Millions of people have one, several, or all of their wisdom teeth removed yearly. It’s one of the most common dental procedures — but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. Whether you’re dealing with pain, impaction, or simply trying to avoid future problems, removing wisdom teeth can be painful and expensive.
The cost of removal depends on where you live, the type of removal needed, and whether or not you have insurance, which in some cases will cover the procedure.
This guide explains what you can expect to pay and how to plan for it so you won’t be caught off guard.
What Are Wisdom Teeth and Why Do They Need to Be Removed?
Wisdom teeth are your third set of molars — the last to erupt, between 17 and 25 years old. Some people grow up without a problem. But for many others, there simply isn’t enough room in the mouth to accommodate them.
When wisdom teeth don’t have the space they need, they can come in at odd angles, press against neighboring teeth, or get stuck beneath the gum line. This is known as impaction, and it can lead to pain, swelling, infection, and even long-term damage to other teeth or bone.
Even if your wisdom teeth aren’t bothering you now, dentists often recommend removing them proactively — especially if X-rays show they’re likely to cause trouble down the road. Early removal can prevent complications and usually means an easier recovery.
How Much Does Wisdom Teeth Removal Cost?
The cost of removing wisdom teeth varies according to your situation. A simple extraction is affordable on the low end. But once impaction or sedation enters the picture, the price can climb quickly. Here is a quick guideline to walk you through the potential costs.
Simple Extraction Costs to Remove Wisdom Teeth
A simple extraction typically costs $75 to $250 per tooth. This is the easiest option and is usually done in a general dentist’s office using local anesthesia. The simple procedure can be done if your tooth has fully erupted and can be easily pulled. Recovery is usually quick, and there are fewer risks compared to surgical extractions.
Surgical Extraction Costs to Extract Wisdom Teeth
If your wisdom teeth are impacted — meaning they’re lodged under the gums or growing in at an angle — you’ll likely need a surgical extraction, ranging from $225 to $600 per tooth. These procedures are more complex and often performed by an oral surgeon. They may require cutting into gum or bone, increasing the difficulty and the cost. Surgical extractions also tend to involve longer recovery times and may require prescription medications or follow-up visits.
What’s the Cost to Remove All Four Wisdom Teeth?
Removing all four wisdom teeth at once is a scary thought. However, when you crunch the numbers, it can save on sedation and room fees. On average, a complete set of wisdom teeth may cost between $1,000 and $3,000, depending on individual factors such as the complexity of the procedure and the type of anesthesia used at the time.
Factors That Affect the Cost Of Wisdom Teeth Removal
Wisdom teeth removal isn’t a one-size-fits-all procedure — the price reflects that. Several factors can drive the tooth extraction cost up or down, even before insurance gets involved.
How Many Wisdom Teeth Are Being Removed
It might sound obvious, but the more teeth you have taken out, the more you’ll pay. Some people only need one or two removed, while others are better off getting all four out simultaneously. Most dental offices will quote you per tooth, though bundled pricing is often available if you do all four.
Are Your Wisdom Teeth Impacted
Impacted teeth — especially those trapped under the gums or angled toward other teeth — are much harder to remove. These extractions take longer, require more surgical skill, and often involve cutting into gum or bone. That extra complexity can raise the price significantly compared to a simple pull.
Type of Anesthesia To Extract Your Wisdom Teeth
Anesthesia is the financial wildcard when getting wisdom teeth extracted. If you can get away with local anesthesia — the kind where the dentist uses a needle to numb your teeth via the gum — it will be relatively inexpensive. However, IV sedation or general anesthesia for deeper sedation will require advanced equipment and cost much more.
Dentist or Oral Surgeon Performing Your Wisdom Teeth Extraction?
Are you seeing a general dentist or an oral surgeon? Oral surgeons tend to cost more — but they also bring added expertise for complicated or high-risk extractions. Your provider’s experience, credentials, and location can influence the final cost.
Wisdom Teeth Removal Costs Vary From State to State
Dental care costs vary from city to city and state to state. If you’re in a central metro area or a high-cost-of-living region, you may pay more than someone in a rural area. The type of facility and overhead costs in your area can also make a difference.
Will Insurance Cover The Wisdom Teeth Extraction Costs?
Insurance will typically cover wisdom teeth extraction when it’s considered medically necessary — for example, if the teeth are impacted, causing pain, infection, swelling, or damage to other teeth. Some dental insurance plans cover it under oral surgery, while medical insurance may step in if the procedure requires hospitalization or sedation due to complications.
Always check with your provider to confirm what’s covered based on your plan and the reason for extraction. If you can’t get the procedure deemed a ‘medical procedure’ for whatever reason, insurance likely will not cover it.
Dealing With the Discomfort of Post-Wisdom Teeth Removal Surgery
Most people are slightly uncomfortable in the first few days following wisdom teeth removal. Their face and mouth might be swollen or sore, and some bruising around the jaw is common. However, these symptoms typically improve within a week.
Applying ice packs in the first 24 hours can help reduce swelling, and sticking to soft foods — like smoothies, soups, and mashed potatoes — will keep irritation to a minimum. Don’t smoke and go easy on your mouth to avoid dry socket syndrome. Most patients heal comfortably with proper care and return to normal activities within a few days.
Wisdom Tooth Removal with Trusted Dentistry
Do you still have questions about cost, sedation, or whether you need all four wisdom teeth removed? Trusted Dentistry is here to answer any lingering questions you might have. Call us today at 833-2-Trusted, and one of our specialists will walk you through our process.
Trusted Dentistry will never rush through your wisdom teeth removal surgery. We start the process with a pre-surgical consultation, including a detailed 3D X-ray of your mouth and jaw. We then tailor the procedure to your situation. This gives patients confidence and clarity before the surgery takes place.
Our goal is to help you make an informed, stress-free decision. Our team will guide you through each step — from your initial exam to aftercare — and provide a personalized cost estimate tailored to your individual situation.