Thinking about getting your wisdom teeth removed but unsure how much it will cost? You’re not alone. Wisdom teeth removal is a common dental procedure, but the price can vary. The good news? Gaining a clear insight into these costs in advance can help you budget wisely and explore ways to make treatment more affordable. In this guide, we’ll break down what impacts the wisdom teeth removal cost in Australia, how private health insurance can help, and the financing options available to ease the financial burden.
Why Do Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?
Not all wisdom teeth require removal, but for many patients, these third molars can lead to significant dental issues. If your mouth doesn’t have enough space for wisdom teeth to emerge properly, they may become impacted, leading to severe pain, infections, and potential damage to surrounding teeth.
Some of the key reasons for removing wisdom teeth include:
Soft Tissue Impaction: The gum partially covers the tooth, making it prone to infection and swelling.
Partial Bony Impaction: The tooth is partially embedded in the jawbone, necessitating surgical extraction.
Severe Pain and Swelling: Discomfort from wisdom teeth can interfere with eating and speaking.
Orthodontic Treatment: If you wear braces or aligners, removing wisdom teeth may be necessary to prevent them from causing misalignment or shifting of your teeth.
Good Oral Hygiene Maintenance: Wisdom teeth are difficult to clean, increasing the potential for decay and gum disease.
How Much Does Wisdom Teeth Removal Cost in Australia?
The cost of wisdom tooth removal varies according to the complexity of the procedure. In general, the starting costs for wisdom teeth removal in Australia are:
Simple Wisdom Tooth Extraction (in-chair, local anaesthetic): from $200 per tooth
Surgical Wisdom Tooth Removal (complex cases, impacted wisdom teeth): from $400 per tooth
Wisdom Tooth Removal Surgery: from $2,000 for four wisdom teeth.
These are baseline prices, and the final cost may vary depending on factors such as the location of the clinic, the expertise of the dentist, and whether additional procedures like X-rays are required.
Factors That Impact Wisdom Teeth Removal Cost
Several factors influence the final cost of wisdom tooth removal. These include:
1. Number of Teeth Being Removed
Removing a single wisdom tooth costs less than extracting multiple teeth. The final cost increases significantly if all four wisdom teeth need removal.
2. Complexity of the Extraction
Not all wisdom teeth are the same—some are fully erupted, making them easier to extract, while others are impacted and require surgical removal. The type of impaction significantly affects the wisdom teeth removal cost.
3. Private Health Insurance Coverage
If you have private health insurance, your policy may cover some or all of the costs associated with wisdom teeth removal.
4 . Location and Expertise of the Dentist
Wisdom teeth removal costs vary by city, state, and clinic. Major cities often have higher fees than regional areas. Additionally, the experience of the dentist can impact pricing.
5. Additional Costs
Other factors that may contribute to the cost of wisdom teeth removal include:
Initial Consultation Fees: From $50
X-rays or 3D Scans: From $100
Financing Options for Wisdom Teeth Removal: Making Treatment More Affordable
Wisdom teeth removal can be a costly procedure, but several financing options are available to help ease the financial burden. Whether you require a straightforward extraction or a more complex surgical removal, these payment plans can make the treatment more accessible and affordable.
1. Afterpay – Interest-Free Installments
Afterpay allows you to split the cost of wisdom teeth removal into four equal payments. There are no interest charges, making it a convenient option for those who want to pay in smaller amounts over time.
TLC provides medical and dental financing, offering loans for up to $50,000 with flexible repayment terms. This option is ideal for patients needing surgical wisdom tooth removal or hospital-based procedures under general anaesthesia.
3. Zip – Buy Now, Pay Later for Dental Care
Zip gives you the option to pay for wisdom teeth removal upfront and repay in weekly, fortnightly, or monthly instalments. With Zip Pay (for smaller amounts) and Zip Money (for larger expenses), patients can choose a repayment plan that suits their budget.
4. SuperCare – Accessing Your Superannuation for Dental Costs
SuperCare helps eligible patients access their superannuation to cover wisdom teeth removal costs, especially for impacted wisdom teeth requiring hospital treatment. This option is particularly beneficial for those who don’t have private health insurance but need urgent treatment.
5. Metro South Health Scheme – Public Dental Assistance
For eligible patients in Queensland, the Metro South Health Scheme provides low-cost or free dental care, including wisdom teeth removal. Public health schemes like this can be an alternative for those who cannot afford private dental treatment.
Are There Risks with Wisdom Teeth Removal?
While wisdom teeth removal is a common and generally safe dental procedure, there are potential risks to consider, including:
Infection if aftercare instructions are not followed.
Nerve Damage, though rare, can result in temporary or permanent numbness.
FAQs About Wisdom Teeth Removal Cost
Can all four wisdom teeth be removed at once?
Yes, many patients choose to have all four wisdom teeth removed in a single procedure to avoid multiple recovery periods. This is common when wisdom teeth are impacted or likely to cause issues in the future. While it may increase the initial cost, it can be more cost-effective and convenient in the long run.
Can I get wisdom teeth removal on a payment plan?
Yes, many dental clinics offer payment plans to make wisdom tooth extraction more affordable. Some providers allow you to spread payments over several months.
Can wisdom teeth removal prevent future dental problems?
Yes, removing problematic wisdom teeth can prevent crowding, infections, gum disease, and decay in other teeth. If there isn’t enough space for wisdom teeth to emerge properly, they can push against other teeth, causing misalignment or pain. Early removal may also reduce the risk of cysts or abscesses forming around impacted teeth.
How long does it take to recover from wisdom teeth removal?
Most people recover within 7-10 days, but complete healing can take a few weeks. Swelling and discomfort typically peak within the first 48 hours, and following aftercare instructions can help speed up recovery.
Can I return to work or school after wisdom teeth removal?
It’s best to rest for at least 24–48 hours after the procedure. Most patients feel comfortable returning to work or school within 2–3 days, but strenuous activities should be avoided for about a week to prevent complications like dry sockets.
Final Thoughts: Planning for Your Wisdom Teeth Removal
The cost of wisdom tooth extraction varies depending on the complexity of the procedure, the level of impaction, and the expertise of the dentist. Understanding wisdom teeth removal prices and insurance coverage can help you plan financially for this necessary procedure.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
WebMD. (n.d.). Dry socket: Symptoms and treatment. WebMD. Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/dry-socket-symptoms-and-treatment
Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Cavities: Symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cavities/symptoms-causes/syc-20352892
This helps give our patients who are undergoing treatment at our clinic peace of mind knowing that we have demonstrated evidence-based quality standards of care.
If you have an urgent problem, call us on (07) 3113 9789. We will almost always be available to help out as times are reserved every day for emergencies, including Saturdays and Sundays.
