| State | Low | Mid | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| NSW | $160 | $1,660 | $3,150 |
| VIC | $150 | $1,620 | $3,090 |
| QLD | $150 | $1,530 | $2,910 |
| WA | $150 | $1,600 | $3,060 |
| SA | $140 | $1,480 | $2,820 |
| TAS | $140 | $1,450 | $2,760 |
| ACT | $160 | $1,700 | $3,240 |
| NT | $160 | $1,670 | $3,180 |
Prices are estimates based on ADA fee survey data. Actual costs may vary by practice.
Wisdom teeth removal is one of the most common dental surgeries in Australia, with most people having at least one wisdom tooth extracted in their late teens or twenties. Costs range dramatically: a simple extraction of an erupted wisdom tooth costs $150–$600, while surgical removal of an impacted wisdom tooth can cost $400–$3,000 per tooth. If all four wisdom teeth are removed under general anaesthesia in a hospital or day surgery, the total including surgeon, anaesthetist, and facility fees ranges from $2,000–$7,000. The cost depends on whether the teeth are erupted, partially erupted, or fully impacted (buried in bone), and whether the procedure is done in-chair under local anaesthetic or in hospital under general anaesthesia. Most health funds classify surgical wisdom teeth removal as major dental with a 12-month waiting period.
Wisdom teeth removal is not covered by Medicare for adults. The CDBS covers simple extractions for eligible children. If wisdom teeth removal is done in a public hospital as an emergency (severe infection or abscess), the public system may cover some costs.
Simple extractions are covered under general dental (2-month waiting period, 50–75% rebate). Surgical extractions are classified as major dental (12-month waiting period, 40–60% rebate). Hospital and anaesthesia costs may be covered under your hospital policy. Getting all four done at once maximises your benefit for the year.
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No. If wisdom teeth are fully erupted, properly aligned, and easy to clean, they can stay. Your dentist will recommend removal if they’re impacted, causing crowding, or at risk of decay.
Most people recover in 3–7 days. Swelling peaks at 48 hours and subsides over a week. Soft food is recommended for 5–7 days. Most people take 2–3 days off work.
Simple erupted teeth can be done under local. Impacted teeth or all four at once are usually better under GA for comfort. Discuss with your dentist or surgeon.
Late teens to early twenties is ideal, as roots are not fully formed and recovery is faster. However, wisdom teeth can be removed at any age if needed.
Impacted wisdom teeth can cause infections, cysts, damage to adjacent teeth, and crowding. Not all impacted teeth cause problems, but monitoring with regular X-rays is important.
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