The cost of removing your child’s wisdom tooth will depend on his or her unique oral health situation. A wisdom tooth that’s easy to remove may be treated as a standard tooth extraction and can cost as little as $75.
If your child needs a wisdom tooth removed, schedule an appointment with a Kool Smiles Kids Club partner dentist. Kool Smiles’ partner dentists aim to keep the cost of wisdom tooth removal as low as possible.
The cost of extracting a wisdom tooth depends on the complexity of the procedure:
* A simple removal can cost $75 to $200 per tooth.
* If the tooth is impacted, the cost rises to $225 to $600 per tooth.
* Some surgeons may offer a discount for removing two or four teeth at once. Availing of this opportunity can save you $1,000 or more on the average cost of wisdom tooth removal surgery.
Beyond the complexity of the extraction, several factors can affect the cost, including (but not limited to):
* Your location
* The dentist’s credentials and experience
* Your insurance coverage
When you research the average cost of wisdom tooth removal, you’ll typically find information about the cost of the actual wisdom tooth removal surgery. There are additional procedures (with additional costs) to consider:
* A panoramic x-ray of the teeth is usually required before the extraction. The average cost of the x-ray is $60 to 150.
* Dental cone beam CT scans to produce 3D images of teeth, soft tissue, and bone. A CT scan is typically only required in cases where the data from the panoramic x-ray is insufficient. This typically costs $250 to $600.
* The initial consultation with a physical exam carries a separate cost. Typically between $50 and $350.
* Regardless of the complexity of the extraction, some type of anesthesia or sedative will be required. Nitrous oxide (a sedative), local anesthesia, and general anesthesia can add several hundred dollars to the cost.
* Aftercare, including prescriptions.
We recommend asking your dentist which costs are and are not included in the price of wisdom tooth extraction.
Wisdom teeth are the third molars that erupt in the very back corners of the mouth. They arrive long after the adult teeth come in, so they often cause issues. Wisdom teeth may be:
* Misaligned. If this is the case, a wisdom tooth may pin the gums against the adjacent tooth and cause pain.
* At an angle. Wisdom teeth can point in virtually any direction. If they’re not pointing straight up, they can cause permanent damage.
* Partially erupted. Sometimes, a wisdom tooth may not have space to erupt fully. This creates an environment in which harmful bacteria can flourish.
The nature of wisdom teeth complications can affect the price of wisdom tooth removal. Additionally, delaying wisdom tooth removal until your child is older can make the procedure more difficult and more costly. As we age, surrounding bones become harder, and root and health issues become more likely.
Wisdom teeth typically erupt between the ages of 18 and 24, and it’s usually best to have them removed promptly.
You shouldn’t ignore the symptoms of impacted wisdom teeth. Keeping an eye out for early warning signs can help minimize the risk of needing a more complex (and more costly) type of wisdom teeth surgery.
What are the signs that your wisdom teeth may need to be removed?
* Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
* Jaw pain and swelling
* Bad breath
* Strange taste in the mouth
* Difficulty fully opening the mouth
If your child is experiencing any symptoms that may indicate the need for wisdom tooth removal, a Kool Smiles partner dentist can help.
If you have insurance, your provider may give a 15% reimbursement or cover half the cost of wisdom tooth removal. Every policy is different, and your exact coverage will depend on your policy.
Wisdom teeth surgery is often deemed medically necessary as the wisdom teeth can cause pain and damage. Check with your insurance provider well ahead of the procedure to find out what forms they may need.
Dentists in the Kool Smiles Kids Club are committed to providing high-quality, affordable dental care. Our partners accept:
* Medicaid, TRICARE, CHIP (formerly SCHIP), and most major insurance plans.
* Cash, credit, and debit.
* CareCredit – a healthcare credit card that allows you to pay the cost of your child’s dental care over time.
As part of the Kool Smiles Kids Club, we believe all children should get the dental care they need. If cost is a concern, a team member at your local Kool Smiles Kids Club partner clinic can work with you to find a payment option that suits your needs.
General dentists are qualified to remove wisdom teeth, but in some cases, it may be necessary to see an oral surgeon.
An oral surgeon can perform wisdom teeth removal surgery with IV sedation, so if your child is exceptionally anxious about his or her wisdom teeth removal, it may be best to schedule the surgery with an oral surgeon.
An oral surgeon completes an additional four to six years of training after dental school. According to Dr. Bryce Williams, much of this training focuses on wisdom teeth removal. An oral surgeon is comfortable with more complex procedures.
If an oral surgeon is not available at your local Kool Smiles partner clinic, the general dentist can refer you to an excellent oral surgeon nearby.
Remember that choosing an oral surgeon for your child’s wisdom teeth removal may change the cost.
Q: What happens if wisdom teeth are not removed?
Not all people need their wisdom teeth removed. Sometimes, wisdom teeth grow in straight and don’t cause any pain or infection.
However, problematic wisdom teeth can cause serious issues if left untreated, including:
* Infection
* Damage to the bone
* Cysts
* Overcrowded teeth
Q: How do I know if my wisdom teeth have grown in?
Wash your hands and reach into your mouth. If you can count more than 28 teeth, then you likely have at least one wisdom tooth. If you’d rather leave it to the pros, ask your dentist at your next checkup.
Q: Does Medicaid cover wisdom teeth removal in adults?
While Medicaid is required to cover necessary dental procedures for children, the same policy doesn’t necessarily apply to adults. Currently, 25 states cover oral surgery and non-emergency extractions in adults. Some states have dollar limits. Nine states have annual coverage limits between $500 and $2,500 for dental care.
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Sources:
CostHelper: https://health.costhelper.com/wisdom-teeth-removal.html
https://www.radiologyinfo.org/
https://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info/dentalconect
Jean Brown Research: https://cenexelresearch.com/jbr/
Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/wisdom-teeth/symptoms-causes/syc-20373808
https://www.yourdentistryguide.com/
https://www.yourdentistryguide.com/wisdom-teeth/
University of Utah Health Radio: https://healthcare.utah.edu/the-scope/shows.php?shows=0_kbsgyupm
University of Michigan Medicine: https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/tm6328
Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission: https://www.macpac.gov/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Medicaid-Coverage-of-Dental-Benefits-for-Adults.pdf