How Much Does a Wisdom Tooth Removal Cost?

How much to pull a tooth? Tooth extraction costs can vary based on the type of tooth, location, anesthesia, complexity of the procedure, and your dentist’s expertise. Wisdom teeth removal costs average between $120 to $800 per tooth.

• Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are typically the last teeth to erupt into the mouth around the ages of 18-20 years old.
• Your wisdom teeth may need to be removed if there is not enough room in the mouth for them or if they are decayed or infected.
• An oral maxillofacial surgeon is a dental specialist who usually performs wisdom teeth extractions.

A typical wisdom tooth removal costs about $120 to $800 per tooth, with simple extractions usually on the lower end and surgical removals of impacted teeth on the higher end. If all four wisdom teeth need removal, total out-of-pocket costs can range from about $480 to $3,200 before sedation or other add-on fees. Costs vary by provider, location, and the difficulty of the extraction.

The American Dental Association notes that treatment planning for third molars depends on eruption status, impaction, and symptoms, which is why quotes can differ widely from one case to another.

According to the National Library of Medicine, there's a significant difference in the rate of wisdom teeth extractions between women and men. Women account for 65.6% of these procedures, compared to 34.4% for men, a sex ratio of 1.86.

Factors Influencing Tooth Extraction Costs

• Complexity of the Procedure: Tooth extraction cost is influenced by the complexity of the procedure. Teeth requiring surgical intervention, such as teeth that are covered by your gums and/or jawbone (impacted teeth), cost more than simple extractions. A simple extraction is usually the lowest-cost option because the tooth is visible and can be removed without cutting gum tissue or bone; surgical extraction costs more because it may require incision, bone removal, and stitches.
• Dental insurance: Some dental insurance plans may offer coverage on average up to 50% for wisdom teeth removal when deemed medically necessary.
• Anesthesia Required: Dental anesthesia is used to provide comfort throughout the procedure. The average cost of wisdom teeth removal with anesthesia is higher when nitrous oxide or intravenous sedation is used than with traditional local anesthesia. Local anesthesia is standard for many extractions, while nitrous oxide, IV sedation, and general anesthesia can add separate fees to the final bill.
• Geographical location: The cost of tooth extraction can vary based on the geographical location of the dental office. In general, larger cities may have higher costs associated with wisdom teeth removal than rural areas. Metropolitan-area pricing is often higher because overhead, staffing, and anesthesia support can be more expensive in urban practices.
• Dentist’s expertise: A fully erupted tooth can typically be removed by a general dentist through a simple extraction procedure. Teeth that are impacted often cost more because they require a surgical extraction, which is usually performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. The average cost of tooth extraction by oral surgeons is generally higher than extractions performed by general dentists.

A written estimate should clearly state whether consultation, X-rays, extraction, sedation, prescriptions, and follow-up visits are included or billed separately. Adults may have anywhere from 0 to 4 wisdom teeth, so the total cost depends on how many third molars are present and whether each one is erupted or impacted.

Types of Tooth Extractions

Simple extraction: The cost of a simple extraction is usually lower than that of a surgical extraction. Simple extractions involve the use of non-surgical techniques to remove fully erupted teeth.

Surgical extraction: This type of extraction requires a more complex procedure and may involve oral sedation. Surgical extraction involves the removal of an impacted tooth, meaning it is partially or fully trapped below the gumline. An impacted tooth may be classified as a soft-tissue impaction, indicating that the tooth has not fully erupted through the gums. A hard tissue impaction refers to a tooth that is trapped within both the jawbone and gums.

If you are comparing providers, an oral surgeon is often the better choice for impacted or complex extractions, while a general dentist may be able to handle simpler cases at a lower cost.

Simple vs. Surgical Wisdom Tooth Removal

Simple wisdom tooth removal is used when the tooth is fully erupted and visible above the gumline, so it can usually be removed with forceps after local anesthesia. Surgical removal is used when the tooth is partially erupted, impacted, or covered by gum or bone, which requires a more complex procedure and typically costs more.

Impaction is usually described in three common ways: soft tissue impaction, where the tooth is covered by gum; partial bony impaction, where part of the tooth is trapped in the jawbone; and full bony impaction, where the tooth remains fully encased in bone. In general, the more deeply impacted the tooth is, the more time, skill, and imaging are needed, which increases the price.

Average Cost of Wisdom Tooth Removal (Third Molar)

A wisdom tooth removal typically costs less for a simple extraction and more for a surgical removal of an impacted third molar. In the U.S., a straightforward extraction is often around $130-$170 per tooth without insurance, while surgical removal commonly ranges from about $245-$300 per tooth before coverage. Removing all four wisdom teeth can cost roughly $520-$680 for simple cases or $980-$1,200 for surgical cases, depending on imaging, anesthesia, and provider type.

Wisdom teeth are the third molars, the last permanent teeth to erupt, usually in the late teens or early twenties. Adults may have 0 to 4 wisdom teeth, so the total cost depends on how many are present and whether each tooth is fully erupted or impacted.

Simple extraction means the tooth is visible above the gumline and can usually be removed without cutting gum or bone. Surgical extraction is used when the tooth is partially erupted, broken, or impacted beneath the gum or jawbone. Soft tissue, partial bony, and full bony impactions generally increase cost because they require more time, more anesthesia, and a higher level of surgical skill (American Dental Association).

Wisdom tooth removal costs with insurance can be drastically different from the average wisdom tooth removal cost without insurance. Many dental insurance plans offer partial coverage for wisdom teeth removal, which lowers the overall tooth extraction price that you are required to pay out-of-pocket. On average, dental insurance plans provide 70%-80% coverage for simple extractions and 50%-80% for surgical extractions and soft tissue/bone impaction procedures.

Wisdom Tooth Extraction Costs by U.S. Region

*Note: Costs are estimates and vary based on the specifics of treatment and dental practice. Consult with a dental professional for accurate pricing.

Prices are often higher in metropolitan areas and private practices, especially when sedation dentistry or oral surgery is involved. Dental schools, community clinics, and some nonprofit providers may charge less, but appointment availability can be limited.

Spotlight on Massachusetts and New Hampshire

*Note: These are more precise estimates for readers in Massachusetts and New Hampshire, reflecting factors like local economic conditions and dental service availability.

How Much Does It Cost to Remove All Four Wisdom Teeth?

Most adults have up to four wisdom teeth, though some have fewer or none at all. Because the total cost depends on how many teeth need removal and how difficult each one is, the price for all four teeth can vary widely.

A simple full-mouth extraction is usually lower than a surgical one, especially if the teeth are fully erupted and do not require bone removal. When all four teeth are impacted and removed surgically, the total cost is typically higher, and sedation or general anesthesia can add a significant amount to the final bill.

• Simple extraction for all four teeth: typically lower total cost than surgical removal
• Surgical extraction for all four teeth: typically higher total cost due to complexity and longer procedure time
• Sedation or general anesthesia: often billed separately and can increase the total noticeably

What are the Aftercare Costs?

Aftercare costs after wisdom tooth removal usually include pain medicine, prescription antibiotics if needed, follow-up visits, and any additional procedures such as a bone graft. These costs vary based on how complex the extraction was and whether complications develop during healing.

• Once your wisdom teeth are removed, your dental professional will go over all post-operative instructions with you and answer any questions you may have about the procedure.
• It can be normal to experience mild pain and swelling immediately after the procedure, which can be managed with over-the-counter anti-inflammatory pain medication like ibuprofen.
• In some cases, your dentist may recommend specific medications to prevent infection, such as antibiotics, which may result in additional out-of-pocket costs.
• You may be recommended to schedule a follow-up appointment with your dentist or oral surgeon, which may incur an extra fee.
• Some individuals may need additional procedures following a tooth extraction, such as a bone graft. Bone grafts can range on average between $200-$1,000.

According to the American Dental Association, a bone graft may be used to preserve the extraction site and support future dental treatment.

Is there a Way to Reduce Tooth Extraction Costs?

Yes, if you compare providers, ask for an itemized estimate, and use benefits or lower-cost care settings, you can often lower what you pay out of pocket for wisdom tooth removal.

You can reduce your wisdom teeth removal cost by considering the following options:

• Dental insurance: Many insurance plans offer partial coverage for tooth extractions deemed medically necessary. On average, insurance plans cover 50%-80% of the costs of tooth extractions.
• Payment plans: Many dental offices offer monthly payment plans to help break down the overall cost into smaller and more affordable payments.
• Discount dental plans: There are many discount dental plans that require an annual fee in return for discounts on dental treatment within a network of dentists.
• Dental school: Check out a local dental school, which tends to offer dental treatment at a reduced cost. Trained students are supervised by licensed dental professionals.
• Medicaid: Determine if you qualify for your state’s Medicaid, which may include dental benefits.

To compare quotes accurately, ask these four questions:

• Are the consultation, X-ray, and extraction included?
• Does the estimate include local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia?
• Are prescriptions, follow-up visits, and aftercare included?
• Is the quoted price per tooth or for the full procedure?

Book an Appointment With Gentle Dental

It is important not to put off your dental care and wisdom teeth needs. Regular dental check-ups can help identify the condition of your wisdom teeth to determine if extraction is recommended.

Find affordable wisdom tooth extraction from expert dental professionals at Gentle Dental.