Menu
close
BLOG
Suppose you’re sitting at your desk, holding a calculator and thinking about the cost of an inducing dental procedure—wisdom tooth extraction. As you crunch the numbers, your mind races with questions: How much will it really cost your back? What factors influence the price? In this article, we will provide a complete breakdown of the costs involved in wisdom tooth extraction. So get ready to calculate your way to a wiser smile!
An Overview:
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of teeth to erupt in the late teens or early twenties. In some cases, these teeth may become impacted or misaligned, causing pain, infection, and other dental issues. Wisdom tooth extraction is a procedure performed by a dentist (or oral surgeon) to remove these problematic teeth.
To better understand the costs involved, let’s take first a closer look at the different factors determining the costs of wisdom tooth extractions.
Wisdom tooth extraction costs can vary based on the following:
Simple extractions, where the tooth has fully erupted and is easily accessible, are generally less expensive. However, if the tooth is impacted, embedded in the jawbone, or requires surgical techniques like bone removal, the procedure becomes complex, resulting in higher costs.
Some individuals may have all four wisdom teeth, while others may have fewer. Typically, the extraction of a single wisdom tooth is less expensive compared to removing multiple teeth.
Local anaesthesia is typically an affordable option. However, in cases where patients experience anxiety or require surgical procedures, additional sedation techniques like nitrous oxide may be recommended.
CasaDental have a standard price for wisdom tooth extraction, regardless of the expertise and experience of the dentist performing the procedure.
If you have dental insurance, the overall cost of the procedure may be partially or fully covered. The extent of coverage depends on the specific insurance plan and policy terms. Some plans may cover a significant portion of the extraction cost, while others may offer limited coverage or require the patient to meet a deductible before benefits start.
Wisdom tooth extraction can be grouped into two categories: simple and surgical. The choice between them depends on the complexity of the case. Simple extractions are applicable when the wisdom teeth have fully erupted and are easily accessible. In these cases, the dentist uses a local anaesthetic to numb the area around the tooth and dental tools to loosen and remove it. The procedure is less invasive, with minimal post-operative discomfort.
Simple wisdom tooth extractions can cost $150 onwards. Do note that these procedures are NOT MediSave claimable.
On the other hand, surgical extractions are necessary for impacted or partially erupted teeth. Wisdom tooth surgeries may also be recommended if the tooth is positioned at an angle or if there are complications such as infection, decay, or damage to surrounding teeth. This procedure typically requires general anaesthesia or a higher level of sedation. It involves an incision to gain access to the tooth to be removed, which makes the extraction procedure complex. This may require more recovery time than simple extraction with some pain and discomfort.
Surgery wisdom tooth extractions typically range from $650 to $1,250.
Understanding the differences between these procedures and their respective costs will help you make an informed decision about your dental care.
MediSave is a national medical savings scheme in Singapore that aims to help Singaporeans and Permanent Residents set aside funds for their medical needs. MediSave enables them to allocate a portion of their monthly income into their CPF MediSave Account.
In Singapore, MediSave can be used to pay for partial or full tooth extraction costs. Eligible individuals may also use their MediSave to fund these charges. However, you are only allowed to claim up to $7,000 daily for each MediSave Account.
At Casa Dental, we offer our patients the ‘MediSave Dental Claim Offer’ for wisdom tooth surgical procedures. If you’re planning to get wisdom tooth extraction surgery, here is your guide when it comes to the claimable amount.
Book an Appointment. Schedule an appointment with our dentist to assess your situation and determine if a surgical extraction is necessary. During the consultation, our dentist will discuss the treatment plan, estimated costs, and the possibility of using MediSave. Please do note to bring with you an ID for verification purposes.
MediSave Verification. Verify your MediSave claim eligibility for the surgical extraction. Ensure that you meet the necessary requirements, such as being a Singaporean or Permanent Resident and having sufficient funds in your MediSave Account. Once verified, our clinic will handle the submission process for you. You will receive the Claims Statement once your application has been approved.
That’s great to hear that there are several significant options available in Singapore! If you have Dental Insurance, CHAS, PG, and MG cards, you can enjoy subsidy rates for non-surgical wisdom tooth treatments.
Dental Insurance. You can check with your insurance provider to see if your policy covers simple wisdom tooth extractions. Your insurance may partially or fully subsidise the costs depending on the coverage.
Casa Dental partners with major dental insurance companies such as:
And more!
Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) Subsidies. CHAS is a healthcare subsidy scheme applicable to Singapore citizens with different income levels. CHAS cardholders can receive subsidies for dental treatments, including wisdom tooth procedures, at participating CHAS dental clinics.
Here is a breakdown of the available CHAS subsidies for Posterior extractions:
*Claim Limits: All up to four extractions per calendar year
Please keep in mind that in order to avail of the benefits/subsidies, you must hold a member ID or any form of evidence that confirms your membership with the particular scheme or insurance.
Some dental clinics offer payment plans or financing options to help patients manage the cost of wisdom tooth removal. These plans allow you to pay off the costs in regular instalments, reducing financial burden. Be sure to inquire about the availability of such options during initial consultation with your dentist.
At Casa Dental, we provide our patients with a convenient and flexible payment option. We offer 0% interest accredited bank instalment fees on major cards such as UOB, OCBC, and DBS.
This means our patients can split their dental expenses without incurring additional interest charges.
In Singapore, you can opt for public hospitals, polyclinics, or private dental clinics for wisdom tooth treatment. When selecting a provider, it is important to consider several factors, such as:
Casa Dental is dedicated to providing excellent dental care and ensures all the mentioned factors are covered to make patients feel confident and well-informed about their wisdom teeth extraction.
Do not just contemplate the costs. The good thing is that you can also benefit from wisdom teeth extraction. Let’s find out.
Impacted wisdom teeth can cause discomfort and facial swelling. By removing these, you may experience relief from jaw pain, headaches, and other associated symptoms.
Partially erupted wisdom teeth create an opening in the gum tissue that can accumulate bacteria. This can lead to infections like swollen wisdom tooth gum (pericoronitis). Extracting the affected teeth eliminates the source of potential infection and reduces the risk of oral health problems.
Impacted wisdom teeth can exert pressure on adjacent teeth, leading to shifting, misalignment, or damage to the neighbouring teeth. Wisdom teeth removal can help preserve the alignment and avoid further complications.
Wisdom teeth are located at the back of your mouth, making them difficult to clean. As a result, they are more susceptible to decay and gum disease. Removing the wisdom tooth makes it easier to maintain proper oral hygiene and reduces the risk of cavities and gum issues in that area (and in other teeth).
When it comes to determining whether wisdom teeth extractions are worth the money, it depends on each individual’s unique circumstances. The decision to undergo the extraction is a personal one that requires careful consideration of various factors, including the advice of dental professionals.
While the procedure may cost, the potential benefits of preventing future complications and maintaining oral health cannot be understated. Indeed, the value of wisdom tooth extraction is beyond, as it offers a long-term investment in overall well-being and peace of mind. So, when weighing the costs and benefits, it becomes clear that wisdom tooth extractions are worth the money, especially for those seeking to protect their dental health and maintain a healthy smile!
