The cost of wisdom teeth removal follows a range depending on how many teeth need extraction and whether these teeth are impacted. The cost is about $800 to $1,100 for a non-impacted wisdom tooth. For an impacted tooth, the cost may rise depending on the degree of impaction.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the third molars located at the back of the mouth. They received their name because they erupted between 17 and 25 years of age.
Wisdom teeth were necessary when our early human ancestors had a coarser diet, and their jaws were larger to allow these teeth to erupt. Today, patients typically do not have enough room for these teeth to erupt normally into the mouth.
Possible Problems With Wisdom Teeth
Since wisdom teeth generally cannot erupt normally, they can cause crowding and other potentially serious oral health issues. Wisdom teeth often push on the teeth around them, causing discomfort. They may put so much pressure on other teeth that they can cause alignment issues or an increased chance of breakage.
When the wisdom tooth partially erupts, food and plaque can collect around it. This contamination may increase the patient's chance of developing an infection. Partially erupted wisdom teeth can also be painful.
Symptoms That Indicate Wisdom Teeth Removal May Be Necessary
Your general dentist may recommend wisdom teeth removal based on X-ray imaging results.
If you leave your wisdom teeth alone, you may notice the following symptoms:
- Pain behind the second molar that could extend to the gums or jaw
- Gum inflammation around the partially erupted wisdom tooth
- Facial pain and swelling, sometimes accompanied by fever, which could be signs of a serious infection
The Wisdom Teeth Removal Process
Wisdom teeth removal may be intimidating, but the procedure is generally well-tolerated. Patients can opt for local anesthesia, general anesthesia, or IV sedation to make the procedure as comfortable as possible.
The procedure to remove a wisdom tooth varies depending on the tooth's degree of impaction. Removal is quick and simple if the tooth is not impacted, with the tooth often coming out in one piece.
Impacted teeth require more care. The tooth may be partially or fully impacted, requiring accessing the jawbone to remove it. With complex surgeries, the doctor often must section the tooth and remove it in pieces. After removing the teeth, the surgeon closes the gum with sutures.
Better Early Than Late
While oral surgeons can remove wisdom teeth in older patients, patients tolerate the surgery more easily in their late teens or early twenties. The wisdom teeth have less chance of causing problems, and the patient has a smoother path to recovery due to their younger age.
Call Upper West Side Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
If your general dentist has informed you that your wisdom teeth need extraction or if you have experienced any symptoms that could indicate the need for their removal, please call our Upper West Side office at 212-466-6984. We can schedule a consultation with Dr. Park and answer your questions about the procedure.