In the United States, the average wisdom tooth removal cost is approximately $351. On the low end, the cost of wisdom teeth removal may be around $237 while on the high end getting a wisdom tooth removal costs as much as $458. This article breaks down data from over 1,000 dentists from across the United States, and details the cost of wisdom teeth removal, to help patients make an informed decision about their oral health. It will also discuss the different factors that can affect the final wisdom tooth removal cost so that patients never receive surprise bills in the mail.
What is a Wisdom Tooth Removal?
Wisdom tooth extractions are one of the most common dental procedures performed in the United States. In fact, over 10 million wisdom teeth are extracted every year! While some people have no problems with their wisdom teeth and they come in without any issues, other people may experience pain, crowding, or infection. When this occurs, a wisdom tooth extraction may be necessary.
Wisdom tooth extractions are typically performed by a general dentist or an oral surgeon. The type of tooth extraction will determine the cost of wisdom tooth removal.
What Factors Affect the Wisdom Teeth Removal Cost?
Age of the Patient
Wisdom teeth removal for adults typically costs more than tooth extractions for children. This is because older adults have denser bones, which can make surgery more difficult. And the more complex the surgery is, the more it’s going to cost. When you’re a teen or young adult, the bones in your mouth are softer, which makes surgery easier. However, this is not the only case and their are a myriad of other factors affecting wisdom teeth removal costs.
If the Tooth is Visible or Not
Another factor that affects the wisdom teeth removal cost is whether the tooth is visible or not. Visible teeth are called erupted teeth while teeth that are not visible are called impacted. Dentists charge more for impacted tooth extractions because they require more time and effort.
If Anesthesia is Used
The wisdom tooth removal cost will also be affected by whether or not anesthesia is used. Local anesthesia numbs the area around the tooth that will be extracted. This will usually always be used during a wisdom tooth removal. General anesthesia puts the patient to sleep for the duration of the tooth extraction. The type of anesthesia used will be determined by the dentist and anesthesiologist based on the age of the patient, health history, complexity of treatment, and overall apprehension of the patient. General anesthesia will cost more than just local anesthesia alone.
Number of Wisdom Teeth
The cost of wisdom teeth removal also increases with the number of wisdom teeth that need to be removed. Some people only have one wisdom tooth that needs to be extracted, while others may have all four wisdom teeth removed at the same time. This is determined by a myriad of factors, such as if there is space in the jaw and if the wisdom tooth will cause any complications to overall health.
Complexity of Treatment
Another factor that affects wisdom teeth removal costs is the complexity of the treatment. Some tooth extractions are relatively simple and only require the removal of the tooth. However, other tooth extractions may be more complex and require the removal of bone or tissue around the tooth. These types of tooth extractions typically cost more because they are more difficult to perform.
Location of the Dentist
The location of the dentist also affects wisdom teeth removal costs. Dentists in rural areas typically charge less for tooth extractions than dentists in urban areas. This is because the cost of living is typically lower in rural areas, which means that dentists can charge less for their services.
What is the Average Cost of Wisdom Tooth Extractions Based on These Factors?
Although there are various factors affecting the cost of wisdom teeth extractions, we can take a look at the average costs of current dentists to help inform our decision-making. This chart is a reformated version of our article detailing the average tooth extraction cost for any teeth. The following data is from a survey completed by over 1,000 dentists from across the United States for a SINGLE wisdom tooth removal:
| Type of Wisdom Tooth Removal | Average Tooth Extraction Cost ($) | Low-End Tooth Removal Cost (10th percentile) | High-End Tooth Removal Cost (90th percentile) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Extract Visible Tooth (Simple Complexity) | 189.83 | 135 | 260 |
| Extract Visible Tooth (Difficult Complexity) | 291.53 | 220 | 365 |
| Extract Impacted Tooth (Simple Complexity) | 335.51 | 250 | 424 |
| Extract Impacted Tooth (Medium Complexity) | 417.17 | 312 | 519 |
| Extract Impacted Tooth (Difficult Complexity) | 505.38 | 383 | 630 |
| Removal of Residual Tooth Roots (cutting procedure) | 304.09 | 200 | 395 |
| Removal of Tooth Crown (Intentionally leaving roots) | 415.76 | 160 | 618 |
| Average Costs | 324 | 218 | 424 |
For a full breakdown of all dental procedure costs click here.
How can I get a Low-Cost Wisdom Tooth Removal?
At the end of the day, wisdom teeth removal can be expensive. To help, there are a few ways that patients can get low-cost tooth extractions.
Dental Schools
One way to get low-cost wisdom tooth removal is to go to a dental school. Dental schools are educational institutions that train students to become dentists. They typically have clinics where students can gain hands-on experience treating patients. The treatments provided at these clinics are usually very cheap or even free. However, the downside is that students typically are much slower and less experienced than practicing dentists.
Community Dental Clinics
Another option for getting cheap wisdom tooth removals is to go to a community dental clinic. Community dental clinics are non-profit organizations that provide dental care to underserved communities. They typically offer their services at a reduced cost or even for free. However, the downside is that these clinics are often very busy and have long waitlists.
There are a few organizations that provide free tooth extractions to low-income individuals. One such organization is the Dental Lifeline Network. The Dental Lifeline Network is a non-profit organization that provides free dental care to low-income seniors and people with disabilities. Another organization that provides low-cost extractions is the Give a Kid a Smile Program from the American Dental Association. The Give a Kid a Smile Program is a non-profit organization that provides free dental health education, screenings, preventive care, and/or treatment for kids.
HMOs
Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) are organizations that provide health insurance coverage to their members. Many HMOs have dental plans that cover part or all of the cost of wisdom teeth removal. However, the downside is that HMOs often have a limited network of dentists that they work with.
Dental Discount Plans
Another option for getting a low-cost wisdom tooth removal is to sign up for a dental discount plan. Dental discount plans are not insurance plans, but rather membership plans that offer discounts on dental services from a network of dentists. These plans typically have an annual fee that entitles the member to a certain percentage off of dental services. The downside is that dental discount plans often have a limited network of dentists that they work with.
Always Make Sure the Wisdom Tooth Needs to Come Out Before a Procedure!
Not all wisdom teeth need to come out. In fact, there are some common misconceptions about wisdom teeth as described by Dr. Adam Szymczal, DDS, from Smile Care Dental:
- Just because the wisdom teeth hurt coming in doesn’t necessarily mean that it needs to come out. The TRUTH is that when the wisdom teeth are growing ( age 16 to 21), often it is painful, similar to the pain of adult teeth growing in. However, often time wisdom tooth pain will go away once the wisdom teeth stop growing in.
- Just because your wisdom teeth are coming in doesn’t mean they need to be taken out: The TRUTH is that only about 10-20% of wisdom teeth ever develop problems.
- Removing wisdom teeth earlier is not always better. The TRUTH is that allowing the wisdom teeth to grow to their maximum amount will often lead to a less expensive surgery (with teeth closer to the surface), quicker recovery, fewer complications, and lower wisdom teeth removal costs
- Removing wisdom teeth will not prevent crowding front teeth: The TRUTH: “removal of third molars to reduce or prevent late incisor crowding cannot be justified“
So When Should Wisdom Teeth Removal Not Happen?
- When your wisdom teeth are FULLY impacted (completely covered and sealed off by the gum tissue) they do not need to be removed. Since food and bacteria can NOT get to the wisdom teeth, there is a less than 5% chance of ever having any complications
- When food and bacteria can get to the wisdom teeth BUT you keep the wisdom teeth clean they do not need to be removed
- When you are over the age of 30 and have never had problems with your wisdom teeth they do not need to be removed
When should I have my wisdom teeth removed?
- If your wisdom tooth has cavities (dental caries)
- If your wisdom tooth is infected
- If the wisdom tooth has a cyst
- If you are unable to keep the wisdom teeth clean
Disclaimer
The contents of this website, such as text, graphics, images, and other material are for informational purposes only and are not intended to be substituted for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Nothing on this website constitutes the practice of medicine, law or any other regulated profession.
No two mouths are the same, and each oral situation is unique. As such, it isn’t possible to give comprehensive advice or diagnose oral conditions based on articles alone. The best way to ensure you’re getting the best dental care possible is to visit a dentist in person for an examination and consultation.
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