Wisdom teeth removal. Prices.
The third molars, also known as wisdom teeth, are the last teeth sprouting. They usually erupt between 17 and 22 years, so are called wisdom teeth.
Wisdom teeth are a thing of the past and not all have them; with X-rays, the dentist can see if they are present.
Since the third molars are the last to come out, very often there is not enough space in the mouth to accommodate them and several complications might occur.
The extraction or removal of wisdom teeth is a very common procedure, the cost of which varies greatly depending on several factors.
Wisdom tooth extraction cost.
The procedure price depends first of all on the patient’s conditions; those wisdom teeth that have erupted fully and have a normal positioning can be extracted as any other tooth. For a simple extraction, the average cost is between 75 and 200 dollars.
But sometimes, if the wisdom tooth has not completely emerged, its removal requires a surgical extraction, which costs increase a lot. In this case, we say that the tooth is ‘impacted’.
Cost of wisdom teeth removal.
A ‘soft tissue’ impaction is when at least some portion of the gums still lie over the wisdom tooth; the procedure can cost between 200 and 400 dollars.
In the case of a ‘partial bony’ impaction, some aspect of the crown portion of the tooth is still encased in the jawbone. To remove a ‘partial bony’ impacted tooth the cost may arise from 250 to 450 dollars. Finally, if the wisdom tooth is ‘full bony impacted, it is totally encased in the jawbone.
The tooth will often need to be cut into pieces before it can be removed and this procedure may cost up to 600 dollars.
These prices are only estimated as there are several factors that can change them; the experience of the dentist and the geographical location may increase the cost.
Also, the removal procedure may require additional preliminary analysis, X-rays and different types of anaesthesia or sedatives, which can increase spending.
A medical or a dental insurance might cover 15%-50% of wisdom tooth removal if the procedure is considered medically necessary, and some dental plans only pay an annual maximum of 1,000-1,500 dollars.
Wisdom teeth removal cost.
Sometimes, dentists or oral surgeons offer a package deal for extracting all four wisdom teeth at once. A total for four extractions plus sedation runs around 1,500-2,300 dollars, and it can arise to 2,500-3,000 dollars for extremely complex cases in high-cost regions.
