How Much Does Wisdom Teeth Removal Cost in Modesto, California?

Wisdom teeth are the last molars, usually emerging in the late teens to early twenties. When properly aligned, they often require no special care. However, the modern jaw frequently lacks adequate room for them, resulting in impaction under the gums.

Due to this reason, there are about 10 million wisdom teeth removed every year in the U.S. Most of the time, this is due to a lack of space in the mouth.

Problems associated with wisdom teeth include:

• • Crowding or misaligning nearby teeth
  • Damaging adjacent teeth
  • Developing painful cysts in the jaw
  • Causing inflammation and cavities

Why It Is Necessary To Remove Wisdom Teeth?

Getting wisdom teeth removed is a common thing for many teenagers becoming young adults. These third molars can cause problems with oral health, so dentists usually suggest taking them out early.

Sometimes, these wisdom teeth don’t grow properly. They might grow sideways or put pressure on other teeth, which can lead to overcrowding in the mouth.

A common reason for removing wisdom teeth is when they become impacted, which means they can’t come in properly. This can cause a lot of issues like ongoing pain, swelling, and infections. Bacteria can also get stuck around the impacted wisdom teeth, leading to plaque build-up, which can cause problems like:

• • Gingivitis (inflamed gums)
  • Dental caries (cavities)
  • Abscess (pus-filled infection)
  • Cellulitis (infection in the soft tissue)
  • Pericoronitis (inflammation around the tooth)

What are the Complications Related to Wisdom Teeth Extraction?

Wisdom tooth extraction carries certain risks like any surgery. Some common potential complications include:

• • Infections – Bacteria can enter the extraction site and cause an infection. This may require antibiotics or further procedures.
  • Bleeding – Extensive bleeding can occur during or after surgery. Pressure is typically applied to control bleeding.
  • Swelling – The extraction area may swell significantly. This usually resolves with ice and medication.
  • Pain – Moderate to severe pain is common following extraction. Over-the-counter or prescription pain relievers help manage discomfort.

Other possible issues are nerve injuries, dry socket infections, and damage to nearby teeth and tissue. Proper postoperative care helps prevent complications. Notify your Modesto dentist promptly if any severe issues arise after wisdom tooth removal.

While extraction has risks, they are generally minimal with an experienced oral surgeon. The long-term benefits typically outweigh the potential for short-term problems.

Top Signs That Your Wisdom Teeth Are Impacted

Severely impacted wisdom teeth often cause noticeable discomfort and dental issues. However, sometimes there are no symptoms until infection or damage to adjacent teeth occurs. Signs that may indicate an impacted wisdom tooth requiring extraction include:

• • Jaw pain
  • Bad breath
  • Swollen, tender, or bleeding gums
  • Difficulty opening your mouth
  • Unpleasant taste in your mouth
  • Facial swelling

If you experience any of these symptoms, consult your dentist, as they may recommend removal of the impacted tooth. We, ProSmile Family Dental, are the #1 Dentist in Modesto, CA equipped with new-technology equipment. We help transform your smile with specialized cosmetic dentistry services & Implants.

Catching an impacted wisdom tooth early before severe infection or damage sets in can prevent more extensive dental work later on. Even if not currently symptomatic, impacted wisdom teeth almost invariably require future extraction. Addressing them proactively can avoid painful complications down the road.

Factors That Affect the Cost of Wisdom Teeth Removal

The cost of getting your wisdom teeth removed depends on different things:

• • How the Wisdom Tooth is Positioned

If your wisdom tooth has come out fully from your gums, it’s usually cheaper to take it out compared to a tooth that is still underneath the gums and jawbone.

• • • For fully grown wisdom teeth : It can cost around $200 to $500 per tooth to remove them.

• • • For wisdom teeth that are still under the gums : you may need to consult an oral surgeon for their removal. In such cases, a referral from your general dentist might be necessary. The cost of the procedure can vary based on your geographical location and the complexity of the extraction.

These costs cover local anesthesia, but you may have to pay extra for general anesthesia or nitrous oxide.

• • Condition of your Wisdom Teeth

It’s a good idea to see a dentist as soon as you notice any issues with your wisdom teeth. If you ignore the problem, it could lead to more dental issues that will cost even more to treat.

For example, if you delay getting your wisdom teeth removed and develop a condition called pericoronitis, the cost of the pericoronitis removal surgery will be much higher, and you might need additional treatments.

• • Type of Impaction

If the wisdom tooth has come through the jawbone but is still under the gums, it costs less to remove than a tooth that is completely covered by bone.

Removing a partially covered tooth is more expensive, and fully covered ones cost the most because they need more complex surgery.

• • Number of Wisdom Teeth To Be Removed

The cost is for one tooth only, so if you need to remove more than one wisdom tooth, the total cost will be higher. Some dentists might offer discounts if you need all four wisdom teeth removed.

• • Quality of Service

When choosing a dentist for wisdom tooth extraction, expertise and quality of care are more important than cost alone.

Research experienced, reputable surgeons with a proven track record. Don’t risk botched treatment by settling for the cheapest option. Your long-term dental health is worth investing in quality extraction services.

• • Where You Live

The cost can vary depending on where your dentist or oral surgeon is located. In big cities, it’s generally more expensive compared to less populated areas. So if you are living nearby or in Modesto, CA, you should look nowhere other than ProSmile Family Dental.

• • Anesthesia

The dentist will numb the area around the wisdom tooth with local anesthesia, and this is usually included in the cost. But in some cases, you might need other types of anesthesia, like nitrous oxide (laughing gas) or general anesthesia, which can add to the overall cost.

• • Your Age

Wisdom tooth surgery can cost more for older adults because their jawbone is denser, making the removal process more challenging. Teens and young adults have softer jaw bones, which makes the removal easier and faster to recover.

So, the cost of wisdom teeth removal depends on these factors, and your dentist or oral surgeon will help you decide the best treatment option for you.

Cost Breakdown of Wisdom Teeth Removal Procedure

In this section, we will explore the costs breakdown of wisdom teeth removal procedure, covering all the essential aspects to consider when budgeting for this dental procedure.

From initial exams and X-rays to anesthesia fees and actual extractions, we’ll leave no stone unturned to provide you with a clear understanding of the potential expenses.

• • Initial Exam and X-rays

The first step in the wisdom teeth removal process is an initial examination, during which your dentist will assess the state of your wisdom teeth. This dental examination is essential to determine if the removal is necessary and what approach should be taken.

X-rays play a crucial role in this stage, as they provide a clear picture of the teeth’s positioning and potential complications. The average total cost for the initial exam and imaging ranges from $150-$350 if a panoramic X-ray is sufficient. Otherwise, you can expect to pay about $400-$600 if a CBCT (Cone beam computed tomography) is also needed for surgical planning.

• • Anesthesia

Sedatives used during wisdom teeth removal can vary in cost. Here are the typical costs for anesthesia for wisdom teeth removal in Modesto, CA:

• • • Local anesthesia usually included in the extraction cost
    • Nitrous oxide sedation: $149 setup fee + $45-$75 per 15 mins of additional time
    • Oral sedation (anti-anxiety pill): $50-$200
    • IV sedation: $400-$600 – Common for moderate impactions
    • General anesthesia: $600-$1,000+ – For complex surgical cases

Sedation methods and costs depend on the surgery’s complexity, patient needs, and provider fees.

Consult your oral surgeon about the best anesthesia choice for your situation, budget, and preferences. But in general, expect to pay $149-$800 for anesthesia for wisdom teeth removal in Modesto.

• • Actual Wisdom Teeth Extraction

The actual wisdom teeth extraction is the core of the procedure. This is when the dentist or oral surgeon carefully removes the impacted or problematic wisdom teeth.

The complexity of the extraction, the number of teeth being removed, and any additional complications will all factor into the total cost.

• • • Simple extraction of an erupted tooth: $175-$300 per tooth
    • Surgical extraction of a partially impacted tooth: $250-$400 per tooth
    • Surgical extraction of a fully impacted tooth: $325-$600 per tooth

  In total to extract all 4 wisdom teeth:

  • • Partially impacted: $800-$1400
    • Fully impacted: $1100-$2000

Prices can vary based on your insurance coverage as well.

• • Pain Medication

After getting your wisdom teeth removed, dentists often suggest using over-the-counter pain relievers like Tylenol and ibuprofen. These medicines are affordable and you might already have them at home.

If you still have a lot of pain after the procedure, your dentist might prescribe a stronger painkiller like generic oxycodone, which costs around $60 at the store.

It’s important to know that your dental insurance won’t cover the cost of prescription medications, but your medical insurance might help with that. So, if you need a prescription pain medicine, you can check if your medical insurance can assist with the costs.

• • Follow-up Appointments

After the surgery, follow-up appointments are essential to monitor the healing process and ensure there are no complications. These appointments may involve X-rays and examinations to confirm that everything is progressing well. Based on location and dental office, typically ranges from $100 to $300 per appointment.

When you get your wisdom teeth removed, there are extra expenses you should know about. These additional costs are important to make the procedure go well and minimize any discomfort. However, they do increase the overall cost of removing your wisdom teeth.

The extra costs for wisdom tooth removal include:

• • Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) – This can cost between $149 to $300.
  • X-rays – Around $100-$500 is typically what you can expect to pay for the necessary X-rays.
  • Teeth cleaning – $200-$500 for a deep cleaning after wisdom tooth removal to clear bacteria and food particles from other teeth that may have been affected.

It’s essential to be aware of these additional costs and factor them into your budget when planning for wisdom teeth removal.

For information on teeth extractions other than wisdom teeth, please check out our blog post on the Cost of Tooth Extraction in Modesto, CA.

 

What is the Average Cost for Wisdom Teeth Removal in Modesto?

The average cost of wisdom tooth extraction in Modesto, CA, ranges from $300 to $1,000 per tooth. The actual cost will vary depending on a number of factors, such as the difficulty of the extraction, the type of anesthesia used, the location of the dentist, and insurance coverage.

Let’s dive into the different types of wisdom teeth removal procedures and explore how each one can impact the cost.

• • Simple Wisdom Tooth Extraction

A simple extraction involves removing wisdom teeth that have fully erupted through the gum line and are relatively easy to access. This type of extraction is typically the least expensive and is often covered by dental insurance.

If you have a dental plan, you can expect it to cover a significant portion of the cost, usually over 80%. Simple extractions typically cost $200 – $500 (per tooth).

• • Surgical Wisdom Tooth Extraction

In contrast to simple extraction, surgical extraction is necessary when the wisdom teeth are impacted or have not fully emerged from the gums.

This procedure is more complex and may require anesthesia or sedation, making it more expensive than a simple extraction.

The cost of surgical extractions ranges from $250 – $500 (per tooth).

• • Extraction of Impacted Wisdom Teeth

When your wisdom teeth are impacted, it means they don’t have enough room to grow properly and may become trapped beneath the gum line.

This condition often leads to pain, swelling, and an increased risk of infection. The cost of extracting impacted wisdom teeth can vary widely, ranging from $100 to $600 per tooth, depending on the complexity and severity of the impaction.

• • Upper vs. Lower Wisdom Teeth Removal

The location of your wisdom teeth can also affect the cost. Removing upper wisdom teeth tends to be less complicated than lower ones, which are closer to vital structures like nerves and sinuses.

The complexity of the removal can influence the overall cost, so it’s essential to consider this when budgeting for the procedure.

Additional Potential Issues That May Increase The Overall Costs

Everyone hopes for a smooth dental procedure, but sometimes complications can arise. If you experience any complications, you may need additional treatments, which can end up costing you more money.

• • Operculectomy: In this procedure, your dentist removes a small piece of gum tissue. This might be necessary if your wisdom tooth is hidden under both the gum and bone. It can add an extra $150 to $300 per tooth to the overall cost of the surgery.
  • Dry Socket: This happens when the blood clot that forms after the surgery comes out too early. If you develop a dry socket, you’ll probably need to go back to the dentist. They will apply a special paste that contains zinc oxide, which costs the dentist around $50 or more.
  • Infection: If your wisdom tooth was infected, your dentist might prescribe antibiotics like amoxicillin or clindamycin. The generic versions of these drugs cost $15-$60. It’s essential to treat infections promptly to avoid further complications.

Remember, even though complications can happen, most wisdom teeth removal procedures go smoothly. However, it’s good to be aware of these possible issues and discuss them with your dentist if you have any concerns.

How Can You Reduce the Cost of Wisdom Tooth Removal in Modesto?

Wisdom tooth removal can be quite expensive, but there are ways to make it more affordable:

• • Consider getting all four wisdom teeth removed at once. Some dentists offer package deals, which can be more cost-effective than removing them one by one
  • Use local anesthesia instead of general anesthesia, if it’s suitable for your case. Local anesthesia is usually cheaper.
  • Look for nearby dental schools. They often provide high-quality dental services at lower costs, as they are training future dentists.
  • Explore discount dental programs. While not the same as insurance, these programs can help reduce your costs. Your dentist might be able to suggest some good options.
  • Choosing a dentist who charges based on actual anesthesia used instead of the maximum allowed by your insurance is crucial. This can prevent unnecessary extra costs.
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• Considering these options can find ways to manage the costs of wisdom tooth removal and make it more budget-friendly.
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In The End!

Now that you know the good and not-so-good things about taking out your wisdom teeth, there’s one more important point to remember – It’s crucial to find the right dental experts to help you through the process.

This way, you’ll have a better chance of a successful surgery and a fast recovery.

At ProSmile Family Dental, our team of very experienced specialists uses advanced tools and materials to provide you with top-notch oral healthcare. We make sure to do it in the safest and gentlest way possible. Book an appointment now!