How much does it cost to extract a wisdom tooth?

Nov 01, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Chao
Introduction
There are generally five methods for extracting a wisdom tooth, with the following reference prices: tooth extraction under general anesthesia, 500–1000 yuan per tooth; tooth extraction under local infiltration anesthesia, 200–1000 yuan per tooth; surgical incision method for tooth extraction, 500–2000 yuan per tooth; crown separation method for tooth extraction, 500–1000 yuan per tooth.

There are typically five methods for extracting a wisdom tooth, with the following reference prices: extraction under general anesthesia, 500–1000 RMB per tooth; extraction under local infiltration anesthesia, 200–1000 RMB per tooth; surgical incision method, 500–2000 RMB per tooth; crown sectioning method, 500–1000 RMB per tooth; and coronectomy (removal of the crown while leaving the root), 1000–2500 RMB per tooth. Factors influencing the cost of wisdom tooth extraction include the position of the tooth, regional differences, and the dentist's experience.

Methods of wisdom tooth extraction and their reference prices:

Category/Method

Extraction under General Anesthesia

Extraction under Local Infiltration Anesthesia

Surgical Incision Method

Crown Sectioning Method

Coronectomy (Crown Removal with Root Left in Place)

Reference Price

500–1000 RMB/tooth

200–1000 RMB/tooth

500–2000 RMB/tooth

500–1000 RMB/tooth

1000–2500 RMB/tooth

Principle of Procedure

The oral surgeon removes the wisdom tooth while the patient is under general anesthesia.

A local anesthetic is injected into the soft tissues surrounding the wisdom tooth before extraction.

An incision is made along the gum flap around the impacted tooth to separate soft and hard tissues, exposing the tooth, which is then removed in sections.

The wisdom tooth is divided into smaller segments using specialized instruments and then extracted piece by piece.

Only the crown portion of the wisdom tooth is removed, while the root remains in the jawbone.

Suitable Candidates

Patients experiencing pain or infection caused by wisdom teeth

Individuals requiring removal of a single wisdom tooth

Patients with severely impacted wisdom teeth

Patients with multi-rooted or complex-structured wisdom teeth

Patients with severely impacted wisdom teeth

Recovery Period

5–7 days

3–7 days

15–30 days

1–3 months

1–3 months

Potential Risks

1. Swelling and pain
2. Local infection

1. Swelling
2. Bleeding

1. Pain
2. Spread of infection

1. Greater trauma
2. Bleeding

1. Numbness of the lower lip
2. Jawbone damage

Factors affecting the price:

① Position of the wisdom tooth: If the tooth grows in a normal position without impaction or being buried, the extraction is relatively simple and thus less expensive. However, if the tooth is deeply impacted or hidden, the procedure becomes more difficult and costly.

② Regional differences: Variations in living costs and distribution of medical resources lead to price differences. Major cities and economically developed regions generally have higher prices, while second- and third-tier cities tend to be less expensive.

③ Dentist’s experience: Experienced dentists can more accurately assess the condition of the wisdom tooth and choose the most appropriate extraction method, so their fees may be higher. Less experienced dentists may charge relatively less.

The cost of wisdom tooth extraction is influenced by multiple factors. It is recommended to carefully consider your personal situation and needs when choosing a dental clinic and practitioner to select the most suitable option. After surgery, maintain a light diet and avoid spicy or irritating foods such as Sichuan pepper, chili peppers, and onions, as they may hinder recovery.