One of the questions we’re commonly asked is “How much does it cost to remove wisdom teeth?”
Before answering this question, it’s worth taking a closer look at what wisdom teeth are and why they’re often removed.
Wisdom teeth, or your third set of molars, are the last 4 teeth to come through, usually when a person is in their late teens or early twenties. Quite often there is insufficient room in the mouth for the wisdom teeth to form correctly. As a result, common problems include wisdom teeth coming in sideways, only partially emerging, or getting trapped between the gum and bone as they try to grow through.
If your wisdom teeth are causing pain or impacting on other teeth, then your dentist is likely to recommend extraction. More often than not, leaving them alone tends to cause long-lasting and costly dental problems including infections, cysts, and in severe cases, damaged bone. Regular monitoring and X-rays can also help your dentist determine if your wisdom teeth are likely to cause problems, even before they start to erupt.
So now you know what they are and why they’re removed, let’s talk cold hard cash..
Wisdom teeth removal cost
It’s tricky to give an exact cost for wisdom teeth removal, because it varies according to each individual. The cost of treatment depends on the complexity of your case. If your case is relatively simple, it’s likely that your dentist can extract your wisdom teeth while you’re sitting in the dentist’s chair – making the treatment more affordable.
So, how much does it cost to remove wisdom teeth?:
As a general rule of thumb;
For basic wisdom teeth extraction carried out by a general dentist in a chairside setting you can expect to pay on average between $130 to $200 per tooth- For complex wisdom tooth removal carried out by a specialist, a chairside extraction is likely to cost between $295-$400 per tooth
- Finally, should you need sedatives or a general anaesthetic or be required to undergo an extraction in a hospital setting, then the costs of a surgical extraction may fall somewhere between $1500 to $3000 per tooth.
In addition, there are several other factors which can also affect the wisdom removal cost. These include:
The type of procedure – Typically, an impacted wisdom tooth costs more than a simple extraction. This is because surgery is necessary and may involve a specialist oral surgeon.
The dentist you choose – There are no regulations on pricing for wisdom teeth removal, so in essence, a dentist can charge what he or she wants. This is why it may be a good idea to shop around.
Private health insurance – The level of extras and/or hospital cover can also affect how much you pay for your treatment. Should your dentist be a specialist provider for your health fund, then this may or may not work in your favour.
Let’s explain…
In some cases, the cost of wisdom tooth removal may be less expensive, but this might not apply to all insurances. Some insurances may dictate a price bracket that the dentist needs to charge within. This may be higher than the cost of another local dentist. So it may pay to shop around.
Location, location – Costs also vary according to the location of your chosen dentist. Chances are you will pay more for a dentist located in a large city than you would for a dentist in a rural area.
Dental clinics abroad – The cost of dental treatments such as wisdom teeth removal may be considerably lower in countries such as Thailand, which is why dental tourism has become so popular with Australians. That said, there are also greater risks involved.
It’s important to carry out your research thoroughly before booking your flight. Try and speak to people who have had work done at the clinic you’re considering – word of mouth is always the best form of recommendation but also, take a look in reputable online forums to see what is being said.
Once you have narrowed down your search then don’t be afraid to ask questions before booking your appointment, and prioritise your wellbeing over costs! After all, it’s your oral health and you’re the one who is paying the bill.
Do I need to have my wisdom teeth removed?
Despite the fact that wisdom teeth are more problematic than most, not everyone needs to have their wisdom teeth removed. That said, rather than wait for any discomfort or pain to set in, why not visit a No Gaps dentist for an oral examination.
He or she will (with the help of X-rays) be able to assess whether or not your wisdom teeth are coming through normally or whether wisdom teeth removal is necessary.
Why not book an appointment today with No Gaps Dental and find out how we can help. As a multi-location dental group, we’re able to keep costs low so that you can get the treatment you need when you need it most.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks.
