How much does it cost to get your wisdom teeth extracted?
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of teeth to erupt in your mouth. Most people develop four wisdom teeth, one in each corner of the mouth. These teeth usually emerge in your late teens or early twenties, and they can cause a variety of dental problems such as crowding, misalignment, infection, and decay. Therefore, it’s often necessary to have them extracted to maintain good oral health.
However, the cost of wisdom teeth extraction can vary greatly depending on several factors such as the number of teeth to be removed, the level of impaction, the complexity of the procedure, and the location of the dental clinic. In this article, we’ll discuss the various costs associated with wisdom teeth extraction and some tips to help you save money.
What factors affect the cost of wisdom teeth extraction?
The cost of wisdom teeth extraction can be influenced by several factors, including:
Number and position of teeth
The more wisdom teeth you need to have removed, the higher the cost will be. Similarly, if your teeth are more deeply impacted and require surgical extraction, the cost will be higher as well.
Type of anesthesia
Depending on the complexity of the procedure and your level of anxiety, your dentist may recommend different types of anesthesia such as local anesthesia, nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral sedation, or IV sedation. Each of these options has a different cost, with IV sedation being the most expensive.
Location of the dental clinic
Dental clinics in different locations can have vastly different prices for wisdom teeth extraction. For example, clinics in rural areas or small towns may charge less than those in big cities or metropolitan areas. The cost of living and overhead expenses can also affect the price.
What are the average costs for wisdom teeth extraction?
According to the American Dental Association, the average cost for a simple wisdom teeth extraction ranges from $75 to $200 per tooth. However, for more complicated cases that require surgical extraction, the cost can range from $225 to $600 per tooth. If you need all four wisdom teeth extracted at once, the total cost could be anywhere from $300 to $2400 or more, depending on the above factors.
It’s important to note that these are just average costs, and your actual cost may vary depending on your specific case and location.
How can you save money on wisdom teeth extraction?
Getting your wisdom teeth removed can be a costly procedure, but there are a few ways you can save money:
Check your insurance coverage
If you have dental insurance, check your coverage to see how much of the cost will be covered. Some insurance plans cover a portion of the cost for extracting impacted wisdom teeth as necessary dental care.
Shop around for quotes
Don’t settle for the first dental clinic you find. Shop around and get quotes from different clinics to compare prices. Keep in mind that the cheapest option may not always be the best quality, so make sure to also consider the experience and reputation of the dentist and the clinic.
Consider financing options
If you can’t afford the full cost of wisdom teeth extraction upfront, consider financing options. Many dental clinics offer payment plans or financing through third-party providers.
Don’t wait until it’s too late
Getting your wisdom teeth removed early on, before they start causing problems, can save you money in the long run. Regular dental check-ups and X-rays can help your dentist determine when it’s time to remove them.
Conclusion
In summary, the cost of wisdom teeth extraction can vary greatly depending on several factors such as the number of teeth to be removed, the level of impaction, the complexity of the procedure, and the location of the dental clinic. The average cost for a simple wisdom teeth extraction ranges from $75 to $200 per tooth, while surgical extraction can cost anywhere from $225 to $600 per tooth. To save money on wisdom teeth extraction, consider checking your insurance coverage, shopping around for quotes, considering financing options, and not waiting until it’s too late.
