Canada has a reputation for universal healthcare. However, dental care is a notable exception. Most Canadians do not have dental coverage under their provincial health insurance plans. This means that when a Canadian needs their wisdom teeth removed, they usually rely on private insurance through work or pay out of pocket.
This guide explores the cost of wisdom teeth extraction across Canada. We will look at provincial differences, the impact of the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP), and how to navigate the system.
The Cost Of Extracting Wisdom Teeth In Canada?
The Canadian Dental Landscape
Canadian healthcare is managed by the provinces. While medical visits to a doctor or hospital are free, dental visits are not.
Who Pays for Dental?
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Employer Benefits: Many full-time jobs offer dental insurance.
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Private Insurance: You can buy a plan yourself.
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Out-of-Pocket: You pay the dentist directly.
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Government Programs: Limited to specific groups (children, seniors, low-income).
The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)
This is a relatively new federal program that is changing the landscape. It is designed to provide dental coverage to Canadians who do not have access to dental insurance and have a family income under $90,000.
Who Qualifies?
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Canadian residents.
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No access to private dental insurance.
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Adjusted family net income under $90,000.
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Have filed their tax return.
What Does CDCP Cover for Wisdom Teeth?
The CDCP covers a range of services. Extractions are generally covered. However, there are specifics:
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Simple Extractions: Covered.
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Surgical Extractions: Covered, but may require pre-authorization.
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Sedation: Limited coverage. General anesthesia is usually only covered in specific medical cases.
The Co-payment
The CDCP is not always free. You may have to pay a co-payment based on your income.
This makes wisdom teeth removal much more affordable for low-income Canadians.
The Price of Wisdom Teeth Removal in Canada
If you are paying privately (or billing insurance), the costs are similar to the US, though sometimes higher due to the exchange rate and cost of living.
Average Cost per Tooth (Private)
Anesthesia Costs in Canada
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Local Anesthesia: Included.
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Nitrous Oxide: $50 – $150.
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IV Sedation: $400 – $700 per hour.
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General Anesthesia: $700 – $1,200+ (usually in a hospital or surgical suite).
The Cost by Province
Prices vary depending on where you live in Canada. Larger cities like Toronto and Vancouver tend to have higher fees than rural areas in Atlantic Canada or the Prairies.
Ontario
Ontario has a fee guide that dentists use as a reference.
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Average Cost (4 Impacted): $1,800 – $3,500.
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Anesthesia: Extra.
British Columbia
BC tends to be on the higher end of the spectrum.
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Average Cost (4 Impacted): $2,000 – $4,000.
Alberta
Alberta has a competitive dental market.
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Average Cost (4 Impacted): $1,500 – $3,000.
Quebec
Quebec has a public dental program for children under 10, but adults pay privately.
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Average Cost (4 Impacted): $1,500 – $3,200.
Navigating Private Insurance in Canada
Most working Canadians have dental benefits through their employer. Understanding these plans is key.
Coordination of Benefits
If you and your spouse both have insurance, you can combine them. This is common in Canada. If your plan pays 80% and your spouse’s plan pays 80%, the two plans can coordinate to cover 100% of the cost.
The “Fee Guide” Problem
Many insurance companies in Canada reimburse based on the previous year’s provincial fee guide. If the dentist’s fees have gone up (inflation), the insurance might pay less. You are responsible for the difference.
Medical vs. Dental in Canada
Just like in the US, some wisdom teeth extractions in Canada fall under medical care.
Hospital Extraction
If a patient is young, has severe anxiety, or the impaction is complex, the surgery might be done in a hospital.
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Cost: The hospital fees are covered by the provincial health plan (e.g., OHIP in Ontario).
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Dentist Fee: You still pay the oral surgeon’s fee.
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Anesthesiologist Fee: Often covered by the province if it is in a hospital.
How to Save Money in Canada
1. Dental Schools
The University of Toronto, McGill University, and the University of British Columbia have dental schools. Students perform the extractions at a reduced rate.
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Savings: 40% – 60%.
2. Public Health Units
Some municipalities offer dental programs for low-income adults. These are usually for emergency pain relief, which often means extractions.
3. Negotiating
Canadians are generally polite, but you can still ask for a discount. If you are paying cash, ask the office manager if they offer a “cash fee” or a payment plan.
4. Tax Deductions
Keep your receipts. In Canada, dental expenses are a medical expense tax credit. You can claim the cost on your income tax return and receive a non-refundable tax credit.
The Steps to Get Wisdom Teeth Out in Canada
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Referral: Your regular dentist refers you to an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon.
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Consultation: The surgeon examines you and takes a 3D scan or panoramic x-ray.
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Quote: The office provides a detailed cost breakdown.
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Pre-Authorization: The office sends the quote to your insurance (or CDCP) for approval.
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Surgery: The procedure is performed.
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Billing: You pay your portion; the insurance pays theirs directly.
Conclusion
The cost of extracting wisdom teeth in Canada ranges from $1,500 to $4,000 for all four impacted teeth. While Canadian healthcare does not traditionally cover dental, the new Canadian Dental Care Plan is bridging the gap for low-income residents. For the average working Canadian, employer insurance plans significantly reduce the burden, and coordination of benefits can lead to near-full coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is wisdom teeth removal free in Canada?
It is not free for most people. It is free for some low-income seniors and children under specific government programs, and the CDCP covers it for eligible uninsured residents. Everyone else pays out of pocket or uses private insurance.
How much does a consultation cost in Canada?
A consultation with an oral surgeon costs between $100 and $200. If you have insurance, this is usually covered under “diagnostic” services.
Can I use my Health Spending Account (HSA)?
Yes. If your employer provides a Health Spending Account, you can use it to pay for the portions of the wisdom teeth removal that your regular insurance does not cover (e.g., sedation).
What is the recovery time?
Most patients take 3 to 5 days off work or school. Swelling peaks around day 3 and then subsides.
Are wisdom teeth always removed in Canada?
No. Dentists only recommend removal if the teeth are causing problems or are highly likely to cause problems in the future.
Additional Resources
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Canadian Dental Association (CDA): For oral health information and finding a dentist. Visit www.cda-adc.ca.
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Government of Canada – CDCP: For the official details of the Canadian Dental Care Plan. Visit www.canada.ca.
