Like many others, you may be curious about how much it costs to have a wisdom tooth removed. Wisdom teeth removal is a common dental procedure, and the cost can vary depending on some factors, including your location and dentist.
In this blog post, we will give you an overview of what factors influence the cost of wisdom tooth removal, as well as the average price in Australia. If you’re scheduled for a wisdom tooth extraction, keep reading to learn more.
What Is a Wisdom Tooth?
Wisdom teeth are the molars (or back teeth) that are positioned at the backmost part of your mouth, and they usually develop in your late teens or early 20s. There are usually four wisdom teeth – two in the upper jaw and two in the lower jaw – but some individuals have fewer or even none at all.
For some people, wisdom teeth come through without causing any issues. However, because of the lack of space, they can sometimes erupt at an awkward angle or get stuck and only partially emerge. Wisdom teeth that grow through like this may require extraction.
Why Should You Have Your Wisdom Tooth Removed?
While some wisdom teeth may not need an extraction, most cases require removal, particularly if they are causing painful problems. It may occur because wisdom teeth often do not have enough room to erupt properly, leading to many problems, including gum disease, tooth decay, and damage to other teeth. In some cases, they may cause tooth abscesses or cysts. If left untreated, these issues can result in serious health problems. For this reason, many dentists recommend that wisdom teeth be removed before they have the chance to cause any harm to your oral health. Having them extracted may bring some benefits:
- Avoid crowding and crookedness of teeth.
When there’s a lack of space, wisdom teeth can overcrowd your dentition and cause alignment problems. Additionally, as they push the second molars, it increases the chance of damaging the adjacent teeth. It is one of the primary reasons that people opt to have their wisdom teeth removed - Prevent damage to other nearby teeth.
The pressure caused by wisdom teeth can weaken and even loosen the roots of nearby teeth or grind away dental enamel, leaving nearby teeth vulnerable to cavities and decay. In addition, wisdom teeth themselves can be challenging to reach and painful to touch. Thus, keeping them clean can be a challenge. Removing wisdom teeth may prevent these problems, saving you from costly dental treatments needed to restore damaged teeth. - Prevent gum disease.
As mentioned, the area around a partially erupted wisdom tooth can be painful, and the space between the tooth and gums can be a breeding ground for bacteria. Such instances may lead to gum disease if left untreated. Having your wisdom tooth removed can help avoid such uncomfortable problems. - Alleviate severe pain.
Many people experience facial or jaw pain due to the pressure on their wisdom teeth. Wisdom tooth extraction can help to lessen this pressure and alleviate this discomfort. - Prevent cysts, tumours, and jaw damage.
In rare cases, impacted wisdom teeth may lead to cysts or tumours that can damage the jawbone and cause severe pain in your temporomandibular joint. Wisdom tooth extraction can prevent such problems and keep your oral health.
How Much Does Wisdom Tooth Removal Cost?
The cost of wisdom teeth removal depends on a few factors, the main one being the complexity of your treatment. If your wisdom teeth can be extracted in the chair with a simple extraction, your treatment may be less expensive. However, if surgical removal is necessary, the cost can be higher.
In Australia, the following are the list of average costs of wisdom tooth extraction:
- Simple extractions.
This type of wisdom tooth removal is performed inside the dental clinic while the patient is sitting in the dental chair. It can be the cheapest procedure, ranging between $190 – $260 per tooth. - Complex extraction in-office.
Some complex cases require wisdom teeth removal that can be done inside the dental clinic using local anesthesia. It can range between $300 to $600 per tooth. - Complex extractions in-hospital.
Complex extraction of wisdom teeth sometimes requires surgery in a hospital and under the influence of general anaesthesia, which is significantly more expensive. The average cost of this procedure may range between $2,000 and $3,000.
These are only estimated costs of wisdom teeth removal and may be subject to change during your actual procedure. We highly encourage you to book an appointment at our dental clinic and ask our team of qualified dentists for a more accurate quotation based on your case.
Are There Factors that Can Impact the Cost of Wisdom Tooth Removal?
The cost of a wisdom tooth removal procedure can vary depending on several factors, including the type of impaction, the tooth’s location, and the procedure’s complexity. Ultimately, the best way to get an accurate estimate of the cost of your procedure is to consult with a dentist. They will be able to evaluate your case and give you a more specific idea of what you can expect to pay.
- Type of extraction.
There are two types of removal of wisdom teeth, soft tissue extractions and hard-tissue extraction. As mentioned, more complicated procedures are generally more expensive. For instance, removing a wisdom tooth that is fully erupted and easily accessible is typically less costly than removing a wisdom tooth that is impacted in the jaw bone. - Insurance coverage.
If you have private health insurance, it’s crucial that you choose a professional dentist that provides treatment for the insurance company you’re covered. It will help keep out-of-pocket expenses to a minimum. If you have recently joined a private health provider, check the waiting period. Most insurance plans have a waiting period, during which time you may not be covered for specific procedures, including wisdom tooth removal. - Condition of the wisdom tooth.
Another factor that can impact cost is the severity of your case. Suppose your wisdom teeth are impacted, meaning they are growing in at an angle and pressing against other teeth. In that case, this will generally require more extensive surgical extractions and may result in a higher bill. However, if your wisdom teeth are relatively straightforward to remove, the cost will be lower. - Other overhead costs.
A few additional procedures can be done simultaneously as wisdom tooth removal, which can impact the cost. For example, if you opt to have your wisdom teeth removed under general anaesthesia, this will add to the cost of the procedure. Additionally, if additional procedures are necessary (such as a CT scan of the jaw), this will also increase the overall cost.
Will My Insurance Cover the Cost of Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
If you’re considering having your wisdom teeth removed, you may wonder if your health insurance will cover the cost. Extras policies typically cover extractions performed under general anaesthesia or major dental, and there may be a waiting period of up to 12 months before the procedure is covered.
Insurance companies typically cover around 80 per cent of the cost of wisdom tooth removal. However, it is essential to check with your insurance company beforehand to see what coverage they provide, as each company has different coverage levels and annual limits. Most dental insurance plans have an annual limit on how much they will pay for all dental care, typically around $1500, so it is important to know this before having any work done.
Does Medicare Cover Wisdom Teeth Removal Cost?
Medicare can only cover wisdom teeth removal in rare cases when you need to undergo the procedure in the hospital. For example, you may require general anaesthesia if the case is complex due to the position or shape of the tooth roots. In this case, you’ll be classed as an in-patient, and Medicare may cover the MBS fees associated with your surgery. Their coverage for wisdom teeth surgery is, therefore, quite limited, so it’s important to check with your provider before going ahead with any treatment.
How Can I Get My Wisdom Teeth Extracted at a Lower Cost?
One way to potentially make the cost of wisdom teeth removal surgery accessible is to look into flexible financing options that your dentist may offer. It would allow you to receive the treatment right away while spreading the payments out over time for several years. It can be a great option if you cannot pay all at once or if you do not have dental insurance covering the procedure. There are a few things to keep in mind when considering this option, such as the interest rate and whether a minimum monthly payment is required. Typical payment options available are the following:
- Afterpay
- Humm
- Zippay
- Supercare
- In-House dental payment plans – at Clear Choice Dental, we have a finance consultant on staff who can offer assistance with applications for payment plans over \$2,000. In this process, there will be necessary credit checks.
Final Thoughts
Wisdom teeth removal procedures can be expensive. The cost may vary depending on several factors, including the location of the dental clinic, the position of the wisdom tooth, types of extraction and if you have insurance coverage.
Fortunately, there are a few possible ways to help you manage the expense. Understanding what factors can affect the cost and preparing ahead of time can ensure you get the best possible deal on your wisdom teeth extraction. Overall, it is essential to consult the dentist to know what to expect about the cost and be prepared.
If you’re looking for a dental clinic that offers cost-effective wisdom teeth removal, Clear Choice Dental is here to help. We offer various payment options, and our experienced dentists are ready to answer any questions you may have about the procedure. Please book an appointment online or call us today at (08) 9345 0455 in Yokine, (08) 9452 8877 in Maddington, and (08) 9404 9500 in Joondalup to learn more.
