Some not-so-subtle signs can creep up and alert you that it’s time to remove wisdom teeth. You may experience pain, swelling, infection, cysts, jaw problems, crowding, or other issues. Yet, for some people, the cost of a wisdom tooth procedure may be a hurdle keeping you from booking an appointment. But there’s no need to stay in pain due to financial concerns. A local Mentor dentist can help you understand costs and financing options to work with your budget if you need a wisdom tooth procedure in Northeast Ohio.

How much does it cost to remove wisdom teeth?

The cost of removing wisdom teeth depends on several factors, including:

• How many teeth you need to have removed: Based on an initial assessment, your dentist can tell you how many teeth need to be extracted. They can also assess severity and determine which extractions are the most necessary. Since dentists typically charge an amount per tooth, removing one tooth will be less expensive than all four.
• Whether any of the teeth are impacted: If your wisdom teeth have fully grown out of the gums, the procedure will be much less invasive (and less expensive) than if they’ve yet to fully grow out of the gums.
• If you have insurance: Your dental insurer may pay a fixed amount or percentage of the cost to remove wisdom teeth, depending on your policy. Your local dentist can contact the insurance company and let you know how much coverage you may have.
• If you have other infections: Not removing wisdom teeth, especially later in life, can sometimes lead to a higher likelihood of developing mouth infections or gum disease. Removing wisdom teeth can help, but you may also need periodontal disease treatment to eliminate the infection following your procedure.

Types of financing for dental procedures

Depending on the dentist you choose, various financing options may be available. Some options include:

• A payment plan through your local dental office: Some offices have patient-friendly payment plans, so you can pay in multiple installments and not be obligated to pay the total amount of the procedure at once.
• A personal loan through a local or national lender: Certain dental offices work with third-party financing companies that can help you pay for care. Often, these companies issue personal loans with a fixed interest rate and a set term for repayment, making it easy to budget for predictable monthly payments.
• A dental credit card: Unlike a personal loan, a dental credit card is a line of credit like any other credit card except that it’s limited to medical expenses. If you’re eligible, you can charge the cost of the procedure to the card and repay the balance due with a variable interest rate, choosing to make minimum monthly payments if desired.

The bottom line

While a wisdom tooth procedure may seem out of reach because of the cost, various financing options can help you pay for the care you need. A local dentist in Mentor, Ohio, may be the best resource to help you understand the cost of a wisdom tooth procedure and financing options that suit your unique needs and situation.