Wisdom teeth removal cost in Auckland

Why does one wisdom tooth cost $275 and another $790?

Because they are different operations. A wisdom tooth that has come through straight can come out like any other back tooth, which is why Grafton Dental prices a straightforward one in line with a simple extraction. An impacted wisdom tooth, one stuck against the tooth in front or still partly under the gum and bone, is a surgical extraction: the gum is opened, some bone may be removed and the tooth is often cut into pieces to lift it out. That takes longer and carries more risk, so it costs more.

Lower wisdom teeth are usually the harder ones. They sit in denser bone and close to the nerve that supplies feeling to the lip and chin, which is why practices take a panoramic x-ray (an OPG) before quoting, and why a tooth very close to the nerve may be referred to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, who quotes separately.

What does it cost to have all four out?

There is no published package price, so add it up. Four surgical extractions at the survey's Auckland median of $500 come to $2,000, before the x-ray and consultation. At Highland Park Dental Centre's published prices, a $95 consultation with x-ray, four surgical extractions at $450 and one IV sedation session at $450 come to $2,345. That is our arithmetic from the practice's list, not a quote from the practice; your x-ray decides whether every tooth is surgical.

Having all four out at one appointment usually means one sedation fee instead of several, which is one reason people do them together. Whether that is sensible for you depends on the teeth and your health, so ask.

Local anaesthetic, IV sedation or general anaesthetic?

• **Local anaesthetic only:** you're awake and numb. It's included in the extraction fee at most practices, and it's how most single wisdom teeth come out.
• **IV sedation:** a drug through a vein makes you drowsy and relaxed while the local anaesthetic does the numbing. It's a separate fee: the NZDA survey's Auckland median is $585, Highland Park lists $450 a session and Greenhithe $400 to $900. Plan for someone to drive you home.
• **General anaesthetic:** you're fully asleep, in a hospital or day-surgery unit, usually under an oral surgeon. Greenhithe lists $1,000 or more for the general anaesthetic in a hospital setting, on top of the surgeon's fee. It's mostly for difficult cases or very anxious patients.

Can I get wisdom teeth out free or cheaper?

Under-18s get basic dental care free in New Zealand, including extractions, through the community oral health service and contracted dentists; ask the dentist whether the wisdom teeth qualify or need a referral. Adults with a Community Services Card can be seen for pain and infection at Health NZ's relief-of-pain clinic for $40, but that is for urgent problems, not planned wisdom tooth surgery. Work and Income can contribute to emergency dental treatment for people on a low income. All the free and subsidised routes.

If you have health insurance, check your policy before you book. Some policies cover surgical removal of impacted wisdom teeth, sometimes only after a stand-down or with a set list of providers, and a pre-approval avoids a surprise. ACC covers a tooth damaged in an accident, not one that is impacted.

What to ask before you book

The x-ray decides the price, so get the quote after it, in writing, per tooth.

• Is each tooth a simple or a surgical extraction, and which ones are impacted?
• Is the consultation and x-ray fee separate, or included?
• Is sedation priced per session or per hour, and who gives it?
• Is a follow-up or review appointment included if you need one?
• If the tooth is close to the nerve, will you refer me to an oral surgeon, and what would that cost?