For many people, the cost of wisdom tooth extraction can be a significant expense. But is it cheaper to remove all four wisdom teeth at once or have them extracted separately? Generally speaking, it's usually more cost-effective and convenient for patients to remove all four wisdom teeth at the same time. This way, you can save money on multiple office visits and anesthesia costs while avoiding unnecessary pain and discomfort from multiple surgeries. When it comes to wisdom tooth extraction, the cost of the procedure can vary depending on the number of teeth being removed.
For obvious reasons, it's more expensive to perform a separate surgery for each tooth extraction than one for all four. If you calculate the prices on an individual basis, you'll pay for multiple office visits, plus surgical costs, and double or triple the cost of anesthesia. In addition, your discomfort and inconvenience will essentially be the same regardless of whether you undergo one or four extractions. Do you really want to go through that process several times? For most patients, the answer is no.
It's important to note that these additional costs vary and some dentists include them in the total cost. In addition, many dentists or oral surgeons offer a discount (or “package”) to remove all four teeth at once. It's a good idea to do some research to find a dentist who works with uninsured patients. Even if your wisdom teeth haven't come out (called impacting wisdom teeth), some dentists recommend removing them anyway. From there, they will recommend the best process for your specific surgery, including the number of teeth to be extracted and the best anesthetic option so that the surgery is performed safely and comfortably.
Even if all four wisdom teeth show no signs of infection, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon (WHO) will recommend removing them. The main reason people need to have their wisdom teeth removed is because human mouths have become too small to fit in this last set of teeth. Dentists often believe that it's best to remove wisdom teeth at an earlier age, even if they're impacted. Whether you have dental insurance or not, you may need help to cover all the costs of wisdom tooth extraction. Once you decide to have wisdom tooth surgery, one of the first decisions you'll have to make is whether you want to remove all four teeth at the same time or simply have the ones that cause you pain left. With proper aftercare, patients typically experience the same amount of general discomfort, regardless of the number of wisdom teeth that are removed. When it comes down to it, it's usually cheaper and more convenient for patients to remove all four wisdom teeth at once rather than having them extracted separately.
However, it's important to do your research and find a dentist who works with uninsured patients in order to get the best deal possible. While the cost of extracting wisdom teeth is significant, caring for your teeth and gums is an important part of overall health. So, you can choose to only remove your sore teeth now and take a wait-and-see approach to others.