How much do an impacted wisdom teeth extraction costs?

The rough estimate of the cost that a patient may incur to have his wisdom tooth extracted is $175-330 (through an unscientific survey) in case of a soft tissue impaction. Wisdom teeth with the presence of bony impactions can cost nearly twice as much as this. The sources of the survey included the web, dental literature, dentists, oral surgeons and information from dental insurance companies. On the basis of ACCRA’s cost of living index (CLI), extrapolation of the region to nationwide data has resulted in above estimate for the average fee range.

This fee may vary up to 30% for the same procedure by different dentists in the same area. The lower end ($175) represents the average in a small rural town (ACCRA CLI is roughly 85) and the higher end ($330) represents the average in a large metropolitan area (ACCRA CLI is roughly 125).

Determining wisdom teeth extraction costs

This can be done in two ways namely

1. The dentist's perspective

It is normal for the dentist or the oral surgeon to believe that the patients prefer specifically them as compared to other dentists for attending their tooth problems owing to their high-quality work and the environment or manner they perform their services. It is impossible for a dentist to believe that a patient prefers him owing to his low fee in the area.

Most dentists will prefer a consultation appointment to be a good option for his customers to realize the costs linked to his services and also to give a feel of the environment and manner his services are being provided. An examination fee is charged for this appointment, which can be obtained from the receptionist fixing it. The receptionist cannot know the requirements (like x rays) needed during the visit and this adds up to the cost later. These are costs which are incurred irrespective of the dentists however. In case the patient feels to get a second opinion, he can just switch his dentist.

2. The patient's perspective

A patient may choose his dentist based on price, service, manner and environment. But price alone to be considered is highly impossible. It is mostly the reputation or word of mouth that the patient is likely to believe and choose a dentist. Yes, it is probable that they may compare the fees being charged by other dentists in the area. Just a telephone survey may give an idea of the fees charged of all the local dentists.

Most dental offices are likely to hold over such calls primarily due to

· Their desire to have a long-lasting relationship with the patient. The dentists are interested in overcoming the current problems of their patients and prolong this onto periodic checks in order to maintain their oral health.

. It is obvious to the dental offices that a call results in a comparison.

Hence it is impossible to know the exact costs unless being examined by the dentist himself. Even the dentist cannot specify the fee without completely understanding the patient’s problem. Though identical dental terminologies are employed, the perceptions may differ and hence not an accurate estimate of the fee. Hence it is necessary to be aware of the code numbers developed by ADA (American Dental Association), of which each represents a specific procedure. This is a standard for the dental industry.