Last summer, my bottom right wisdom tooth cracked. A corner came off when it broke, and since that time, small pieces have been falling off. Now, only the back wall of the tooth remains. I can see the tooth pulp decreasing, and my tooth is extremely sensitive. I regret not listening to my pediatric dentist when I was 17 because she
told me to get the teeth extracted. She said they were growing in crooked and would become painful if I didn’t do something about it. Of course, I never had the teeth extracted. Will this wisdom tooth fall out, or will I need a dentist to remove it? I’ve only been working part time since COVID, so my funds are limited. Thanks. Reuben from MS Reuben, Although your decaying wisdom tooth will eventually fall out, it’s best to have a dentist extract it. An infection can get into your
jawbone and cause an abscess. You can avoid discomfort and pain by asking for an extraction.Sensitivity in a Dying Tooth
Swelling
If you don’t have any swelling around your jaw, tooth extraction isn’t an emergency. But if you see or feel swelling, see a dentist right away. Lower wisdom teeth that have an infection are easier to access, numb, and extract.
If you can’t afford to have a wisdom tooth extracted, consider these options:
- You might be able to find a free dental clinic that takes emergency appointments for people who don’t have dental insurance or who have little money. Search online for a free dental clinic near you.
- Some dental offices offer payment plans or a dental savings plan that offers discounted fees
- You might qualify for CareCredit financing and make monthly payments to pay for care.
For our readers: Our comments apply to wisdom teeth. A dentist will handle the situation differently if you’re having problems with a non-wisdom tooth. Missing teeth will cause other teeth to drift and affect your bite.
David Finley, DDS, a Monroe, LA dentist, sponsors this post. Please read our financial policies on our website.
How Much Does Wisdom Tooth Extraction Cost?
Wisdom teeth are also known as third molars. They are the third and last set of teeth to develop in a person’s mouth. Wisdom teeth usually grow between the ages of 17 and 25.
There are four wisdom teeth, two on the top and two on the bottom. Wisdom teeth that grow at an angle or fail to erupt through the gums are referred to as impacted. Impacted teeth may need to be extracted.
Removing all four wisdom teeth can cost anywhere from $600 to $3,000. The cost depends on:
- Whether you have a simple or surgical extraction
- The difficulty of the extraction
- Location of the practice
- The dentist or surgeon's personal costs
Simple Extraction Cost
A simple extraction using local anesthetic costs around $135 to $300 per tooth, according to the American Dental Association's Survey of Dental Fees 2020.
A simple extraction is possible when the tooth has fully erupted from the gums and has simple roots.
Impacted Extraction Cost
An impacted wisdom tooth extraction (surgical extraction) using general anesthesia costs around $220 to $700 per tooth.
Often, nitrous oxide is used to calm and relax the patient. Nitrous oxide typically adds $40 to $150 to the cost of extraction.
General anesthesia can also increase the price, adding up to around $250 to $800 for the total cost. However, most dentists do not charge for local anesthetic.
The type of impacted wisdom tooth also affects the price. Usually, a soft tissue impaction is the least expensive impaction to remove. A soft tissue impaction describes a tooth covered only by gum tissue instead of both bone and gums.
A partial bony impaction is often more expensive. This is when some of the teeth that should be above the gum line are encased in the jawbone.
A full bony impaction is the most expensive procedure. This is when the wisdom tooth is completely encased in the jawbone.
Cost of All Four Wisdom Teeth Extraction
Even if all four wisdom teeth show no signs of infection, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon (OMS) will recommend extracting them.
If only one wisdom tooth is painful or infected, all four teeth will likely require extraction. However, patients always have the choice to keep their wisdom teeth.
Most dentists or oral surgeons offer a package deal for all four wisdom teeth extraction at once.
In areas with typically lower costs, the bill for four removals, including sedation, can range from $1,000 to $1,650.
Across the United States, the average price for removing four wisdom teeth at once using general anesthesia is around $1,500 to $2,300.
In complex cases and in high-cost areas, this fee can rise to approximately $2,500 to $3,000.
The average cost of removing all four wisdom teeth at once with general anesthesia is $1,616.
Discount Dental Plans can save you money on procedures that insurance can't (including cosmetic procedures). Learn more about dental discount plans here. Or call (833) 704-2246
Insurance Coverage and Wisdom Teeth Removal
Dental insurance can cover 15 to 50 percent of wisdom tooth extraction if medically necessary.
Depending on the company, some dental insurance plans only pay an annual maximum of between $1,000 to $1,500. Many people split the procedure into two years to get more coverage.
Cost of Wisdom Tooth Extraction With Dental Insurance
Simple Extraction | $135-$300 per tooth |
Surgical Extraction | $220-$700 per tooth |
*According to the American Dental Association's Survey of Dental Fees 2020
If medically necessary, dental insurance can cover 15 to 50 percent of wisdom tooth extraction.
No Insurance? Other Ways To Pay For Treatment
Some oral surgeons offer discounts for removing all four wisdom teeth at once. You can save $1,000 or more on wisdom teeth extractions.
Discount Dental Plans
With discount dental plans, patients pay an annual cost upfront. This is opposed to monthly installments or premiums that traditional dental insurance requires.
Members receive a dental discount card to present to dentists to get lower prices on services.
Discount dental plans don’t reimburse dentists as insurance does. Instead, members pay the dentist directly.
Remember, you must use a dentist included in your plan to receive any discounts on treatment. Otherwise, you’ll have to pay full price.
Find out if a dental savings plan from DentalPlans can save you money on your next dental procedure. Visit DentalPlans.
Medicaid and Chip
Medicaid is a state-run program that offers medical benefits to eligible individuals and families. In some cases, this includes dental benefits.
States must provide dental benefits for children covered by Medicaid. However, states can decide whether to offer dental benefits for adults.
Most states offer limited dental services for adults, but some provide a range of services.
CHIP is a state-run program for children whose families aren't eligible for Medicaid but cannot afford private dental insurance.
CHIP offers dental services to children up to age 19. Dental services covered by CHIP vary from state to state.
Medicare
Medicare is a federal health insurance plan for people aged 65 and older. Medicare is also for individuals under 65 with certain disabilities.
Medicare only covers the cost of dental services linked to certain medical conditions or treatments. They may pay for dentures or most medical routine care, including checkups, fillings, and cleanings.
Dental Schools
Dental schools can be an excellent way to source affordable yet high-quality dental treatment. Most dental schools have clinics offering care at a reduced fee.
Professional and licensed dentists closely monitor the students to ensure their work is of a high standard.
Post-graduate and faculty clinics are also available at most dental schools. Dental hygiene schools may also provide monitored and low-cost routine care to help you maintain good oral health.
State and Local Resources
Your state or local health department may refer you to programs in your region that offer free or cost-reduced dental care.
Speak with your local or state health department to learn about any financial assistance services in the area.
What’s Next?
DentalPlans is the best site for dental savings plans because it compares all the best plans in your area. You know exactly how much every procedure will cost and which dentists are available.
Find a plan in your area
- How Much Does Wisdom Tooth Extraction Cost?
- Simple Extraction Cost
- Impacted Extraction Cost
- Cost of All Four Wisdom Teeth Extraction
- Insurance Coverage and Wisdom Teeth Removal
- Cost of Wisdom Tooth Extraction With Dental Insurance
- No Insurance? Other Ways To Pay For Treatment