Oral Surgery · Wisdom Teeth Removal · National Cost

How much does wisdom tooth removal cost?

Average Wisdom Teeth Removal cost in the US: $400-$1,055

🏥 Based on ADA fee survey data
📊 Population-weighted national average
🔄 Updated May 2026
✓ Reviewed by Pearl clinical team
$400 – $1055

Typical Wisdom Teeth Removal range across the United States

📍 All 50 states covered 🏥 PPO typically covers up to ortho max

National average

$615

Wisdom Teeth Removal · D7220-D7241

What is this procedure?

About this procedure

Wisdom tooth removal is the extraction of one or more third molars — the teeth at the very back of the mouth that typically erupt in the late teens or early 20s. Many wisdom teeth are partially or fully impacted (stuck under the gum or bone), making removal a surgical procedure. Treatment can range from a simple extraction (for fully erupted, easily accessible wisdom teeth) to a complex surgical procedure requiring bone removal and tooth sectioning.

Wisdom tooth removal is performed by general dentists for simpler cases and oral surgeons for impacted or complex cases. Most patients have all four wisdom teeth removed in a single visit under sedation. Recovery typically takes 4–7 days for most patients, with some swelling and discomfort during the first few days.

Price factors

What affects this cost?

  • Erupted vs. impacted: Fully erupted wisdom teeth cost less than partially or fully impacted ones requiring surgery.
  • Number of teeth: Most quotes are per tooth — having all four removed costs more than having one.
  • Anesthesia type: IV sedation or general anesthesia adds significantly to the cost vs. local anesthesia.
  • General dentist vs. oral surgeon: Oral surgeons typically charge more, especially for impacted or surgical cases.
  • Bone graft: If a graft is recommended after extraction (rare), that's separately billed.

By state

Where does this cost the most and least?

Pearl tracks pricing across all 50 states. Below are the highest and lowest cost markets — click any state for a full state-level cost breakdown across covered cities.

Highest cost states

Lowest cost states

Quote checker

What should your quote include?

Different providers bundle costs differently. Here's what a complete quote typically covers — and what's often left out.

USUALLY INCLUDED IN THE QUOTED PRICE

  • Local anesthesia
  • Surgical removal (cutting gum, removing bone, sectioning the tooth as needed)
  • Sutures if required
  • Post-op instructions
  • Follow-up visit

OFTEN BILLED SEPARATELY — ASK BEFORE YOU AGREE

  • IV sedation or general anesthesia (significant added cost)
  • Bone graft if needed
  • Pain medication beyond standard prescription
  • Treatment of post-op complications (dry socket, infection)
  • 3D imaging (cone-beam CT) if used for surgical planning

Health stakes

What happens if you delay treatment?

  • Impacted wisdom teeth can damage adjacent molars (decay, root resorption, bone loss)
  • Cysts and tumors can form around impacted wisdom teeth
  • Crowding can shift the bite and undo prior orthodontic work
  • Removing wisdom teeth becomes more difficult and recovery longer with age
  • Infection (pericoronitis) around partially erupted wisdom teeth is a common emergency

Before you agree

Questions to ask your provider

  • Are my wisdom teeth impacted, and if so, how deeply?
  • Should I see an oral surgeon, or can my general dentist do this?
  • What anesthesia options are available, and what do they each cost?
  • Should I have all four removed at once, or staged?
  • What's the recovery timeline, and what should I plan for?

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

Not always. If your wisdom teeth are fully erupted, properly aligned, and easy to clean, they may not need to come out. Most wisdom teeth, however, are impacted or hard to clean, and dentists typically recommend removal to prevent future problems.
For most patients, yes — single-visit removal under sedation means one anesthesia event and one recovery period. Some patients prefer to stage the procedure if they're nervous, but it doubles the recovery time.
Most PPO plans cover medically necessary wisdom tooth removal at 50–80% after the deductible. Whether the procedure is "medically necessary" depends on impaction, infection, or planned orthodontic treatment. Many plans cap at the annual maximum.
IV sedation keeps you in a relaxed, twilight state — you respond to instructions but typically don't remember the procedure. General anesthesia puts you fully unconscious. Most wisdom tooth removals use IV sedation; general anesthesia is reserved for complex cases or anxious patients.
Most patients are back to normal in 4–7 days. Initial swelling peaks at 2–3 days. Soft food, ice packs, and avoiding straws (which can cause dry socket) are the standard recovery routine. Plan for a few days off work or school.

See local pricing

Compare what this costs in your city.

Pearl's cost data covers 485 U.S. cities. Search by procedure and zip — get a localized fee range and what to expect from your insurance.

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