Wisdom teeth removal cost: calculate your own quote

Wisdom teeth are the third molars, the last adult teeth to come through. Healthdirect says they usually appear between about 18 and 25 years of age, that you can have up to four, and that some people have none. Many people have them removed, for example when they do not come through properly, are impacted against nearby teeth or bone, or keep causing gum infections. Whether your wisdom teeth need to come out is for your dentist or oral surgeon to assess.

The wisdom teeth removal cost depends on how many teeth are removed, how complex each removal is, the X-rays needed and where it is done. Healthdirect explains that an extraction is done either under local anaesthetic at a dental practice or under general anaesthetic in hospital. A hospital procedure adds hospital and anaesthetist fees, which may come as separate bills. This calculator uses only the figures on your own quote, because each clinic sets its own fees.

How your health fund helps depends on where the teeth are removed. Healthdirect says a removal in a dental surgery may be covered under general dental (extras) cover, a surgical extraction is usually considered major dental, and you need hospital cover if the extraction is done in a hospital. Waiting periods for extras are set by each insurer, while hospital cover has its own rules. Ask your fund about each part before you book.

Healthdirect suggests asking your dentist or oral surgeon for a quote that includes the item numbers. Give those numbers to your fund and ask what it would pay for each one, and whether the hospital and anaesthetist would bill separately. Enter only confirmed amounts in the calculator. If anything is unclear, the reserve field lets you add a buffer of your own choice. Healthdirect also suggests asking your dentist to explain any alternatives and the benefits and risks of each.

• Will the removal be in the chair, under sedation or in hospital?
• Which item numbers are on the quote?
• Will the hospital and the anaesthetist bill separately?
• Are the review and any stitches removal included?

For eligible children aged 0 to 17, the Child Dental Benefits Schedule covers extractions, up to a capped amount over two calendar years. It does not cover dental services provided in a hospital. Our CDBS calculator shows how much of your child's cap is left. Adults with a Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card can apply for public dental services in their state or territory, although waiting times can be long.

Recovery can affect your plans, so include it in your budget. Healthdirect says the wound usually takes up to two weeks to heal. For the first 24 hours it advises rest, no smoking and no alcohol, and not rinsing your mouth. Speak to your dentist if you have ongoing severe pain, heavy bleeding, a fever or swelling that gets worse. Ask your dentist how much time off work or study to plan for.