $150, depending on your dentist and location.

Panoramic X-rays

Panoramic X-rays are essential for getting a complete view of your wisdom teeth and determining if there is any impaction. The cost of panoramic X-rays can vary from $75 to $250, depending on your clinic. This is an important part of the diagnostic process before dental surgery.

Sedation

Sedation for dental procedures can be an additional cost. The price depends on the type of sedation used. Local anesthesia is generally included in the extraction price, but if you need more intense sedation, such as IV sedation or general anesthesia, the cost can range from $300 to $1,000 or more.

Does Insurance Cover Wisdom Teeth Removal?

Many dental insurance coverage plans will cover some or all of the costs for wisdom tooth extraction. However, this depends on your specific plan. Most plans cover basic procedures like simple tooth extraction but may not cover more complicated procedures like surgical tooth extraction.

Before scheduling your appointment, it’s a good idea to contact your insurance provider and ask about your coverage. You may also want to ask about insurance copayments for oral surgery.

How Much Is a Tooth Extraction with Insurance?

With dental insurance plans, the cost of tooth extractions is typically lower. Dental insurance coverage usually helps pay for a portion of the cost of tooth extraction, leaving you responsible for the rest. For a simple tooth extraction, you might pay a few hundred dollars after insurance, depending on your plan.

If you need surgical tooth extraction, expect to pay more out of pocket, but your insurance should still help cover some of the costs. Be sure to check with your provider about your insurance coverage for dental procedures.

What Are the Different Types of Tooth Extraction?

There are two main types of tooth extraction: simple extraction and surgical extraction. A simple extraction is performed when the tooth is fully erupted and easily accessible. This is the least expensive type of extraction.

A surgical extraction is required for impacted wisdom teeth or teeth that are not easily accessible. These extractions are more expensive due to the complexity of the procedure and the need for sedation for dental procedures.

Simple Extraction

A simple extraction is typically used for teeth that are already visible above the gum line. The procedure involves loosening the tooth and removing it with forceps. The cost is relatively low, but it still varies depending on location and the dentist.

Surgical Extraction

A surgical extraction is necessary when the tooth is impacted or has not fully erupted. This procedure is more complex and requires making an incision in the gum. It also may involve sedation for dental procedures to keep the patient comfortable.

Conclusion:

How much does wisdom teeth removal cost depends on several factors, including the complexity of the extraction, the type of impaction, and your insurance coverage. While simple tooth extraction is generally less expensive, surgical tooth extraction for impacted wisdom teeth may cost more. Always consult with your oral surgeon or dentist to get a personalized estimate. Keep in mind that additional costs like panoramic X-rays or sedation for dental procedures could apply, so it’s important to plan accordingly for the total dental procedure costs.