Wisdom teeth — those elusive third molars that usually appear between the ages of 17 and 25 — can cause more harm than good when they don’t erupt properly. For many people, these molars become impacted, leading to pain, swelling, and even infection. If you're dealing with an impacted wisdom tooth or curious about the wisdom teeth removal cost, here’s everything you need to know.
What Are Impacted Wisdom Teeth?
Impacted wisdom teeth are third molars that don’t have enough room to emerge or grow normally. Instead, they may grow at odd angles, become trapped beneath the gum line, or press against neighboring teeth.
There are different types of impactions:
Mesial impaction: Tooth is angled toward the front of the mouth
Distal impaction: Tooth is angled toward the back
Vertical impaction: Tooth is upright but unable to erupt
Horizontal impaction: Tooth lies flat and pushes into the roots of nearby teeth
Left untreated, an impacted wisdom tooth can lead to a range of dental issues — from chronic pain and gum infections to cysts and damage to surrounding teeth.
Signs You Might Have an Impacted Wisdom Tooth
If you suspect a problem with your wisdom teeth, here are some common symptoms to look out for:
Swollen, tender, or bleeding gums at the back of your mouth
Jaw pain or stiffness
Headaches or earaches
Bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth
Difficulty opening your mouth fully
If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s a good idea to book a consultation with a dentist or oral surgeon. They’ll typically take an X-ray to confirm whether your wisdom teeth are impacted and recommend the best course of action.
Wisdom Teeth Removal Cost: What to Expect
One of the biggest concerns for patients is the wisdom teeth removal cost — and understandably so. The price can vary depending on several factors:
Number of teeth removed: Removing one tooth costs less than extracting all four.
Complexity of the extraction: Impacted wisdom teeth, especially those buried in bone, cost more to remove.
Type of sedation used: Local anesthesia is cheaper, while IV sedation or general anesthesia increases the price.
Location: Costs can vary significantly depending on the dental clinic and region.
Here’s a rough guide to what you might expect:
Simple extraction: $150 – $300 per tooth
Surgical extraction of impacted wisdom teeth: $300 – $600+ per tooth
IV sedation or general anesthesia: $300 – $800+ (in addition to extraction costs)
Some insurance plans or public dental systems may partially or fully cover the cost, especially if the extraction is medically necessary. It’s always worth checking with your provider.
When Should You Remove Impacted Wisdom Teeth?
While not all impacted wisdom teeth need to be removed immediately, dentists often recommend early intervention — especially if the tooth is causing pain, infection, or crowding.
In some cases, even asymptomatic impacted teeth are removed proactively to prevent future complications. The younger you are, the easier the recovery tends to be, so many people opt to have theirs taken out in their late teens or early twenties.
Final Thoughts
An impacted wisdom tooth might be hidden beneath the surface, but it can have a major impact on your oral health and comfort. Understanding the symptoms and being aware of the wisdom teeth removal cost can help you make informed decisions about your dental care.
If you're unsure whether your wisdom teeth need to come out, don’t wait for the pain to get worse — consult a dental professional and take the first step toward a healthier, pain-free smile.
