How Much Does Wisdom Teeth Extraction Cost?
Have you delayed scheduling your wisdom teeth extraction because you are worried about the cost of the treatment? If this sounds like you, the best place to start is by doing some research and developing a budget. Researching will help you get a better idea of what to expect for the estimated costs of a wisdom tooth extraction procedure. Below is more information to help you develop a budget and start planning for your extraction procedure.
The Estimated Costs of a Wisdom Tooth Extraction
The costs of a tooth extraction can vary depending on a number of factors. For example, your overall oral health, where the wisdom teeth are located in the jaw, and if the wisdom teeth have fully broken through the skin, are all factors that will impact the costs of the procedure. Here are a few examples of how these factors can influence estimated treatment costs:
* Fully erupted wisdom teeth: If wisdom teeth have completely broken through the gum tissue and are fully erupted, they are the simplest and least expensive to remove. A simple extraction procedure can be performed by a general dentist and will result in lower estimated costs.
* Wisdom teeth impacted under tissue: If the wisdom teeth are trapped under the gum tissue, the extraction procedure will be a little more complicated. This extraction will likely be performed by an oral surgeon who will need to make small incisions in the tissue to reach the teeth. Stiches will be needed after the procedure. Overall, this scenario is still fairly simple, but will require an oral surgeon and therefore will be more expensive.
* Wisdom teeth impacted under bone: When wisdom teeth are trapped within the jawbone under bone, they are the most difficult to extract. This type of extraction will require an oral surgeon, more surgical time, and more anesthesia all resulting in higher costs.
Does Insurance Cover the Wisdom Teeth Extraction Procedure?
The majority of wisdom teeth extraction procedures are usually completely or partially covered by dental insurance policies. Paying entirely for the extraction procedure out of pocket can be a big undertaking. Instead of paying out of pocket, you should first start by checking with your insurance provider. If you don’t have a dental insurance policy or your policy won’t cover the extraction procedure, there are other options available to help pay for the treatment.
How to Save Money on the Extraction Procedure
While the extraction procedure is costly, there are some ways to reduce costs:
* Have the procedure performed in a new geographic location: The location will influence the treatment costs. Changing the location or going outside of your city will bring the cost of extraction down.
* Go to a dental school: Many dental schools offer common dental procedures, such as wisdom tooth extraction. If the extraction is simple, a dental student can perform it easily, helping to reduce the treatment costs.
* Find a dental discount plan: Dental discount plans offer discounts on almost all dental procedures and can be used with an insurance policy or independently.