Wisdom Teeth: specialist fees 39% higher than general practitioners.

The Wealthy Dentist conducted a survey asking dentists and specialists what their fee is for removing wisdom teeth.

We found that specialist fees are 39% higher than general practitioners.

Some dentists cited the use of sedation as a reason for the increased cost.

“The fact that sedation is used gives patients the feeling that the higher cost at the oral surgeons is worth it!” pointed out a West Virginia dentist.

But others disagreed. “In my area the GP’s fees are generally higher than the specialists because we take longer to do it,” said one California dentist. Another Colorado dentist said, “Usually our fees are about the same as the oral surgeon.”

In this survey, here’s what dentist respondents revealed:

The average cost at a general practice – $483.00
The average cost at a specialist practice – $791.00

And here are some comments:

“If it’s easy like any old extraction, I use the regular extraction fee and the reg code. There’s no “wisdom teeth extraction” code. $575.00 is as high as I go to include flapping, osseous removal, bone graft (if needed) and sutures, poat op, etc…” (New York dentist)

“Our fee depends on if it’s impacted or not and how is it impacted: soft tissue, partial bony, or full bony.”(California dentist)

“It depends on what kind of third molars. Erupted? Soft tissue, partial or full impaction? It makes a difference on the fee charged. Also, if there is a cyst involved.” (Maryland oral surgeon)

“$239.00 is for erupted 3rds that need surgical extractions and $378.00 for horizontal impactions with unusual complications.” (General dentist)

For more on this survey see: Fees For Wisdom Teeth Removal.