Wisdom Teeth Removal Cost Without Insurance: What To Expect

Dental surgeons remove the wisdom teeth of about five million people each year in the U.S. at an average cost of $2,200 per procedure. So it’s not surprising that a top question patients ask of dentists is whether insurance covers wisdom teeth removal costs.

The answer is that it depends on your dental or health insurance and whether removal is a medical necessity.

What Are Wisdom Teeth?

Most people have their full set of 20 baby teeth by the time they’re two years old. Once those fall out, they’re replaced by a permanent set of 32 adult teeth. In the front are incisors for cutting and tearing, and farther back are the molars, which are flat for grinding food.

There are three separate sets of molars that come in fours at the top and bottom of each side of the mouth. The last set, which typically appears between the ages of 17 and 25, is called the third molars, more commonly known as wisdom teeth.

For some people, wisdom teeth never emerge. For others, they may get stuck, leading to pain, infection, and other dental issues.

How Much Does Wisdom Teeth Removal Cost?

If your dentist has recommended extracting your wisdom teeth, it may be a medical necessity, which is the standard most dental and health insurers use to determine whether to cover the procedure.

Like many procedures, wisdom tooth removal costs without insurance can vary, running from as little as $200 to $1,000 or more. The difference in wisdom tooth extraction cost depends on whether the tooth has erupted, or pushed up through the gums, or is impacted, remaining in the jawbone beneath the gum line.

Here’s a look at the range of possible costs to remove one wisdom tooth:

• Erupted: $200–$700

• Impacted, Under Soft Tissue: $250–$850

• Impacted, Partially in Bone: $300–$950

• Impacted, Fully in Bone: $350–$1,100

These costs include the procedure and a local anesthetic. However, there are additional expenses to consider in the overall wisdom teeth removal price.

Here are some possible additional wisdom teeth surgery costs:

• X-ray: $150

• Nitrous Oxide: $40–$150

• General Anesthesia: $250–$800

• Follow-Up Exam: $100

• Pain Management: Up to $60 per prescription

A general dentist may be able to extract an erupted tooth in their office. Impacted wisdom teeth, especially those rooted in bone, often require the services of a maxillofacial surgeon.

So how much does it cost to remove all four wisdom teeth? The average cost of wisdom teeth removal with anesthesia is around $2,200.

How Much Can Insurance Cover?

Your insurance may cover at least part of your wisdom teeth surgery cost. Dental plans may pay 50%–80% of the cost of wisdom teeth extraction, depending on your deductible and copay. Dental plans also typically have annual maximums for coverage, which may be $1,000 or $1,500.

Many dental plans have waiting periods. As such, it’s wise to purchase your insurance well before surgery to make sure you have coverage when you need it.

Your medical insurance may also pay for part of your wisdom tooth surgery — make it a point to check with your health insurance company. If you’re covered, your medical insurer will be the primary payer, and your dental insurer will be the secondary contributor. Solid medical insurance can provide you with higher coverage.

Risks of Not Removing Wisdom Teeth

When wisdom teeth have room and can grow properly, they don’t usually cause problems. However, impacted wisdom teeth could lead to issues with your oral and overall health.

The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons reports that about 70% of people have at least one impacted wisdom tooth. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain, damage nearby teeth, and become infected.

Because the back teeth are hard to reach, it’s also easier for an impacted wisdom tooth to develop a cavity or collect bacteria, increasing the risk of gum disease. Bacteria and infections in the teeth can even travel through the bloodstream, affecting your heart and other organs.

How to Pay for Wisdom Tooth Removal

Because of the close connection between oral and full-body health, putting off having your wisdom teeth removed could be harmful. If you’re uninsured and you have concerns about the cost of the procedure, talk to your dentist about how to get help paying.

They may be willing to spread the cost across several payments. Alternatively, you can look into medical aid programs, community health centers, and dental schools to receive dental care by searching for “cheap wisdom teeth removal no insurance near me.”

Here are some of the programs you might find:

Medicare, Medicaid, and CHIP

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services oversees public health insurance programs, such as Medicare, Medicaid, and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Medicare, which serves people age 65 and older, has limited dental coverage, but Medicare Advantage Plans can offer additional coverage.

Medicaid provides health insurance for low-income individuals and is run by each state. Some states offer dental care for adults, and some don’t. While CHIP dental services vary by state, the program covers all those under 18.

Community Health Centers

Many cities and towns have community health centers that provide healthcare services for free or at reduced prices. You may be able to secure dental services like wisdom teeth removal at one of these places.

Dental Schools

It’s also a good idea to check with your local dental school if you have one in your community, as it could be a good source of low-cost dental care. Dental students often gain experience treating patients at reduced costs under the supervision of licensed dentists.

Wisdom tooth removal cost, with insurance or without, can put a dent in your wallet, but good oral health is essential for good overall health.

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