Wisdom teeth are a frustrating and expensive dental problem – but they’re one that few people can avoid. Luckily, you can find ways you can save money on wisdom tooth removal procedures with an online search.
These “third molars” can affect your other teeth, cause dental issues, and pose plenty of pain. That’s why so many people wind up needing their wisdom teeth removed. Unfortunately, getting them removed comes with a steep cost.
Cheap Wisdom Teeth Removal is Available
Getting even one wisdom tooth removed isn’t cheap. The national average cost of extracting wisdom teeth totals $1,500 to $2,300 for simple procedures and $2,500 to $3,000 for more complex cases. If your wisdom teeth are impacted or causing other dental issues, the total could increase even more.
But did you know that it’s possible to pay for only a small portion of the total cost when you have your wisdom teeth taken out? There are ways to get the surgery for less – if you know where to look.
If you don’t want to pay thousands of dollars to have these pesky extra teeth removed, you need an alternative. Here are a few places where you can find cheap – or perhaps even free – options.
Clinical Trials
Organizations can offer clinical trials that need patients who are seeking dental work. These clinical trials will offer either free or reduced-cost dental procedures for participants who volunteer – and you might be able to find a clinical trial that offers wisdom tooth extraction.
For example, the National Institutes of Dental and Craniofacial Research will often seek volunteers with specific dental needs for clinical trials. Additionally, JBR Clinical Research offers wisdom teeth removal for qualified volunteers through a clinical research study. If you’re able to qualify, you can get potentially free exams and low-cost wisdom tooth extraction. Spend some time searching online for opportunities to apply to be a part of a clinical trial.
Dental Schools
In order to get proper experience, students at dental schools perform dental exams and procedures under the supervision of experienced dentists. What most people don’t realize, though, is that dental schools can be a great place to get quality dental care at a surprisingly low cost.
Dental schools that are accredited through the American Dental Association may offer wisdom teeth removal at an affordable price. Check with local dental schools in your state to see if they offer the procedure, and if you can get a reduced price.
Local State and City Health Programs
Individual states, counties, and regions may offer programs that have free or reduced-cost dental care. These programs vary from local area to local area, but they may offer you the chance to get free or low-cost wisdom teeth extraction, particularly if you’re below a certain income threshold. Check your local city, county, or state health department’s websites to see what’s available in your area and whether you qualify.
Low-Cost Insurance Options
Another way to save money on the removal of your wisdom teeth is to use dental insurance. Dental insurance is a separate type of insurance from health insurance. It’s typically used for routine dental procedures and care.
However, dental insurance can also cover important – and expensive – procedures like wisdom tooth extraction. And dental insurance doesn’t have to cost you very much at all. On average, dental insurance costs a total of $360 per year. It’s possible to find plans that range from $15 to $50 per month, depending on the kind of coverage you need.
Dental insurance covers a significant portion of the cost of wisdom tooth extraction. It’s considered a “major procedure,” which means the typical dental insurance plan will cover up to 50 percent of the expense. You can find dental insurance plans that include coverage for wisdom tooth extraction with an online search. Be sure to inquire specifically about coverage for this procedure to ensure that whatever policy you decide on is sufficient for your needs.
Find Affordable Options Locally
It’s time to start searching for ways to save on the actual cost of wisdom tooth extraction. Whether you’re getting a single tooth or all four removed, you’ll want to do your homework. Search online for local options, including clinical trials and dental schools. See if there are ways to lower your cost, like dental insurance or other affordable options.
Above all else, make sure to compare prices before getting your extraction done and ask directly about ways to lower the price. Different dentists and oral surgeons charge different amounts, which makes it so important to compare and contrast. You can get quality dental work at a price you can afford with a bit of research.