Wisdom tooth extraction is a common procedure, but it’s a bit more complex than pulling a regular tooth. Naturally, a more complicated procedure carries a higher cost. The cost of a wisdom tooth extraction varies and depends on the number of teeth being removed, the condition of the teeth, and the type of anesthesia used.
Kool Smiles Kids Club has a network of kid-friendly partner dentists who accept a wide range of insurance plans, including Medicaid, TRICARE, and CHIP (formerly SCHIP). If you’re uninsured or underinsured, Kool Smiles partner dentists offer financing options to make wisdom tooth extraction even more affordable.
When you meet with a Kool Smiles partner dentist, a member of the care team will detail the costs associated with a wisdom tooth extraction in your child’s unique case. The average cost of removing an impacted wisdom tooth is between $225 and $600, excluding necessary extras – like anesthesia, x-rays, and other required procedures.
The “teeth of wisdom,” as they were commonly called until the nineteenth century, are the third molars.
The third molars usually erupt between the ages of 17 and 25. An impacted wisdom tooth is one that, due to space limitations, doesn’t erupt fully (or at all) or comes in sideways instead of straight up. An impacted wisdom tooth can cause a great deal of discomfort, and the pain won’t resolve on its own. It’s best you see a dentist as soon as possible if you believe you or your child may have one.
Removing an impacted wisdom tooth typically requires dental surgery, especially in cases where the wisdom tooth is impacted. Wisdom tooth surgery is performed by an oral surgeon or a specially trained general dentist.
During wisdom tooth removal surgery, the dentist or oral surgeon will use some type of sedation. The dentist will discuss the different types of sedation with you ahead of the procedure. Regardless of which type you choose, you won’t feel any pain during the surgery. You may be asleep or just calm and drowsy. Once you’re adequately sedated, the dentist will make a small incision and remove the tooth.
A wisdom tooth extraction typically heals within four to seven days, depending on the condition of the tooth. If there’s an infection, healing may take longer. Wisdom tooth extraction is a common procedure. If your child is struggling with a painful, impacted wisdom tooth, there’s no need to delay treatment.
Kool Smiles Kids Club has partner dentists across the U.S. who are well-practiced in wisdom tooth extraction. A Kool Smiles partner dentist will gladly explain the procedure in-depth and answer any questions you may have.
Kool Smiles’ partner dentists accept most major insurance policies, including Medicaid and TRICARE. They accept a range of payment options, from cash and credit card to CareCredit.