First and foremost, wisdom teeth are the last set of teeth that erupts in the mouth of a young adult. Typically, most individuals usually have 4 wisdom teeth, where two are located at the top and two at the bottom of the mouth. Although these teeth play an instrumental role in grinding food, they can become problematic at one time or another. From impactions to infections, there are many problems that these teeth can develop over time. Therefore, there is a need for you to remove them so that you can restore your oral health. When it comes to wisdom removal, there is a need for you to set a budget for it as it can cost an arm and a leg. The situation can be worse if you do not have any dental insurance coverage. In this article, we shall take a closer look at wisdom teeth removal cost without insurance, factors affecting these costs, and how one can reduce these costs in the long run.
Why Do Wisdom Teeth Need To Be Removed?
There are many reasons why wisdom teeth need to be removed. Some of these reasons include:
- These extra set of teeth can push the surrounding teeth, thereby making you experience bite problems and mouth pain.
- Sometimes, cysts can found around wisdom teeth. In case this problem is not treated early enough, your jaws can hollow out. Besides this, the problem can damage the nerves around the wisdom teeth.
- If your wisdom teeth have issues, chances of sinus pain are very high. In this case, it is imperative that you remove this extra set of teeth on the go.
- Sometimes, the tissues around the wisdom teeth can swell, thereby hindering you from cleaning those sections well. This leads to bacteria growth around that area, thereby leading to cavity formation and tooth decay.
- The mouth of the modern–day man has evolved significantly, and thus, it is too small to accommodate an extra set of teeth. Without enough room to grow, these teeth can crowd other teeth, thereby making them to become crooked and even misaligning them. Therefore, there is a need for you to remove these teeth so as to keep this problem at bay.
How Much Does A Wisdom Teeth Removal Cost Without Insurance?
Since you know the various reasons why you need to remove wisdom teeth, time is ripe for you know the cost of wisdom teeth removal without insurance. Each type of wisdom teeth removal comes with its own costs. Here is a breakdown of these costs so that you can plan your budget well:
- Simple Wisdom teeth removal: A simple wisdom teeth removal van cost between $75 and $200 for one wisdom tooth. Therefore, if you want all the 4 teeth to be removed, brace yourself to part with $300 and $1000.
- Surgical Wisdom teeth removal: When it comes to surgical wisdom teeth removal, be ready to pay between $225 and $600 for one tooth. However, if you want to remove 4 wisdom teeth, be certain that you will pay $800 and $1800.
- Erupted Wisdom Tooth Removal: For you to undergo the above-mentioned dental procedure, you will need to pay between $100 and $250 per tooth.
- Soft Tissue Wisdom Tooth Removal: As far as the soft tissue wisdom tooth removal is concerned, be ready to pay between $150 and $300 for one tooth.
- Partial Bony Wisdom Tooth: If you want to remove partial bony wisdom tooth, ensure that you budget for $250 to $500 per tooth.
- Complete Full Bony Wisdom Tooth Removal: To enjoy the above-mentioned wisdom teeth removal process, brace yourself to pay between $350 and $600.
- Average costs for Wisdom teeth removal: Well, the average cost of wisdom teeth removal depends on the unique situation of the patient. For instance, those who need simple wisdom teeth extraction will be required to pay between $75 and $200 per tooth.
On the other hand, those who need impacting wisdom teeth extraction might need to pay between $225 and $600 for one tooth. Finally, additional costs might affect the average cost of wisdom teeth removal. Some of these costs include examination fee, panoramic x-ray of teeth, sedations and so forth. Here, you might have to part with an extra $50 to $900.
Factors Affecting The Cost Of Wisdom Tooth Removal
There are many factors that can affect the cost of wisdom teeth removal. Some of these factors include:
1. Condition of your tooth
The condition of your wisdom teeth will directly affect the cost of its extraction. For instance, if your teeth is badly damaged or impacted, be ready to part with more money than a patient with normal wisdom teeth. This can be attributed to the fact that impacted teeth are more difficult to remove and thus might need the use of general anesthesia for them to be removed more effectively.
2. Number of teeth needing extraction
For instance, if you want a simple wisdom tooth extraction for one tooth, you will only be required to pay between $75 and $200 per tooth. However, if you want 4 of them at a go, be ready to pay between $300 and $1000.The more wisdom teeth that need to be removed, the higher the costs that you are likely to incur.
3. Type of anesthesia
Besides the factors mentioned above, the type of anesthesia that the dentist will use to extract your teeth will affect the overall costs of the wisdom teeth removal process. For example, if the dentist uses local anesthesia, the removal process can cost between $75 and $300 per tooth. In case you want all the 4 wisdom teeth removed, prepare to part with between $300 and $1200. However, there are some dentists that charge as much as $800 for the 4 teeth to be extracted.
On the other hand, if the dentist uses general anesthesia sedation, you will have to pay from $600 to $1100.When it comes to the removal of 4 wisdom teeth using general anesthesia, you will need to pay between $1500 and $2000.
4. Age of patient
For instance, if your wisdom teeth are removed at a young age, be ready so that you will not part with more money than an aged person. This can be attributed to the fact that the extraction process at a tender age has fewer or no complications at all than when someone has advanced in age.
5. Where do you live
The location and the expertise of the dentist will can the cost of wisdom teeth removal process. For instance, if the dentist is located in a remote area, chances are that you will be required to pay more dollars for you to enjoy this service. This is because resources are relatively limited in rural areas than in urban areas.
6. Insurance coverage
If you have private health insurance coverage, you will not have to strain your budget as it can cover a number of expenses for you. However, you should choose a dentist that offers treatment for the insurance company that covers you. By doing so, you will be able to reduce the costs of treatment significantly.
However, if you have just joined a private health provider, you will be required to check its waiting period as some of them need you to wait for 6 to 12 months before they can offer the much-needed dental treatment coverage.
Will Insurance Cover The Full Cost Of Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Not really. However, it is capable of covering between 50 % and 80% of the total expenses involved. This means that you will not have to dig deeper into your pocket for you to enjoy wisdom teeth removal services.
How Can I Lower The Cost Of Wisdom Tooth Removal Without Insurance?
It is no secret wisdom teeth removal without insurance can be expensive to say the least. However, there are various ways that can help you to scale down these costs to manageable levels. Here are some of the ideas that can help you lower the cost of wisdom tooth removal without insurance:
1. Ask about a package deal
One way to lower the cost of wisdom teeth removal is to ask for a package deal. Thankfully, most dental clinics usually offer these deals from time to time. If you are operating on a budget, consider asking for these deals and you will get value for your hard-earned money.
2. Use local anesthesia
Compared to general anesthesia, local anesthesia is more affordable and thus ideal for those who have limited resources. For instance, local anesthesia costs between $75 and $300 per tooth. On the other hand, general anesthesia costs between $600 and $1100 per tooth. With this in mind, it makes more sense to undergo local anesthesia and save more bucks.
3. Find a dental school nearby
If you want to save more on wisdom teeth removal costs, consider looking for a dental school close to you. Once you visit a dental school near you, be sure that you will come across dental students who can help remove your wisdom teeth.
Thankfully, these students are well-trained in how to remove wisdom teeth from different patients. Besides this, they are always supervised by licensed and professional dentists throughout the wisdom teeth removal process. Thereafter, you will be able to enjoy high-quality dental services at a discount rate of up to 50% or thereabout.
4. Join a discount dental program
Also known as dental savings plan, this is a program that can allow you to enjoy much-needed discounts anytime you undergo a dental treatment service. If you are a member, you will be able to save between 10% and 60% of the total costs that come with the wisdom teeth removal process.
5. Choose the best dentist who will charge exact bills
Once you receive a treatment plan from a dentist, do not just accept it immediately. Instead, ask him or her why you need that treatment plan and whether there are other ways to avert your dental problem. Try even to negotiate with him so that you can get the best deal for your dental treatment plan.
If you are optimal enough, you might be able to get huge discounts for your treatment and enjoy more convenience. In case you do not have insurance coverage, ask if you can obtain an uninsured rate. All these attempts will help you save more on dental treatment costs.
FAQ
How long does it take to remove 4 wisdom teeth?
Well, most wisdom tooth removal surgeries take between 40 to 90 minutes. However, if you want to remove all 4 wisdom teeth at a go, be certain that the procedure will take about 60 minutes or thereabout. In case your wisdom teeth have complications, the process might take longer than usual.
Is There Tooth Extraction Insurance with No Waiting Period?
Yes. For instance, employer-based group dental benefit plans offer extraction insurance covers without waiting periods. Generally, the availability of waiting period will depend on your dental insurance coverage of choice and plan.
Is Anesthesia Covered by Dental Insurance?
Since most insurance companies consider anesthesia services to be non-essential dental procedures, you can be sure that it will not be covered by your dental insurance. Therefore, you might have to cater to these costs on your own.
What should you do when you can’t afford wisdom teeth removal?
In case you cannot afford wisdom teeth removal, consider looking for free dental clinics around you. In addition, look out for dental offices that offer dental savings plans. By choosing the latter option, you will save more on your overall dental treatment budget. Finally, look out for a dentist that does not charge consultation or x-ray services and you will be good to go.
