Wisdom teeth, sometimes called “third molars,” usually come in between the ages of 17 and 26. These extra teeth may not cause problems for some people, but not everyone is so lucky.
Here’s a look at the cost of wisdom teeth removal, why they may need to be removed and what to expect if they do.
Costs will vary depending on your location and your dentist. Let’s say you live in Jacksonville, Florida. Based on Humana’s proprietary Dental Procedure Pricing Tool, the cost for having a wisdom tooth removed may range from $215 to $430.1 The final cost will depend on whether the tooth has erupted or impacted, whether the root is exposed, or whether any bone needs to be removed.
Humana’s dental plans are budget-friendly and some offer no waiting period. Shop plans and prices in your area today!
The reason for wisdom teeth removal can be different for each person. Some common reasons include:
Here are 2 common types of wisdom teeth removal:
If the tooth is visible and easy to get to, it can be removed with an ordinary tooth extraction . This procedure is usually done with 2 instruments: an elevator and dental forceps. The elevator loosens the tooth and the forceps grab the tooth and pulls it out.
If the tooth can’t be accessed easily, oral surgery may be necessary. After making a small incision to open the gums, forceps are used to extract the tooth or tooth fragments. If the intact tooth is impacted (stuck in the gum tissue or bone), it may be broken into pieces for easier extraction.
The cost of removal can also be different for many reasons. These factors include:
Insurance coverage for wisdom teeth removal will depend on your dental insurance plan . Many plans cover medically necessary procedures, so if your wisdom teeth are affecting your oral health, the removal may be covered. Contact your dental insurance provider for more information.
If you have dental insurance, make sure you go to a dentist or an oral surgeon in your network. It may also help to shop around to learn which in-network dentists and surgeons offer the lowest price. If you don’t have dental insurance, you could call a local dental clinic or dental school and ask if they offer wisdom teeth removal.
If you need to get your wisdom teeth pulled, Humana can help. We offer a broad range of dental plans with varying levels of coverage, many with affordable monthly premiums. To explore plans and prices in your area, check out our Humana dental insurance page .
Dental insurance varies from plan to plan. Contact your supplemental dental insurance provider to check if wisdom teeth removal is covered.
Potential risks of wisdom teeth removal include dry sockets, nerve injuries, infection, bleeding and damage to nearby teeth.
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From budget-friendly monthly premiums to low office-visit copays, Humana has a dental plan that is sure to fit your needs.
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