Wisdom Teeth Removal Cost in Ontario (2025)

Wisdom teeth removal is a routine dental procedure undertaken by many Canadians to prevent or address various oral health concerns. As these third molars emerge, often during the late teenage years or early twenties, they can cause issues such as overcrowding, infection, and misalignment of adjacent teeth.

The financial implications of this procedure, however, can vary substantially based on several factors. Good Caring Canada explains the different extraction methods, cost determinants, additional expenses, and the array of funding and support options available to ensure that essential dental care remains accessible to Ontarians.

Table of Contents:

• Types of Extraction
• Wisdom Teeth Removal Cost in Ontario
• Cost Variables for Wisdom Teeth Removal
• Additional Costs and Procedures
• Funding & Financing Options
• Support Programs

👨🏻‍⚕️ Types of Extraction

Wisdom teeth extraction is not a one-size-fits-all procedure. The approach taken depends on the specific dental anatomy of the patient and the associated risks. Understanding the different types of extraction can help patients anticipate the potential costs and recovery processes involved.

• Uncomplicated extraction is performed when the wisdom tooth has fully erupted into the mouth and is positioned normally among the other teeth. This procedure is generally straightforward and involves minimal recovery time. The process begins with numbing the area around the tooth using a local anaesthetic. The dentist then employs specialized instruments to gently rock the tooth back and forth, loosening it from the jawbone and ligaments that hold it in place. Due to its simplicity, an uncomplicated extraction typically incurs lower costs compared to more complex procedures.

• Complicated extraction is necessary when a wisdom tooth is impacted—meaning it is trapped beneath the gum line or has only partially erupted. This scenario often requires the dentist to make an incision in the gums to access the tooth. In some cases, removing a portion of the bone covering the tooth may be required. Additionally, the tooth might need to be divided into smaller segments to facilitate extraction without causing significant damage to the surrounding bone and tissues. Complicated extractions generally involve a longer healing period and may result in more post-operative discomfort, thereby increasing the overall cost of the procedure.

• Coronectomy is a specialized procedure considered when removing the entire wisdom tooth poses a high risk to critical structures, such as the inferior alveolar nerve, which can lead to nerve damage. Instead of removing the tooth entirely, a coronectomy involves extracting only the crown of the tooth while leaving the roots in place. This method significantly reduces the risk of nerve damage. However, the remaining roots can potentially cause problems in the future, necessitating further dental treatment. The cost of a coronectomy may vary depending on the complexity and the necessity for additional follow-up procedures.

🧾 Wisdom Teeth Removal Cost in Ontario

In Ontario, the cost of uncomplicated extraction may cost between $160 to $220 per tooth. A complicated extraction may cost between $320 to $800. Coronectomy procedures may cost between $120 to $190.

It is important to consider ancillary costs that are typically required in addition to the underlying procedure for wisdom teeth removal.

Our Good Caring Canada research team estimated the cost ranges based on market insights, patient reports, publicly available data sources, and annual fee guides from the Ontario Dental Association.

🔎 Cost Variables for Wisdom Teeth Removal

Several factors influence the cost of wisdom teeth removal in Ontario, impacting the overall expense of the procedure:

• Eruption: The stage at which the wisdom teeth have erupted affects the complexity and duration of the extraction. Fully erupted teeth are generally easier and less costly to remove compared to those that are partially or not erupted, which may require more invasive surgical techniques.

• Complexity of Impaction: Impacted wisdom teeth present additional challenges and risks. The degree of impaction varies; for instance, teeth angled horizontally are often more difficult to remove than those positioned vertically. More complex impactions require more time, advanced surgical skills, and specialized equipment, all contributing to higher costs.

• Number of Teeth: The total number of wisdom teeth needing extraction plays a critical role in determining the cost. Removing all four wisdom teeth in one session is generally more cost-effective than extracting them in separate visits. However, the total fee increases with the number of teeth extracted due to the added time and resources required.

• Location: Geography can significantly influences the cost of wisdom teeth removal. Dental services in larger urban centres, such as Toronto or Vancouver, tend to be more expensive compared to those in smaller towns or rural areas. This variation is often due to differences in the cost of living, overhead expenses of dental practices, and local competition among dental service providers.

📈 Additional Costs and Procedures

Beyond the extraction itself, several additional expenses contribute to the overall cost of wisdom teeth removal. Understanding these supplementary costs is essential for patients to prepare financially and avoid unexpected bills.

• Consultation: Before any surgical procedure, a consultation with a dental surgeon or dentist is necessary. This initial appointment allows the professional to evaluate the patient’s oral health, discuss potential risks, and determine the best approach for extraction. The consultation fee generally covers the initial assessment and the discussion of the treatment plan, and it can range from $50 to $150 depending on the provider.

• X-rays: X-rays play a crucial role in providing a detailed view of the mouth’s structure, including the position of the wisdom teeth relative to surrounding nerves and bones. These images are essential for planning the extraction procedure. The cost of X-rays varies based on the type and number of images required, typically ranging from $30 to $100.

• Sedation: The complexity of the extraction and the patient’s comfort level often necessitate the use of sedation. Sedation methods can range from local anesthesia to general anesthesia. The choice of sedation impacts the overall cost, with general anesthesia being the most expensive option, potentially adding several hundred dollars to the procedure.

• Prescription Medications: Post-extraction, patients may require prescription medications such as pain relievers and antibiotics to manage pain and prevent infection. The cost of these medications depends on the type prescribed and the duration of the treatment, generally adding between $20 to $100 to the total cost.

• Follow-up Appointment: A follow-up appointment is typically scheduled to monitor the healing process, remove stitches if necessary, and address any complications that may arise post-surgery. While some dental offices include the cost of follow-up visits in the initial extraction fee, others may charge separately, usually between $50 to $100.

💳 Payment & Funding Options 

Wisdom teeth removal can represent a significant financial burden. However, multiple funding options can be available for pay for the costs:

• Dental insurance often includes a deductible and co-payments, with policies varying significantly in coverage. Some insurance plans may cover a substantial portion of extraction costs, while others provide more limited benefits. It is crucial to thoroughly understand the specifics of your insurance policy, including any annual maximums that may affect the extent of coverage.

• Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) allow individuals to set aside pre-tax dollars to pay for qualified medical expenses, including dental procedures, with the added benefit of investing and growing these funds.

• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), typically part of an employer’s benefits plan, also allow for pre-tax contributions but usually require that the funds be used within the plan year or a specified grace period.

• Payment plans may be offered by dentists and oral surgeons, allowing patients to spread the cost of treatment over several months or even longer, making the expense more manageable.

• Financing options by way of loans or credit lines can be considered for medical expenses. These financial products often come with special terms, such as deferred interest periods or lower interest rates, tailored to make healthcare more accessible.

🤝 Support Programs

Dental student programs frequently offer reduced rates for services performed by dental students under the supervision of licensed dentists. These programs provide an affordable way for patients to receive dental care while contributing to the educational process of future dentists.

The Canadian federal government provides supportive programs to assist residents with dental care costs:

• Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) supports individuals without dental benefits who have a household income below $90,000 annually. It works in conjunction with other governmental dental programs to ensure comprehensive coverage without duplication.

• Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP), specifically for refugees, covers emergency dental care necessary to alleviate pain, address infections, and treat injuries resulting from oral trauma.

• Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) offers coverage for a wide range of dental services to eligible First Nations and Inuit populations, including preventive, diagnostic, and surgical dental care.

The Ontario government also provides supportive programs to assist residents with dental care costs:

• Healthy Smiles Ontario offers free preventive, routine, and emergency dental services to children and youth 17 years old and under from low-income households. This program aims to ensure that financial barriers do not prevent young Ontarians from receiving essential dental care.

• Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) provides financial assistance, benefits, and employment support to eligible Ontarians living with disabilities. It includes dental benefits to help cover costs associated with necessary dental care, addressing the additional healthcare challenges faced by those with disabilities.

• Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) does not cover dental care, with the exception for some in-hospital dental surgeries. Medically necessary tooth removal is sometimes covered, but prior approval is required.

• Ontario Seniors’ Dental Care Program provides free, routine dental services for low-income seniors who are 65 years of age or older. This program ensures that seniors have access to essential dental services without financial hardship. Seniors can access services through Public Health Units, Community Health Centres, and Aboriginal Health Access Centres.

• Ontario Works offers financial and employment assistance to individuals in financial need, including some health benefits for participants and their families. It also provides emergency assistance for those in crisis or emergency situations, covering various health-related expenses, including dental care.