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Wisdom Teeth Removal Cost with and Without Insurance

Wisdom teeth are the final set of molars that typically emerge between ages 17 and 21. Many people don’t have enough room in their jaw to accommodate these teeth, causing them to grow at an angle. In fact, 90% of people develop at least one impacted wisdom tooth.1 The cost to remove wisdom teeth can be expensive, but Aflac’s network dental insurance can help make it more affordable. Read on to learn the average cost of wisdom teeth removal with and without insurance.

4 Min Read

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

  • The cost of wisdom teeth removal typically ranges from $200 to $1,100 per tooth.2
  • Dental insurance may cover up to 50% to 80% of the cost of wisdom tooth removal, depending on the complexity of the extraction.
  • Aflac's network dental insurance plans for individuals and families can help cover the cost of wisdom teeth removal and many other procedures.

When is wisdom teeth removal necessary?

Your dentist may recommend wisdom teeth removal if these molars don’t have enough room to grow properly. When this happens, you may experience:

  • Impaction: If a wisdom tooth can’t fully erupt through the gums, it may become trapped under the gumline or jawbone. Impacted teeth can increase your risk of infection, tooth decay and gum disease.
  • Crowding: When wisdom teeth push against nearby teeth, they can shift their alignment and create overcrowding in the mouth, potentially undoing prior orthodontic work.
  • Cysts or damage to surrounding structures: In some cases, impacted wisdom teeth may develop fluid-filled cysts that damage nearby teeth, nerves or jawbone.
  • Inflammation and infection: Partially erupted wisdom teeth can trap bacteria and food particles under the gum, increasing your risk of gum inflammation and dental disease.

By removing your wisdom teeth early, you can help prevent these issues and protect your oral health.

How much does wisdom teeth removal cost without insurance?

On average, removing a wisdom tooth can cost anywhere from $200 to $1,100 per tooth.2 If you need to remove multiple wisdom teeth, this can push the price as high as $800 to $4,400 without insurance.

Along with the number of wisdom teeth you need to remove, the final price depends largely on the type of extraction required.3

The average wisdom tooth removal cost without dental insurance ranges from $1,200 to $4,175.2 Insurance can typically help make costs more manageable. The cost range largely depends on the type of extraction required:2

Type of extraction Description Average cost range
Simple Tooth is visible above the gum line. $137-$335
Surgical Tooth can’t be easily removed, requiring bone removal, gum incisions or breaking the tooth into pieces. $281-$702
Soft tissue impaction Tooth hasn’t fully erupted through the gum. $325-$829
Fully bony impaction Tooth is fully encased in the jawbone. $413-$1,041
Complicated impaction Tooth is fully encased in the jawbone or partially buried beneath the gum and bone. $639-$1,620

Factors that affect the cost of wisdom teeth removal.

Several factors can influence the total cost of your wisdom teeth removal.

  • Number of extractions: Tooth extractions are typically priced per tooth. While some dentists may offer volume-based discounts, your wisdom tooth removal costs may still be higher if you need multiple extractions.
  • Complexity: It’s easier to remove wisdom teeth that have already come in. If your wisdom tooth is stuck under the gums or in the jawbone, the cost of the extraction will likely be higher.
  • Type of anesthesia: Simple extractions for fully erupted teeth may only require local anesthesia, while surgical procedures for impacted wisdom teeth may require sedation or general anesthesia, increasing the total cost.
  • Dental insurance coverage: Dental insurance can help cover a portion of the total cost of wisdom teeth removal. If you don’t have coverage, you may pay double or triple the price out of pocket.
  • Location: Dentists who operate in places with higher costs of living often charge more for their services, including wisdom tooth extractions.
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How much does it cost to remove wisdom teeth with dental insurance?

Dental insurance can make your wisdom tooth removal costs much more manageable. For instance, Aflac's network dental insurance can cover up to 80% of basic procedures and up to 70% of major procedures. Your wisdom teeth removal may be a basic or major procedure, depending on whether your tooth is impacted.

Here's an example that displays how dental insurance can reduce your out-of-pocket costs:

  • You have two fully erupted wisdom teeth that you need to remove.
  • Your dentist says this basic procedure will cost $1,200.
  • Your insurance company covers 80%, so you only pay the remaining 20%, which comes to just $240.

Keep in mind that most dental insurance plans include an annual maximum coverage limit, which caps how much your insurer will pay in a given year.

Get a quote for Aflac dental insurance.

Having your wisdom teeth removed can be expensive without dental insurance. Fortunately, Aflac's network dental insurance plans can help you cover a wide range of essential procedures, including wisdom teeth removal.

Our affordable dental insurance policies cover:

  • 100% of preventive care, including routine dental cleanings, exams and X-rays.
  • Up to 80% of basic procedures, such as fillings, simple extractions and basic oral surgery.
  • Up to 70% of major procedures, such as crowns, bridges, dentures and anesthesia.

Want to learn more about our coverage options? Chat with an Aflac agent today to get a quote.

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