Wisdom Tooth Removal Cost Without Insurance | Dentist Atlanta Coast Dental

Wisdom Tooth Removal Cost Without Insurance: A Complete Guide

Wondering how much wisdom teeth removal will cost you without insurance? If so, you’re not alone. Wisdom tooth removal is one of those expensive but necessary dental procedures that many have to pay upfront. So, allow me to share my experience and everything you need to know on what removing wisdom teeth cost when you do not have insurance.

I was in for a rude awakening when I found out that I would need my wisdom teeth removed, asp. I had zero knowledge of the price of having wisdom teeth removed without insurance and was blindsided by a hefty bill. As I said, as many, I was concerned that it would have been out of my budget; But the thing is, I survived it all, and so can you.

In this blog, I will share the cost of wisdom tooth removal without insurance, what factors affect the cost and how I went through the process in addition to some tips on saving money from me. Let’s dive right into it.

What Is Wisdom Tooth Removal?

So to begin with, what is wisdom tooth removal before we dive into the costs. Wisdom teeth are third molars that appear in the back of your mouth. These teeth frequently do not have room to come in properly, causing painful problems like impaction and infection, as well as impacting the alignment of other teeth.

The actual process is either simple extractions (if the tooth has erupted through the gum) or more complicated surgical if the tooth is impacted or stuck beneath the periodontal tissue. The cost of getting your wisdom teeth out without insurance ranges a lot based on the difficulty of the extraction.

Factors That Influence Wisdom Tooth Removal Cost Without Insurance

The Complexity of the Extraction

Top determining factor for wisdom tooth removal cost no insurance is the difficulty of the extraction If your teeth are fully erupted, and easy for the dentist to access then the cost will be lower end of the scale. But if the teeth are impacted (meaning they have not entirely come through the gums) it will be a more complicated process, that includes a longer time in the chair and may require sedation. That increases the total expense to pay.

Sedation and Anesthesia

Anesthesia can also make a big difference in cost. Three common forms of sedation: anesthesia (numbing a part), laughing gas (nitrous oxide) and IV sedation (putting you into a semi-conscious state). Naturally, advanced sedation will lead to high wisdom tooth removal cost without insurance.

I went for local anesthesia because it was the cheapest. Though, for phobic people who are apprehensive about the treatment, IV sedation would be their choice. Note that the cost of anesthesia/sedation is separate from the price of extraction.

Geographical Location

Also, the citation of the dental office can have an effect on your charge. More populated cities and metropolitan areas generally cost more than small town or rural places to get dental work done, including wisdom tooth extraction without insurance. The dental care in my area is a little pricier than anticipated so when mine were removed, I had to factor this into the equation.

Dentist’s Experience

The experience level of the dentist or oral surgeon you select also will factor into the price. Oral surgeons with more experience or expertise may charge higher fees. I paid more, but I also went for a seasoned oral surgeon with thorough experience. I know its very appealing to opt for affordable ones, but next what you will run into you wouldn’t want to take chance when it comes to health.

Whether or Not You Need Additional Treatments

At times the wisdom tooth extraction without insurance price increases if there is some other treatment as well. If, say, you have an infection near your wisdom teeth, then you’re probably going to need some antibiotics before the procedure. Finally, if your wisdom teeth are extremely impacted injections or incision needing stitches in post-surgery management may also be required.

What’s the Average Wisdom Tooth Removal Cost Without Insurance?

Since we learned about what goes into the cost, let us jump to the big question – what does wisdom tooth removal without insurance cost?

Below is a basic summary of the typical costs in the US:

I needed surgery on one of the impacted tooth, and I chose a local anaesthesia, which cost me roughly $1,200. And, of course, this does not include any charges for follow-up care or prescriptions either.

My Personal Experience with Wisdom Tooth Removal

To better illustrate, I’ll share a personal story. Initially, when I learned my wisdom had to be taken out — the bill was a shock. A few years ago I had a slight medical issue, at the time my insurance didn’t cover this type of visit and I was terrified of having to pay out the ass.

Then, to make it worse, two teeth were impacted. They got one out easily, the other they had to remove via surgery. I received an estimate of $2000 to extract both teeth from my dentist. Luckily for me, the dentist was able to work out a price with me. We went back and forth on the price but for both teeth, under anesthesia, I paid $1,500.

They had done the procedure under local anesthesia, which worked 100% and I felt very little during it. It was a smooth recovery with a return to normal life in no more than 3-4 days.

How to Save Money on Wisdom Tooth Removal Without Insurance

If the big price tag of wisdom tooth removal without insurance is scaring you, there are a couple of things that you can try to stretch your budget. So, with that in mind, here are some recommendations from my personal experience:

Shop Around for the Best Price

The cost also varies from dental office to dental office, even in the same location. I was careful to shop around before choosing a dentist. I saved myself quite a bit of money on that procedure by shopping around. Feel free to ask for a detailed invoice.

Consider a Dental School

Because students perform the work under licensed dentists, dental schools can provide reduced-cost services. It is also a great way to get quality care at affordable rates. It seems crazy to pay that much unless you can go this route — I personally didn’t go this route, but know many friends who have and gotten out of the school with hundreds dollar savings at dental schools.

Look for Payment Plans

Financing options If receiving a dental treatment is too costly, some dentists offer financing options or payment plans that enable you to pay through installments. This is great if you can not pay the whole amount directly. This made the cost of getting MAC-OO more manageable as I could make smaller monthly payments.

Check for Discounts or Special Offers

Sometimes, dental clinics have a promo and special deals when you pay cash or are a first-timer. Look out for any discounts that may apply to you. It never hurts to ask!

Insurance Options for Future Treatments

As you think about the cost of wisdom tooth removal without insurance, you may want to search for dental insurance that will cover future dental needs. They do not pay for the whole cost to get your wisdom teeth removed, but insurance that covers maintenance and additional procedures can save you money in the future.

What to Expect During and After Wisdom Tooth Removal

Feeling nervous about the procedure is normal, but having an idea of what to expect may assuage your nerves. This is how it went down, at least for me:

Before the Procedure

Your dentist or oral surgeon will likely examine your teeth and take X-rays to evaluate their positioning before the procedure. If you went for local anesthesia, they will apply anesthesia to the area of the tooth that needs treating.

During the Procedure

Wait for the anaesthesia to work, so that you do not feel any pain during the process however you might sense some pressure when the dentist tries to extract the tooth. The procedure itself lasted just 45 minutes for two teeth, and honestly it was not as painful or awful as I had expected.

After the Procedure

But then you will feel a bit swollen and sore, which is expected. I suggest applying ice packs to the face for swelling and over-the-counter pain relievers (as prescribed by your dentist). Stick to soft foods for the next few days and try not to do anything too strenuous.

Is Wisdom Tooth Removal Worth the Cost?

Answering this question is something I had to do before following through with the procedure. Is the cost of wisdom tooth extraction without insurance worth it? Absolutely.

It wasn’t cheap, but no more tooth pain all the time AND not needing to go waste money towards potential future dental visits was worth it. Like getting your wisdom teeth out, it gives you peace of mind and avoids more serious problems later down the road.

Conclusion: Managing Wisdom Tooth Removal Cost Without Insurance

Even without insurance, the price of getting your wisdom teeth taken out can be a shock to the bank statement — but with some planning and knowledge of what to expect, it is manageable. Do not hesitate to shop around, bargain with your dentist and use any discounts that come your way.

If you’re planning to have your wisdom teeth out,

the most important thing is knowing what you’re getting yourself into. **Don’t be afraid to ask questions**, and don’t just accept the first price that is quoted to you.
You’ll feel so much better once you’re free of the stress and pain that those troublesome teeth can cause.

Now I have happy cheeks, and my days of wisdom tooth woes are behind me.