Scheduling wisdom teeth removal shouldn’t be a financial headache for patients — or a barrier to care for dental practices. Whether you’re trying to increase treatment acceptance or help patients avoid delaying care, today’s wisdom tooth removal payment options make it possible to get treatment without draining a savings account.

From credit cards and insurance coverage to flexible financing and in-house payment plans, there are more ways than ever to cover the actual cost of oral surgery — and more opportunities for practices to serve patients effectively.

Here’s a full breakdown of how much it costs to remove wisdom teeth, the best ways to pay for it, and answers to some essential FAQs along the way.

How Much Does Wisdom Teeth Removal Cost?

The actual cost of wisdom tooth extraction depends on several factors, including the number of wisdom teeth, whether they’re erupted or impacted, and the type of anesthesia used during the procedure.

A basic or simple extraction for a fully erupted tooth using local anesthesia can range from $75 – $200 per tooth. For more complex procedures involving impacted wisdom teeth, deep gum tissue, or areas close to the jawbone or gumline, a surgical extraction may cost $300–$600 per tooth. Using general anesthesia instead of local anesthesia can also increase costs. Add in x-rays, sedation, and post-operative medication, and your overall cost could rise to $2,000 or more.

There are often additional costs that patients may not expect — like follow-up visits or complications from infection, tooth decay, or damaged gum tissue. That’s why having a clearly communicated treatment plan, upfront pricing, and transparent financing options is critical.

Wisdom Teeth Removal Payment Plans Available to Patients

Insurance-Based Payment Plans

Patients often turn to dental insurance coverage to help reduce the out-of-pocket costs of wisdom teeth removal.

Most insurance providers will cover a portion of the procedure when it’s medically necessary. If your dental office is in-network, patients may benefit from lower rates, but they’re still responsible for copays, deductibles, and charges beyond their annual maximum.

Sometimes, depending on the case complexity, the procedure may be partially covered by healthcare insurance instead of a dental insurance plan — especially if there’s a link to wider medical issues like a fractured jawbone or systemic infection.

Some states also allow Medicaid to cover oral surgery, but this depends heavily on eligibility rules and exclusions set by each insurance company.

Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and Bank Accounts

Many patients choose to pay with credit cards, especially if they have a promotional 0% APR offer. Major providers like Visa, Mastercard, and American Express are widely accepted by dental offices and may offer interest-free periods that make paying for care easier — if paid in full on time.

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) also let patients use pre-tax dollars to pay for dental treatment — including extractions—which can provide additional savings.

BNPL (Buy Now, Pay Later)

BNPL providers are quickly becoming a popular choice for dentistry financing. These services allow patients to pay in installments, typically in monthly payments, and often come with high approval rates and soft credit checks.

Cherry is one of the most trusted BNPL solutions for oral health services, offering flexible terms and even same-day approval in many cases. Patients can choose interest-free plans or opt for longer-term financing based on their credit score.

Other options, like Sunbit, may also allow for quick approval decisions and transparent terms, though they don’t specialize in healthcare or approve across a wide range of credit scores. Practices offering BNPL solutions often see higher case acceptance rates—especially for high-cost procedures like wisdom teeth removal, dental implants, or even a root canal.

Healthcare Credit Lines

Some patients prefer using medical credit lines like CareCredit, which function similarly to a credit card but are designed for healthcare needs like oral surgery, dentures, or dental implants.

These options often feature low- or no-interest promotions, which can be useful — if the balance is paid within the promotional window. Otherwise, high interest rates can apply — even retroactively (known as deferred interest). These cards can be useful for patients with strong credit scores, but they aren’t a fit for everyone.

Personal Loans and Traditional Lenders

Patients with good credit histories may secure a personal loan through a bank, credit union, or online lender to finance dental procedures. These loans offer predictable terms and fixed interest but usually require a formal credit check, which will harm a patient’s credit score.

While the process is more involved, it can be a good fit for patients who need larger procedures like full-mouth extractions, dental implants, or dentures.

In-House Payment Plans

Some dental offices offer internal dental payment plan options — especially helpful for patients without insurance coverage or those who don’t qualify for third-party financing. These plans usually allow patients to break the remaining balance into monthly payments, often with no credit check or interest.

Practices may require a partial upfront payment or structure plans to ensure collections, but they offer unmatched flexibility, especially for families juggling multiple dental needs.

Dental Membership Plans

Patients who don’t have insurance plans can enroll in membership programs offered directly by the dental care provider. These plans typically include discounts on preventive care, dental work, and oral surgery.

While not a replacement for dental insurance coverage, membership plans can lower the average cost of care and provide peace of mind throughout the year.

Sliding Scale Fees and Income-Based Discounts

Community clinics and nonprofit dental practices may offer income-based pricing or sliding-scale discounts. These plans are ideal for uninsured patients or those on tight budgets. They also support community wellness by increasing access to essential dental health services.

Dental Schools

Dental schools provide supervised care at reduced rates for patients who qualify. While not all dental schools offer oral surgery, some do perform procedures like wisdom teeth extractions, root canal therapy, or basic dental implants.

Because these services are done by students under supervision, the dental costs are typically much lower — though appointment availability may be limited.

Grants and Charitable Help

Organizations like Donated Dental Services (DDS) may offer free or low-cost care for patients in financial hardship. Some of these grants may help cover complex procedures, including impacted wisdom teeth, tooth decay complications, or severe infections.

Other nonprofits also partner with local dental professionals or oral surgeons to donate care or reduce additional costs associated with anesthesia or follow-up.

Dental Tourism

In rare cases, patients travel abroad for dental procedures like extraction, oral surgery, or dentures at a lower actual cost. While this approach can save money, it comes with risks related to post-operative care, travel costs, and quality assurance.

It’s not ideal for everyone, but some patients without any access to care explore this option when no local alternatives are available.

FAQs About Paying for Wisdom Teeth Removal

What’s the best way to pay for wisdom teeth removal without insurance?

Many patients use BNPL options like Cherry, in-house payment plans, or credit cards with promotional rates. Sliding scale clinics and dental schools may also offer affordable options.

Does dental insurance usually cover the procedure?

Yes, most dental insurance coverage will include a portion of the cost, especially for impacted wisdom teeth or medically necessary procedures.

Can I use HSA or FSA funds for extractions?

Absolutely. Dental procedures like extractions, anesthesia, and even x-rays are typically eligible expenses under HSA/FSA rules.

What if I have bad credit?

Some BNPL platforms and in-house financing plans don’t require a strong credit score, offering more flexibility.

Offer More Wisdom Teeth Removal Treatment With Cherry

Offering a wide variety of dental financing options gives both patients and practices a better chance at successful care. Patients get the treatment they need — without financial strain — and practices improve scheduling, satisfaction, and cash flow.

Among all the solutions available, Cherry stands out for its 0% APR plans for qualified borrowers, quick approval decisions, high approval rate (80%+) and ability to split payments into affordable installments — all with minimal stress. It’s the smart choice for removing financial barriers while focusing on care.

Ready to help more patients afford wisdom teeth removal? Add Cherry to your payment suite today and start offering stress-free, modern financing.