Wisdom Tooth Extractions - Belmont, MA

Factors That Can Impact the Cost of Wisdom Tooth Extractions

The cost of your wisdom tooth extraction will be influenced by the number of teeth involved. Most people will have all four wisdom teeth removed at once, while others will only have one or two taken out at a time. (Certain people may not even have a full set of four wisdom teeth to begin with.)

Furthermore, an impacted wisdom tooth tends to be more costly to remove than one that has successfully erupted through the gums. This is because impacted wisdom teeth typically require a surgical extraction.

There’s also the matter of sedation dentistry. Some patients prefer to be sedated for their wisdom tooth extractions in order to stay as comfortable as possible while keeping any dental anxieties they may have under control. However, electing to have sedation dentistry administered will add to the cost of the procedure.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Wisdom Tooth Extractions?

Many dental insurance plans will cover 50% to 80% of the cost of a wisdom tooth extraction. The percentage might vary based on the complexity of the procedure and other factors. You may also need to account for other aspects of your insurance plan. For example, many insurance companies will only pay for your treatment once you have met your deductible.

Before you commit to a wisdom tooth extraction, you should review the details of your dental insurance policy. Make sure that you have a full grasp of what coverage is available so that you aren’t caught off guard later. Don’t forget that you can reach out to your insurance company if you have any questions.

Our team is proud to welcome a variety of dental insurance plans. You can count on us to file the necessary claims and take whatever steps are needed to help you save as much money on your care as possible.

How to Make Wisdom Tooth Extractions Affordable

If you don’t have dental insurance, consider signing up for one of our Wellness Dental Access Plans. These plans come with significant discounts on various services, and you have the option of paying for them monthly or annually based on what’s more convenient for you.

Another option is to apply for CareCredit financing. With a low-to-no-interest CareCredit plan, you can pay for your care in installments so that you don’t have to worry about fitting the full cost into your budget all at once. Feel free to ask our team for more details about how financing works at our practice.

How Should I Prepare for My Wisdom Teeth Extraction?

We will give you some specific instructions before your surgery. Here are some common tips:

• If sedation or anesthesia is being used, ask someone else to drive you to and from our office.
• Tell us about any medications you’re taking right now, as well as how often you use alcohol or recreational drugs.
• Avoid eating or drinking after midnight on the night before your procedure.
• Stock up on soft foods so you already have plenty of options for meals during recovery.
• Wear glasses instead of contacts; you’ll most likely be keeping your eyes closed for a long period of time during the procedure.

How Do You Stop Wisdom Teeth Pain?

We can only stop your pain for good by removing your wisdom teeth, but there are steps you can take to control your pain at home. Take an ice pack wrapped in a towel and hold it over the affected area outside your cheek for 20 minutes at a time, and repeat every few hours to keep swelling down. If you use pain medication like ibuprofen, follow the instructions on the label carefully. Another trick is to rinse your mouth with a saltwater solution. Swish the mixture around in your mouth before spitting it out; do not swallow it.

Is Wisdom Tooth Removal Painful?

No, it is not. Your mouth will be numbed with local anesthetic first, and you’ll usually be sedated. This results in a painless procedure. Some slight pressure may be felt as the teeth are being moved around, but you won’t experience serious pain. After the procedure is complete and the local anesthetic has worn off, you may experience some discomfort or general soreness. This will only last for about a week, especially if you’re diligent about following our aftercare instructions.

How Long Does Wisdom Tooth Surgery Take?

It depends on how many teeth are being removed. It usually takes between 15 to 20 minutes for a singles wisdom tooth to be removed, so if you’re having all four taken out, the estimated timeline is typically around 90 minutes; of course, this can vary based on the location, position, and condition of each tooth. We’ll make sure that you and the person driving you have a reliable timeline to work with before we begin. If you’re being sedated for the procedure, then it will barely feel like any time has passed at all no matter how long your surgery takes.