The Cost Of Extracting All Four Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth removal is one of the most common oral surgeries performed today. For many teenagers and young adults, it is a rite of passage. However, the cost can be a source of stress for parents and patients.

Extracting wisdom teeth is not a one-size-fits-all procedure. The price varies wildly depending on the position of the teeth, the type of anesthesia, and your location. This guide provides a comprehensive look at the costs associated with removing all four wisdom teeth at once, which is the most common approach.

The Anatomy of Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth are the third molars located at the very back of your mouth. They usually erupt between the ages of 17 and 25. Because modern jaws are often too small to accommodate them, these teeth frequently become impacted.

Impacted vs. Erupted

• Erupted: The tooth has broken through the gum. This is a simple extraction.

• Soft Tissue Impaction: The tooth is stuck under the gum.

• Bony Impaction: The tooth is stuck in the jawbone. This is the most complex and expensive type to remove.

The Cost Breakdown Per Tooth

The price of extraction depends largely on the type of impaction. Dentists and oral surgeons classify extractions into categories.

The Total Cost for All Four Teeth

When you visit an oral surgeon to have all four wisdom teeth removed, they usually do not just add up four individual prices. They often charge a “global fee” or a package rate that includes the surgery and the anesthesia.

Average Total Costs (Without Insurance)

• All Four Erupted: $600 – $1,200.

• Mix of Impactions (Most Common): $1,000 – $2,400.

• All Four Bony Impactions: $2,000 – $3,500.

Note: These are averages. If you live in a high-cost city like New York or San Francisco, you might pay more. In rural areas, you might pay less.

The Cost of Anesthesia

The biggest variable in the total cost is often the sedation method. You have several choices.

Local Anesthesia Only

The dentist numbs the area with a shot. You are fully awake.

• Cost: Usually included in the base price or a small $50 fee.

• Best for: Fully erupted or simple extractions.

Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)

You inhale a gas that relaxes you. The local anesthesia is still used.

• Cost: $50 – $150 total.

• Best for: Mild anxiety.

IV Sedation (Twilight Sleep)

An anesthesiologist or surgeon administers medication through an IV. You are conscious but do not remember the procedure and feel no pain.

• Cost: $300 – $700 per hour.

• Best for: Impacted teeth and complex surgery. This is the most common choice for all four extractions.

General Anesthesia

You are completely unconscious. This requires an anesthesiologist.

• Cost: $500 – $1,000+.

• Best for: Severe impactions or extremely anxious patients.

How Dental Insurance Affects the Price

If you have dental insurance, it will likely cover a portion of the cost. Wisdom teeth removal is usually considered a “Basic” or “Major” procedure, depending on the plan.

Understanding the Coverage

• Deductible: You pay this first (usually $50 – $100).

• Coinsurance: You pay a percentage. Most PPO plans pay 50% to 80% for surgical extractions.

• Annual Maximum: Most plans cap benefits at $1,500 to $2,500 per year.

Insurance Example:
Total cost for four impacted teeth: $2,500.
Deductible: $50.
Remaining: $2,450.
Plan pays 70%: $1,715.
You pay 30%: $735.
Total Out-of-Pocket: $785.

This is a good scenario. If your plan pays only 50%, your out-of-pocket would be $1,225.

Medical Insurance vs. Dental Insurance

This is a hidden secret many patients do not know. In some cases, your medical insurance might cover wisdom teeth removal.

When Medical Insurance Applies

If the wisdom teeth are severely impacted and require a hospital operating room, or if the extraction is deemed medically necessary (e.g., to remove a cyst or tumor), your medical insurance may pay.

• Scenario: A patient with a severe jaw infection caused by an impacted tooth.

• Coverage: Medical plans often have higher annual limits than dental plans, or no limits at all for surgery.

You should always ask your oral surgeon’s office to submit a pre-authorization to both your medical and dental insurance providers.

The Price of the Consultation

Before the surgery, you need a consultation. This usually costs between $50 and $150. The surgeon will perform a physical exam and take a panoramic x-ray.

The Panoramic X-Ray

This special x-ray shows all your teeth, jaws, and sinuses in one image.

• Cost: $60 – $150.
  Most insurance plans cover this as a diagnostic service.

What About Discounts and Payment Plans?

Oral surgery is expensive, but there are ways to manage the bill.

Cash Discounts

Many oral surgeons offer a discount (5% to 10%) if you pay the full balance upfront with cash or a debit card. This saves them the credit card processing fees.

In-House Payment Plans

Some practices allow you to split the payment over 3 to 6 months with no interest.

Third-Party Financing

Companies like CareCredit offer specialized medical credit cards. You can pay the bill with the card and pay it off over 12, 18, or 24 months. Interest rates can be high if you miss the promotional period, so read the fine print.

The Recovery Cost

You will also need to budget for the recovery period. While not a huge medical expense, it is a real cost.

• Painkillers: $10 – $40 (depending on generic vs. name brand).

• Antibiotics: $10 – $30.

• Ice Packs: $5 – $15.

• Food: You will need to buy soft foods like yogurt, applesauce, and ice cream for a few days. Budget $30 – $50.

• Time off work: If you are an hourly worker, you might lose 2-3 days of wages.

Is It Cheaper to Keep Them?

Sometimes, patients wonder if they can just avoid the surgery. This is usually a bad idea.

The Risk of Keeping Problematic Wisdom Teeth

• Crowding: They can push your other teeth out of alignment.

• Decay: They are hard to clean and prone to cavities.

• Infection: Pericoronitis (infection of the gum tissue) can be painful and dangerous.

• Cysts: Fluid-filled sacs can form around impacted teeth, destroying the jawbone.

Ignoring the problem can lead to much more expensive procedures down the road, like root canals or jaw surgery.

Conclusion

The cost of extracting all four wisdom teeth ranges from $600 for simple erupted teeth to $3,500 for fully impacted ones. The primary cost drivers are the complexity of the impaction and the type of anesthesia used. Dental insurance can cut the cost significantly, and in rare cases, medical insurance may apply. Always ask for a pre-treatment estimate and explore financing options to make the procedure affordable.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is it cheaper to get wisdom teeth out when you are young?
Yes. The roots of wisdom teeth are not fully formed in teenagers. The surgery is less complicated, the healing is faster, and the risk of complications is lower. Adult extractions are often more expensive because the bone is denser and the roots are fully formed.

How long does the surgery take?
For four impacted wisdom teeth, the surgery usually takes between 45 minutes and 90 minutes. If the teeth are simple extractions, it might take as little as 30 minutes.

Can I negotiate the price with the oral surgeon?
You can try. If you do not have insurance, ask for a self-pay discount. Oral surgeons are often willing to reduce the price by 10% to 20% for patients paying cash upfront.

Why are upper wisdom teeth cheaper to remove?
Upper wisdom teeth are generally easier to access and have less dense bone around them. They are often less likely to be severely impacted than lower wisdom teeth.

What happens if I do not remove my wisdom teeth?
You might be fine. Some people keep their wisdom teeth their entire lives. However, you must maintain excellent oral hygiene. Regular dental check-ups are essential to monitor for potential problems.

Additional Resources

• American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS): For finding a qualified surgeon and understanding surgical guidelines. Visit www.aaoms.org.

• My Wisdom Teeth: A resource dedicated to wisdom teeth information. Visit www.mywisdomteeth.com.