Need Your Wisdom Teeth Extracted? Know The Costs And Removal Methods
One of the reasons that your dentist takes x-rays during a dental exam is to see what is going on underneath your gums. One of the things the dentist may notice is wisdom teeth coming in that are impacted. It's a very common problem, with over 5 million people in the US getting their wisdom teeth removed each year. When you're told that your wisdom teeth need to be removed, two common concerns that you may have is how much it will cost and how the teeth will be removed.
Extraction Methods
The way wisdom teeth are extracted depends on the condition of the teeth. Any tooth that has completely erupted through the gums with normal growth will be easy to remove, since the tooth is extracted exactly like other teeth. The dentist uses a form of anesthesia to make you comfortable, either local anesthesia or a strong sedative, and pulls the tooth out.
Any wisdom teeth that are growing underneath your gum line will require surgery to remove them. The same applies for wisdom teeth that have only erupted partially. Multiple wisdom teeth can be removed at the same time and general or local anesthesia is used, which usually depends on how complex the surgery will be.
Once either procedure is complete, you'll be prescribed antibiotics for preventing a potential infection. You'll also need someone to drive you home due to the anesthesia that may still be in your system.
Costs
A basic wisdom tooth extraction without surgery will cost between $75 and $200 with local anesthesia. If surgery is needed, each tooth could cost between $225 and $600, which doesn't include the cost of anesthesia. The degree of the impaction is what ultimately affects the price, with the surgery costing more money per tooth if it is partially or completely encased in your jawbone. You can save money by having multiple wisdom teeth extracted at once, since you'll only need to pay for the anesthesia once.
While dental insurance will help cover wisdom teeth extraction if it is medically necessary, do not expect it to cover the entire procedure. Insurance will typically cover a set percentage of the procedure after your deductible is met. Check with your dental insurance provider for specifics on your rates.
Now that you know the basics behind the extraction methods and costs of removing wisdom teeth, you'll be better prepared for what is in store for you.Contact a dentist, like Family Medical Dental Center, for more help.