Most people harbor a deep-seated dread about visiting the dentist. The thing people fear is the news that they need a painful procedure. Given that around 5 million people end up getting a wisdom tooth pulled each year, it’s not a hollow fear.
Of course, that dread isn’t just fear of the painful procedure, but fear of the related costs. The first thing many of those 5 million people asked about was the cost to remove wisdom teeth. If you’re looking at a wisdom tooth removal in the near future, keep reading for a quick guide to the procedure, benefits, and cost.
Wisdom Tooth Removal Reasons
Your wisdom teeth typically grow in during late adolescence. For some lucky people, they grow in without problems. Unfortunately, the teeth lack the room to grow in properly in many mouths.
This risks the tooth growing in at an angle or getting stuck in the jaw bone. Think impacted tooth here. If the tooth isn’t removed, you can end up with pain, infections, tooth decay, and even gum disease.
Wisdom Teeth Surgery
Many dentists and all oral surgeons can remove wisdom teeth, though most people opt for dentists for non-complex removals. You’ll typically get a local painkiller, IV anesthesia, or general anesthesia.
The procedure itself typically entails that the dentist exposes the base of the tooth with a surgical cut. The procedure may involve removing some bone to get at the tooth. Once exposed, the tooth may come out whole or in pieces.
Benefits of Removing Wisdom Teeth
The main benefit of wisdom tooth removal is long-term pain reduction. If you receive teeth straightening options, such as braces, wisdom teeth removal can improve results. You also reduce the risks of other dental health problems.
Cost to Remove Wisdom Teeth
The issue of how much to remove wisdom teeth will vary a bit by location. You should expect higher costs in areas with high property costs, such as major urban areas.
The cost will change depending on whether a dentist or oral surgeon performs the procedure. Oral surgeons typically charge more because they take on the more complex cases.
With that said, the average cost to remove wisdom teeth runs up to around $200 per tooth for simple extractions. Complex extractions run as much as $500 per tooth. Some dentists will offer deals to take out all four at a discount.
Getting Rid of Wisdom Teeth and You
The cost to remove wisdom teeth may make you think you can put it off. Yet, the long-term pitfalls make that a bad idea.
The pain you suffer from an impacted wisdom tooth won’t get better over time. If anything, it’ll get worse. You also run serious risks of other dental health problems.
Even if you can’t afford the removal of all four of your wisdom teeth, you shouldn’t ignore one that causes you pain. It’s a sign that something is wrong.
Looking for more dental or general health tips? Check out the posts in our Health section.
