How Much Does Wisdom Teeth Removal Cost?

Wisdom teeth removal costs $300 to $2,400 for all four teeth. Your cost depends on impaction level, anaesthesia type, and whether you see a dentist or oral surgeon.

$75-$200

Simple (per tooth)

$225-$600

Impacted (per tooth)

$300-$2,400

All Four Teeth

Estimate Your Cost

Wisdom Teeth Removal Cost Calculator

Cost Per Tooth by Impaction Level

Impaction level is the single biggest factor in extraction cost. Each level roughly doubles the price.

Impaction LevelPer ToothAll Four
Erupted (Simple)$75 - $200$300 - $800
Soft Tissue Impaction$225 - $400$900 - $1,600
Partial Bony Impaction$300 - $500$1,200 - $2,000
Full Bony Impaction$400 - $600$1,600 - $2,400

Complete Cost Breakdown

Initial consultation + exam$50 - $200
Panoramic X-ray (OPG)$100 - $250
Nitrous oxide (laughing gas)$50 - $100 extra
IV sedation$250 - $500
General anaesthesia$300 - $600
Post-op medications$20 - $50
Follow-up visit$0 - $100 (often included)

Insurance Coverage Guide

Typical dental insurance coverage50% to 80% of extraction costs
Annual benefit maximum$1,000 to $2,000 per year
Impacted teeth (medical insurance)May be covered if deemed medically necessary
Pre-authorisationRequired by most plans before extraction

How to Maximise Your Coverage

  • -If all four teeth are not urgent, consider splitting extractions across two calendar years to use two annual maximums.
  • -Check if impacted teeth qualify under your medical insurance (not just dental).
  • -Ask for pre-authorisation before scheduling to confirm exact coverage.
  • -Request an all-inclusive quote from your provider to avoid surprise fees.

Oral Surgeon vs General Dentist

General Dentist

$75 - $200 per tooth

  • -Handles simple erupted extractions
  • -Lower cost overall
  • -No IV sedation typically
  • -May refer you for impacted teeth

Oral Surgeon

$225 - $600 per tooth

  • -Required for impacted teeth
  • -30% to 50% premium over dentist
  • -IV sedation and general anaesthesia available
  • -More experience with complications

Recovery Timeline

1

Days 1-3

Peak swelling. Soft foods only. Pain management with prescribed medication. Apply ice packs.

2

Days 4-7

Gradual improvement. Still restricted diet. Swelling starts to subside. Most stitches dissolve.

3

Days 7-14

Most patients back to normal eating. Return to work (2-4 days for simple, 5-7 for complex).

4

Weeks 3-4

Extraction sites largely healed. Normal activities resume fully.

Hidden recovery costs: Budget $50 to $100 for soft foods (soups, smoothies, yogurt) and $20 to $50 for prescription pain relief and antibiotics. Dry socket treatment adds $50 to $200 if complications occur.

Do You Actually Need Them Removed?

Removal Recommended

  • -Pain or recurring infection
  • -Damage to adjacent teeth
  • -Cyst or tumour formation
  • -Severe decay in the wisdom tooth
  • -Gum disease around the tooth

Monitoring May Be OK

  • -No symptoms or pain
  • -Fully erupted and accessible for cleaning
  • -Adequate space in the jaw
  • -No impact on adjacent teeth
  • -Regular dental check-ups maintained

Age Matters

Recovery is generally easier under age 25 because the roots are not fully formed and the bone is less dense. Patients over 35 face a higher risk of complications, longer recovery, and more difficult extractions. Many dentists recommend extraction in the late teens or early twenties even for asymptomatic teeth for this reason.

How to Save on Wisdom Teeth Removal

Dental schools

Supervised extractions by dental students. Quality care at significantly reduced rates.

50-70% discount

Payment plans

CareCredit and in-office financing options. Many offer 0% interest for 6 to 12 months.

Spread the cost

Dental discount plans

Not insurance, but membership plans that reduce listed fees. Annual cost is typically $80 to $200.

20-50% off

Compare multiple quotes

Prices vary significantly between providers. Get at least three quotes before committing.

Save 20-40%

Community health centres

Federally qualified health centres offer dental services based on ability to pay.

Sliding scale fees

Split across insurance years

Remove two teeth in December and two in January to use two annual maximums.

Double your benefit

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to remove all four wisdom teeth?
Removing all four costs $300 to $2,400 for the extractions alone. Simple erupted teeth cost $75 to $200 each. Fully impacted teeth cost $400 to $600 each. Add $250 to $600 for IV sedation or general anaesthesia, plus $150 to $450 for the exam and X-rays.
Does insurance cover wisdom teeth removal?
Most dental insurance covers 50% to 80% of extraction costs, up to an annual maximum of $1,000 to $2,000. This may not cover all four teeth in one year. Impacted teeth may also qualify under medical insurance if deemed medically necessary.
How much does an impacted wisdom tooth cost?
Impacted wisdom tooth extraction costs $225 to $600 per tooth. Soft tissue impaction: $225 to $400. Partial bony: $300 to $500. Full bony: $400 to $600. These prices do not include anaesthesia or consultation fees.
Is it cheaper to go to a dentist or oral surgeon?
A general dentist is 30% to 50% cheaper ($75 to $200 per tooth) but can only handle simple erupted extractions. An oral surgeon costs $225 to $600 per tooth but is necessary for impacted teeth and offers sedation options.
How much does IV sedation cost for wisdom teeth?
IV sedation costs $250 to $500 extra. General anaesthesia costs $300 to $600 extra. Nitrous oxide is the most affordable at $50 to $100 extra. Local anaesthesia is usually included in the extraction price.
How long is recovery from wisdom teeth removal?
Most patients recover in 7 to 14 days. Peak swelling occurs on days 1 to 3 with a soft food diet required. Most people return to work in 2 to 4 days for simple extractions, 5 to 7 days for impacted teeth.
Do all wisdom teeth need to be removed?
No. Removal is recommended when teeth cause pain, infection, or damage to adjacent teeth. Monitoring is appropriate for asymptomatic, fully erupted teeth with adequate space. Recovery is easier under age 25.
Can I remove two teeth now and two later?
Yes. Some patients split extractions to spread cost across two insurance benefit years (December and January). Discuss this strategy with your dentist to determine if it is appropriate for your situation.