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Wisdom teeth removal is one of the most common oral surgeries in the U.S., especially among teens and young adults. Whether your dentist recommended the procedure during a routine exam or you’re experiencing sudden pain or swelling, cost is often a major concern.
This guide will walk you through cost saving options – both dental savings plans and dental insurance – for wisdom teeth extractions. We’ll explain what’s typically included in each option, what isn’t, and how to choose the best plan for your needs and budget.
Understanding Wisdom Teeth Removal Coverage
Is Wisdom Tooth Extraction a Basic or Major Service?
Insurance plans typically divide dental procedures into preventive, basic, and major services. Wisdom tooth removal may fall into either basic (simple extractions) or major (surgical extractions) categories. In some cases, particularly if the procedure involves hospitalization or sedation, medical insurance might cover some costs – though this is less common.
Simple Extractions
- Performed when the tooth has fully erupted
- Typically coded as a basic service
- May be covered with lower copays or fewer restrictions
Surgical Extractions (e.g., impacted teeth)
- Requires cutting into gum or bone
- Often categorized as a major service
- Coverage subject to waiting periods, pre-approvals, and specialist referrals
Insurance Limitations to Watch For
While many dental insurance plans include coverage for extractions, there may be restrictions:
- Waiting Periods: Major services like surgical extractions may require 6–12 months of continuous enrollment before coverage begins.
- Annual Maximums: Benefits are often capped at $1,000–$1,500 per year.
- Pre-Approval Requirements: Some plans require prior authorization for oral surgery.
- “Preventive” Classification: If the extraction is recommended before symptoms arise, it might not be considered “medically necessary” and thus not fully covered.
Check with your dentist and insurance provider to clarify whether your dental insurance plan has any restrictions that could affect your treatment plan.
Wisdom Teeth Extraction Costs
The cost of wisdom tooth extraction without insurance varies widely across the United States. On average, without insurance, the cost of wisdom tooth removal ranges from $720 for a simple extraction to $4,000 for extraction of a partially erupted or impacted wisdom tooth. (With insurance, wisdom tooth removal costs an average of $641 per tooth.)
Costs for wisdom tooth extraction will also vary according to where you live – if the cost of living in your city is high, you can expect that dental care fees will run high in comparison to lower cost of living regions. Fees will likely be higher if you need an oral surgeon to do the extractions, as opposed to a general dentist.
Comparing Dental Insurance Plans for Wisdom Teeth Removal
Here is a comparison of several popular plans, with a focus on wisdom teeth removal:
Services Coverage: Basic services are covered at 80% with in-network dentist (after deductible), major services are covered at 50%.
Waiting Period: 12 months.
Annual Spending Maximum: $1,250 first year, $1,500 after first year, per plan member
Deductible: $50 for an individual
Notes: To save the most, visit a dentist in the Humana Dental PPO Network
Cost: $52.99/month ($635.88/year)
Aetna Dental® Direct Preferred PPO
Services Coverage: In network for a simple extraction, you pay 20% of procedure cost, out of network 20% or 40%. Major procedures are covered at 50%.
Waiting Period: 6 months for basic procedures, 12 months for major procedures.
Annual Spending Maximum: $1,200 per plan member
Deductible: $50 for an individual
Notes: See dentists both in and out of Aetna’s network, but you’ll save the most by staying in network.
Cost: Starting at $30.38/month ($364.56/year)
Renaissance Dental Insurance Plan III
Services Coverage: 80% for basic procedures, 50% for major services, after deductible.
Waiting Period: 12 months.
Annual Spending Maximum: $1,000 per plan member
Cost: $43.81/month ($525.72/year)
Comparing Dental Savings Plans for Wisdom Teeth Removal
Dental savings plans offer a dental insurance alternative: you get immediate discounts instead of delayed reimbursements. These plans aren’t insurance, but they can reduce the cost of wisdom teeth removal significantly—with no waiting period.
Discount: This plan offers significant savings on extractions, with discounts ranging from 64-72% off the regular cost of care. Note that these discounts are example rates from the plan provider, verify your discount rate when you review the plan.
Waiting period: No waiting period.
Annual Spending Maximum: No annual spending limit.
Deductible: No deductible.
Notes: Includes discounts on vision care and prescriptions.
Cost: $12.08/month billed annually ($144.95/year)
Preferred Network Access by Cigna
Discount: Another excellent choice for dental surgery needs (and virtually all other dental treatments too) this plan offers discounts ranging from 64-72% off the regular cost of extractions (64% for major, 72% for basic). Note that these discounts are example rates from the plan provider, verify your discount rate when you review the plan.
Waiting period: No waiting period.
Annual Spending Maximum: No annual spending limit.
Deductible: No deductible.
Cost: $9.58/month billed annually ($114.95/year)
Discount: Around 53-63% off the regular cost of extractions. Note that these discounts are example rates from the plan provider, verify your discount rate when you review the plan.
Waiting period: No waiting period.
Annual Spending Maximum: No annual spending limit.
Deductible: No deductible.
Notes: Includes discounts on prescriptions, vision, hearing and virtual dental care.
Cost: $12.08/month billed annually ($144.95/year)
Takeaway: Dental savings plans offer straightforward, immediate discounts and are a great choice if you’re uninsured, need care fast, or want to complement your current insurance.
Final Thoughts: Make the Right Move for Your Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth removal is a rite of passage for many, but it doesn’t have to come with financial stress. The right dental coverage can make a big difference—whether you need a quick solution or are planning ahead.
- Dental insurance helps if you’re enrolled already or can afford to wait.
- Dental savings plans provide immediate discounts and peace of mind for urgent needs.
- Combining both may offer the most savings and flexibility.
At DentalPlans.com, you can compare a wide range of dental insurance and savings plans side-by-side. Just enter your ZIP code to find out what plans are available in your area, what they cover, and how quickly they activate.
For a quick look at how much you can save on wisdom teeth extractions and other dental treatment with a dental savings plan, use the calculator below.
Disclaimer: Savings may vary by provider, location, and plan. All cost averages obtained from DentalPlans.com procedure search tool, and independent research.
