So, your wisdom teeth are starting to trouble you and you think it might be time to have them removed? Depending on the extent of the extraction you need, you may be forced to fork out big time. However, if you have private health insurance, some policies do cover wisdom teeth extraction, which will certainly go towards reducing the pain in your wallet, and your teeth.

Here we investigate the costs associated with wisdom teeth extraction in Australia, to help you figure out the most cost-effective way forward for you.

How much does it cost to get your wisdom teeth removed?

Wisdom teeth extraction doesn’t come cheap. According health insurance provider HCF, the average cost for wisdom teeth extraction without insurance in Australia can range from $82 per wisdom tooth for treatment from a general dentist, to $520 per wisdom tooth for treatment from a specialist. And often patients need more than one tooth removed at the same time. There are also other costs such as general anaesthetic, private hospital charges and anaesthetist fees that can considerably add to the overall price, according to HCF Oral Surgeon Dr Parmanand Dhanrajani.

“The cost of day surgery can also vary between $1,300 to $2,100,” Dr Dhanrajani said. “The good news if you’ve got private health insurance with hospital cover is that it will contribute towards that cost, and if you have extras cover, and depending on its level, it will contribute towards the cost of the tooth extraction in the dentist’s chair.”

What factors change the costs?

According to Dr Dhanrajani, the price of wisdom teeth removal is dependent on a range of factors such as sedation requirements, full or partial tooth removal and whether surgical removal of the tooth also requires removal of bone and tooth division.

While most people only require a visit to the dentist chair to have their wisdom teeth removed under local anaesthetic, others with more complex dental issues may need to have the procedure done by a surgeon under general anaesthetic in hospital. This can add substantially to the cost of the procedure, but if you have private hospital insurance that covers wisdom tooth extraction, your costs may be significantly reduced.

Could you find cheaper extras cover for dental?

How much does Medicare contribute to wisdom teeth removal?

If you are having your wisdom teeth removed at the dentist clinic, Medicare will not cover the costs involved in the procedure unless you receive certain concessions from the government, such as the Child Dental Benefits Scheme (CDBS).

When it’s necessary for a hospital visit for the procedure, you’ll be able to claim some of the costs back under the Medicare Benefits Scheme if you’re eligible for Medicare assistance – but to a limit and you may still have to pay the gap, as in any ‘out of pocket’ expenses. Most public hospitals also have pretty long waiting lists for wisdom teeth surgery so you can expect a painful wait for the procedure.

How much does private health cover contribute to wisdom teeth removal?

Based on the Australian Insitute of Health and Welfare’s 2021 report on oral health and dental care, the average dental rebate from health insurance for the extraction of a tooth with the removal of bone is $150. The average rebate for the removal of a tooth or tooth fragment that requires removal of both bone and tooth after sectioning (cutting a tooth into fragments and taking it out individually) is $160. Some health funds also have gap arrangements with many specialists, which can save you a lot of money in out of pocket costs.

Just how much your private heath cover will pay towards your wisdom teeth extraction depends entirely on your policy and the type of procedure you require. For example, if you’re having your teeth extracted in the dentist’s chair, your health insurance extras policy may cover the procedure up to a point. It’s important you check your policy’s fine print – and your dentist’s fees – to determine just how much it will cover so you’re aware of any gap you’ll need to pay on the day.

If your wisdom teeth extraction needs to be done in a hospital and your private hospital insurance covers the procedure, your costs will be reduced but you’ll probably be required to pay an excess fee, which is an amount you agree to pay your health fund on signing up to cover accommodation costs when admitted to hospital. But depending on your procedure, this may actually prove less expensive than paying for it all upfront and also provide you with more options when it comes to your choice in surgeon, hospital and accommodation.

Could you save on your dental care?

Do I need hospital cover or extras cover to pay for wisdom teeth?

No, you do not need private hospital cover or extras cover to have your wisdom teeth removed, but it certainly helps to reduce the cost of the procedure. Medicare is extremely limited when it comes to oral health so having private cover will take the financial pressure off when the bills start rolling in. Of course, you will need to weigh up the cost benefits of this cover with the price and value of your actual policy.

If your wisdom teeth extraction can be done in a dentist’s chair, some extras cover policies will cover some of the costs depending on your level of insurance – but be sure to check your policy’s fine print and be aware of extras cover wait times on signing up to a new plan. Should you require more extensive surgery in hospital, private hospital cover can provide some relief from the costs associated with the procedure. But be sure to do your homework so you understand the limits on this cover as well as the excess fee you’ll be expected to pay.

RELATED: What is included with dental insurance?

Originally published as Wisdom teeth removals: will you be out of pocket?

ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7r7HWrGWcp51jrrZ7wqGcnKOfqsFwuMifnGiln6OyunvDnqWtmZxitq%2B%2F1KuYp5uVYry2wIyonWaon5i4psCOp5ywq12owbC%2B2GiZn3BiZX2lg5RvbmxvZGqGdLGQcm%2BfbpabsnF%2FkZ9wnA%3D%3D