How much does wisdom teeth removal cost?

Your wisdom teeth removal costs will depend on the complexity of your procedure. For example, a simple extraction of a fully-erupted wisdom tooth will cost less than the surgical extraction of an impacted wisdom tooth that is tipped over and still buried (partially or fully) in the gum tissue and bone. Impacted teeth require the dentist or oral surgeon to open the gum tissue to remove the tooth. Some bone tissue may also be removed if it is covering the tooth. More complex extractions may also require the tooth to be divided into smaller pieces for easier removal.  

Your dentist will examine the teeth and take x-rays to get a look at the root development and position of your wisdom teeth. Depending on the position of your teeth, you may need a referral to an oral surgeon. Local anesthesia is included in the cost of removal. However, discuss with your dentist if you prefer sedation or general anesthesia, a cost that may be covered by your dental insurance. In general, a Delta Dental insurance plan typically covers about 50% to 80% of the total cost of your wisdom teeth removal procedure depending on the plan and the specific circumstances.¹

Here are some general guidelines for how much wisdom teeth removal will cost. ¹

• Surgical Extractions of Wisdom Teeth (3rd Molars)
  • Since all four wisdom teeth are often removed at the same time, particularly in young adults, this estimate includes the surgical removal of all four wisdom teeth below the gum line and up to an hour of general anesthesia.
    • Average out-of-network cost: $3,120
      
      
• Non-Surgical Extractions of Wisdom Teeth (3rd Molars)
  • This estimate includes the non-surgical removal of all four wisdom teeth (all 4 teeth fully erupted).
    • Average out-of-network cost: $720
      
      
• Extraction - Wisdom Tooth 
  • Surgical removal of a single wisdom tooth below the gumline.
    • Average out-of-network cost: $550 (per tooth)
      
      
• Other Potential Costs
  • Dental exam(s) and x-rays may be required for an initial visit to the oral surgeon or dentist.
  • Sedation or general anesthesia

Does insurance cover wisdom teeth removal? 

Insurance coverage for wisdom teeth removal depends on your specific dental insurance plan and the dental costs in the area in which you live. It is recommended that you check with your dental insurance company.

Finding an in-network dentist or oral surgeon will help you save money. In-network dentists provide discounts for Delta Dental subscribers. Your co-payment is based on the discounted fee. If you see an out-of-network dentist, your co-payment is a percentage of the dentist's full, non-discounted fee. To receive a cost estimate for a wisdom teeth removal procedure, utilize our dental treatment cost estimator.  

If you have insurance, and you would like a more exact estimate of costs, your insurance carrier can also provide you with a pre-treatment estimate. These costs are determined following a case review using the information provided by the dentist on the diagnosis, radiographs, and the proposed treatment plan. The insurance company can use these details to determine how much coverage can be given based on your benefits, deductible, eligibility, and your annual maximum payment.

How to cover remaining wisdom teeth removal costs

While dental insurance plans generally cover about 50% to 80% of the costs of wisdom teeth removal and often the associated sedation or general anesthesia depending on the plan and the specific circumstances, you will be responsible for a co-payment ². The good news is there are two additional options to consider to help you cover the cost of this expense before paying out-of-pocket. 

The first is a Flexible Spending Account (FSA). An FSA is offered by your employer and is pre-taxed money that is taken out of your paycheck to be put aside for health care expenses. Note: You must use the funds before the end of the calendar year as they will not roll over.

The second is a Health Savings Account (HSA). An HSA is a government-regulated savings account and is designed to cover health care expenses not paid by insurance. The funds are taken out of your paycheck and are tax-deductible. Unlike an FSA, funds can roll over into the next year. However, to get an HSA, you must have a high-deductible insurance plan. 

In some circumstances, your medical insurance plan may also cover some of the cost of wisdom teeth removal. In those instances, medical plans can significantly lower out-of-pocket costs. Check with your human relations department or directly with your medical insurance carrier.  

Wisdom teeth removal near me

Want to find an in-network dentist that can remove your wisdom teeth? Use our find a dentist directory to find the right dentist near you. 

^{1. Based on 2021 Delta Dental data. Cost information is based on Delta Dental member experience with providers who were outside of the network that Delta Dental maintains.  If using a Delta Dental network provider, then your actual cost may be less.}

^{2. Based on 2021 Delta Dental data.}

^{3. Hill, Alyssa. Wisdom Teeth Removal Cost (+ How to Save Money).  (2022) from https://www.newmouth.com/blog/wisdom-teeth-removal-cost/}

^{4. Wisdom Teeth. (n.d.) from https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/wisdom-teeth/}