Wisdom Teeth Removal Cost and Recovery
The wisdom tooth is one of the four molars in the rear of the mouth on each side of the upper and lower jaw. Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to erupt, typically in early adulthood.
The wisdom teeth removal cost will vary depending on whether a tooth is impacted or not and whether you require a general dentist or an oral surgeon. The removal cost for a wisdom tooth will range anywhere from $150 to $650 or higher.
The following video will explain how a wisdom tooth is removed.
The interview below is from a man who had his wisdom teeth removed. He gives added insight into the real life experience of this dental procedure…
How do you determine that you need to have your wisdom teeth extracted?
I was first told to have my wisdom teeth pulled when I was young by my Sunday School teacher, who was my dentist. Being very fearful of the thought, I didn’t do it. I had movement of teeth, teeth tightening and pain for many years.
Finally, I gave in because I had a wisdom tooth that needed some work done on it. The dentist suggested pulling the tooth or all four because they were tightening up against the other teeth in my mouth. My wisdom teeth had caused me many years of pain. So, I decided when I was in my mid-fifties to go ahead and have all four wisdom teeth pulled. After consultation with my dentist, he sent me to an oral surgeon who would do the job and I decided to go ahead and do it.
What does it cost to have wisdom teeth removed?
The oral surgeon who was going to extract my wisdom teeth told me I would need an anesthesiologist to put me to sleep. It was going to cost $360 and he could do two at one time or all four at one time. However, the anesthesiologist would charge me $360 to do all four or $360 to do two and later, another $360 to do two others. So, to save $360, I said let’s just do all four at one time.
Were there any complications during oral surgery when you had your wisdom teeth extracted?
Three of the wisdom teeth were pulled out without any problem. One tooth touched a nerve, along side of the wisdom tooth that was pulled out and that required a little more attention, caused some pain and needed medication. I’m glad I did it and I should have done it when I was younger (and the teeth and roots were smaller) instead of waiting until I was in my mid-fifties and the roots had grown and they actually had to go in and cut the roots because one was going to the left and one was going to the right.
Can you describe the pain that you went through when you had your wisdom teeth removed?
The pain of having my wisdom teeth in my mouth carried on for years and years. Often times there would be no pain, but it would just be uncomfortable – for years. During oral surgery I was put out by the anesthesiologist and I really didn’t feel anything. When I woke up, there was a little bit of pain. Of course, you’re drowsy. I had to have someone bring me home. It wasn’t as bad as I thought.
How did you treat the pain after oral surgery?
The doctor gave me two different types of medication. One was for slight pain and I think the other one was a Vicodin tablet, which I could cut in half if I wanted to. I didn’t have a lot of pain, but I decided to cut one of the Vicodin in half. I didn’t really need to take all the Vicodin that the doctor prescribed for me.
How long did it take for your wisdom teeth removal recovery?
The healing process started immediately and the pain subsided gradually. Within a week or two, it was like I felt nothing at all. The gums were tender to the touch. The one tooth where there was a problem when they went to break the roots did cause me more pain. Anyway, I should have done it when I was younger, but I’m glad it’s done and they’re out of there.
Melvin C.
Irvine, CA
May 7, 2011
Typically, the cost for removing wisdom teeth is considerably less for those that have access to a discount dental plan. Many consumers are using discount dental care for several reasons in addition to what they save on one procedure like removing a tooth. The following is a partial list…
- Cosmetic dentistry such as bleaching, bonding and implants are included.
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Dental insurance plans usually allow about $1,000 per year coverage so the cost of wisdom teeth removal along with a few other dental procedures can often go beyond the annual limit. Because of this reality, most people have come to realize that they don’t have much protection from the high cost of dental care with just dental insurance.
If you rely on a dental insurance plan, you will likely pay a lot more each month and get little in return, but with a discount dental service you pay a little and get a lot (by saving much more than the annual limit from dental insurance, not to mention the reduced monthly cost). Even people with dental insurance find that using a dental discount plan as a supplement can lower their expenses when their annual limits have been reached.
People throughout the country just like you are convinced that this is the best value dental care available for everyone in your home – related or not. Click the sign-up link below to see the price, plan choices and all the benefits!
Wisdom Tooth Extraction with a Dental Discount Plan is easy...
- Find a dentist => Click Here
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After you join, your ID# will be e-mailed to you. Print your e-mail receipt and show it to your dentist.
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Wisdom teeth removal is available in Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington DC, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.