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The cost range for wisdom teeth removal can vary greatly for each type of impaction. But, the price will depend largely on your particular dental professional, the need for initial consultation and procedures like x-ray, sedations and anesthesia, severity of the case, number of teeth and even the dentist’s location. In this article, we provide detailed estimates for wisdom teeth removal cost without insurance for 2023 depending on the type of impaction as well as other factors.
Wisdom Tooth Extraction Costs – Cost Estimates For Wisdom Teeth Removal, Consultation, And Sedation
Soft Tissue Impaction
In this form of impaction, patients have a fractional eruption of their wisdom teeth. That means the crowns have already grown and penetrated through the jawbone – but they’re yet to fully erupt through the gums. Essentially, part of the gum tissue protrudes above the wisdom teeth.
In order to extract the tooth and bring it above the gum tissue, an incision is made into the gum. Then, the gum tissue is repositioned, sutured, and stitched back into place. This type of procedure can cost anywhere from $225 to $400. Typically, dental practices within the large metropolitan areas charge the highest fees; while the lowest dental charges can be found in small towns and rural areas.
Partial Bony Impaction
In a partial bony impaction, a portion of the tooth’s crown (that is supposed to be entirely lying above the gum line) is still encased within the jawbone. In order to remove the wisdom tooth and/or make it accessible, your dentist will need to make an incision in the overlying gum tissue and then remove some bone from around the impacted tooth. After exposing the tooth’s crown, your dental professional will reposition and suture the affected gum tissue into place. This procedure for addressing partial bony impaction can cost anywhere from $275 to $450.
Full Bony Impaction
A full bony impaction refers to a situation in which the wisdom tooth’s crown is encased within the bone tissue. Here, wisdom tooth removal involves a comprehensive surgical procedure designed to extract the tooth from the jawbone. Firstly, your dental specialist will need to make an incision into the gum tissue surrounding the impacted tooth. Then, he or she will have to trim away the overlying bone tissue. After exposing the completely impacted tooth, your dental professional may need to section the tooth or cut it into small pieces in order to remove it. The procedure ends with the repositioning of the gingival tissue. Because this wisdom tooth extraction process is relatively complex, the fees charged by dental professionals are usually on the higher end. The wisdom tooth removal for a full bony impaction can cost you anywhere from $325 to $500.
Non-Surgical
Fortunately, many cases of wisdom teeth extraction are simple and don’t require complex surgical procedures. For most people, wisdom teeth usually erupt fully and have a normal positioning. This makes the tooth extraction process relatively simple and straightforward. The cost of removing or extracting such teeth is usually in line with that of other simple, routine extractions. It can set you back anywhere from $100 to $200, which is very reasonable.
The first step of wisdom tooth removal often involves the administration of a local anesthetic. This anesthetic is typically placed or injected into the gums around the teeth that need to be removed. Depending on the procedure, a sedative or general anesthesia may need to be applied. General anesthesia knocks you out completely, while local anesthesia is only applied to the affected teeth. Your dentist will determine if you’re a candidate for a local anesthetic or general anesthesia after a careful evaluation of your individual situation.
General anesthesia can be in the form of a strong sedative like Valium, which may be administered via an IV drip or as an oral pill. If you get to be put completely under via general anesthesia, a nasal breathing apparatus will be placed over your face and your vital signs will be closely monitored.
During the wisdom teeth removal process, your dental professional will make an incision into your gums and extract any impacted teeth and related tissues. They will trim any bone tissue that is blocking the affected teeth. They may also need to section the affected teeth in order to make the extraction process easier – it all depends on your individual situation.
After the teeth extraction, the gums are repositioned and sutured back into place. You may receive stitches as well as gauze to promote healing.
Sedation Services
If you opt for the administration of some type of anesthetic or sedation during your wisdom teeth extraction procedure, you’ll definitely incur some additional costs. Most dentists and oral surgeons typically offer a fixed price for extracting all four wisdom teeth. This package deal for wisdom teeth extraction will typically include the cost of anesthetic administration or sedation. This can range anywhere from $1,000 to $2,500. That means you won’t have to pay any additional fees to cater for the” dumbing up ”of your teeth. However, if you opt for additional medications that aren’t included in this package, then you’ll need to cough up more money to have your teeth extracted. For example, you may want nitrous oxide (laughing gas) or intravenous (conscious) sedation administered during your procedure. Administration of laughing gas can cost you between $40 – $90; while intravenous (conscious) sedation can set you back $250 – $400.
In order to reduce your wisdom teeth extraction costs, you should shop around. The costs can vary greatly from one dentist to another, and you’ll be surprised at how much the quotes that you get differ. Be sure to get quotes from at least 5 dental practices. Most dentists and oral surgeons will typically require you to undergo an oral exam in order to come up with a quote. This dental exam may include procedures like evaluation of x-rays, any past dental work, and so on – all of which can add to the costs. To keep the cost down, make sure you know the cost of every consultation or exam. Choose a dental clinic that offers fair prices and is also reputable.
Wisdom Tooth Extraction Alternative Treatments
In some cases, wisdom tooth extraction may not be necessary and alternative treatments can help manage the pain or discomfort associated with impacted wisdom teeth. These alternatives could include medications such as antibiotics to reduce swelling and pain, orthodontic treatment to align surrounding teeth, or even a procedure called endodontics to remove nerve tissue from the area. Depending on the individual situation, these treatments may be more cost-effective than having an extraction performed. It’s important for patients to discuss all of their options with their dentist before deciding whether wisdom tooth extraction is the best course of action for them.
If a patient decides that wisdom tooth extraction is still necessary despite other possible treatments, then they should consider all factors that could affect the cost of the procedure. Factors like a patient’s dental insurance coverage, geographic location, and other associated treatments that might be necessary can significantly influence the total cost for wisdom tooth extraction. It is important for patients to understand all aspects of the treatment before agreeing to proceed with any procedures.
Regardless of whether a patient chooses an alternative treatment or an extraction, they should take care when scheduling their appointment and ask questions about costs upfront. Understanding all associated costs prior to undergoing a procedure can help reduce stress and make sure that any unexpected expenses are avoided.
I had two removed in April/May and that was already $1500 plus $400 gap for the anaesthetic. Managed to claim back 80% from my health fund. Going to have the another one removed soon, just need to book it. I think it’s going to cost $1200 this time around.
For all three in one go, it was going to cost me $2400 but my health fund limit for general dental is only $1700. So it was financially better for me to have it done separately when the limit resets. Stil can’t believe it’s considered general dental and not major dental.
I had all 4 removed a few years ago under general anaesthetic, think it was $1500 ish range? Not really much pain, just a lot of swelling, was gone in one or two days. Not as bad as people make out in my experience.