Wisdom teeth removal in Australia costs between $380 and $600 per tooth for a simple extraction, and $420 to $1,320 per tooth for surgical removal of an impacted tooth. The total cost depends on the position of the tooth, the type of anaesthesia, and whether you are treated by a general dentist or an oral surgeon. At Innova Dental in Tasmania, wisdom teeth removal ranges from $396 to $1,320 per tooth, with most health funds accepted and interest-free payment plans available.
This guide breaks down exactly what you can expect to pay, what drives the cost up or down, and how to make it more affordable.
Wisdom Teeth Removal Cost by Extraction Type
Not all wisdom teeth are the same. A tooth that has fully come through the gum is a very different procedure from one that is trapped sideways in the jawbone and one that is done by an experienced dental surgeon versus one done by an inexperienced practitioner can have very different outcomes. The cost reflects that difference.
| Extraction Type | What It Means | Cost Range (per tooth) |
|---|---|---|
| Simple extraction | The tooth has fully erupted and can be removed with standard instruments | $380 to $600 |
| Soft tissue impaction | The tooth is partially covered by gum tissue and requires a small incision | $420 to $800 |
| Partial bony impaction | The tooth is partially trapped in the jawbone | $600 to $1,000 |
| Full bony impaction | The tooth is completely embedded in the jawbone and may be angled against the adjacent tooth | $680 to $1,320 |
If you need all four wisdom teeth removed in a single visit, expect a total cost between $2,000 and $4,000 or more, depending on the complexity of each tooth.
At Innova Dental, we give you an exact treatment plan at your consultation once we have reviewed your imaging.
What Affects the Cost of Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Several factors influence what you will pay. Understanding these helps you know what questions to ask at your consultation.
Position and complexity of the tooth
This is the single biggest factor. A fully erupted tooth that can be rocked out with forceps takes minutes. A deeply impacted tooth lying sideways against the nerve requires surgical skill, 3D imaging, and more chair time. The price reflects the clinical difficulty, not an arbitrary number.
Type of anaesthesia
Most wisdom teeth are removed under local anaesthesia (the area is numbed, you stay awake). This is included in the extraction cost. If you choose IV sedation or general anaesthesia at a day hospital, the cost increases significantly:
| Anaesthesia Type | Additional Cost |
|---|---|
| Local anaesthesia | Included in extraction fee |
| IV sedation (in-chair) | $300 to $800 |
| General anaesthesia (day hospital) | $1,000 to $2,500+ (facility and anaesthetist fees) |
Who performs the procedure
A general dentist will typically charge less than a specialist oral surgeon. At Innova Dental, our team has performed over 1,000 wisdom teeth extractions in 2025 alone, with 99.6% managed entirely in-house by our dental surgeons. Research shows that an experienced practitioner reduces the risk of complications such as nerve damage or trauma from prolonged surgical times.
Imaging requirements
Most practices charge separately for X-rays. An OPG (panoramic X-ray) costs $120 to $250. A 3D cone beam CT scan costs $250 to $350. At Innova Dental, we have both OPG and 3D cone beam imaging on-site at our Launceston and Prospect practices, so there is no need for a separate imaging referral.
Your location
Dental fees vary by state and between metro and regional areas. Capital city practices tend to charge more than regional practices.
Why Choosing an Experienced Provider Matters
When it comes to wisdom teeth, price is only part of the equation. The experience of the person removing your tooth has a direct impact on the outcome, and that is something worth weighing carefully.
An experienced practitioner who removes wisdom teeth regularly works more efficiently. That means less time in the chair, less trauma to the surrounding tissue, and a faster recovery for you. It also means a lower likelihood of complications.
The most serious complication people worry about is nerve damage. The inferior alveolar nerve runs directly beneath your lower wisdom teeth, and the lingual nerve sits just millimetres from the surgical site. A dentist who has removed hundreds or thousands of wisdom teeth understands the anatomy, reads the imaging accurately, and knows when to adjust their approach in real time. That experience is protective.
At Innova Dental, our team performed over 1,000 wisdom teeth extractions in 2025, with zero cases of permanent numbness and 99.6% of cases managed entirely in-house. That volume of experience translates directly into shorter procedures, fewer complications, and the kind of clinical confidence that makes a real difference to your outcome.
The point is this: the lowest price is not always the lowest cost. A straightforward extraction done well heals quickly. A difficult extraction handled poorly can lead to prolonged pain, infection, dry socket, or nerve symptoms that take months to resolve. When you are comparing providers, ask how many wisdom teeth they remove per year, whether they have 3D imaging on-site, and what their complication rate looks like. Those answers will tell you more than the fee alone.
*Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner. Results may vary from patient to patient.*
Does Medicare Cover Wisdom Teeth Removal?
No. Medicare does not cover most dental procedures in Australia, including wisdom teeth removal. You will need to pay out of pocket, use private health insurance, or access a public dental scheme.
There are three exceptions worth knowing about:
1. Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS)
Children aged 0 to 17 from eligible families can receive up to $1,131.10 in dental benefits over two consecutive calendar years.
2. Private health insurance (extras cover)
If you have private health insurance with general or major dental cover, your fund will typically cover a portion of the extraction cost. The amount depends on your policy, waiting periods, and annual limits. At Innova Dental, we process health fund claims on the spot using HICAPS, so you only pay the gap.
3. Public dental services
Each state operates a public dental scheme for concession card holders. In Tasmania, the Emergency Dental Scheme provides urgent care, but non-emergency wisdom teeth removal through the public system involves significant wait times, often 12 months or longer.
How to Reduce the Cost of Wisdom Teeth Removal
Wisdom teeth removal is a necessary procedure for many people, but there are legitimate ways to manage the cost.
Use your health insurance strategically. If you do not currently have extras cover, you may want to factor in the waiting period (usually 12 months for major dental). If you already have cover, check your annual limits and consider timing the procedure early in the calendar year when your benefits reset.
Ask about payment plans. Many practices offer interest-free payment plans that let you spread the cost over several months. At Innova Dental, we offer flexible payment plans so the cost does not have to be a barrier to getting treatment you need.
Check your eligibility for superannuation early release. If wisdom teeth removal is causing significant health issues, you may be eligible to access your superannuation early to cover dental treatment. Innova Dental assists patients with this application process.
Do not delay treatment to save money. This is the most important point. Wisdom teeth that are causing problems rarely get better on their own. Delaying extraction often means the roots grow longer, the tooth becomes more impacted, and the surgery becomes more complex and more expensive. A $400 extraction today can become a $1,200 surgical extraction in two years.
What Is Included in the Cost at Innova Dental?
At our Launceston and Prospect practices, your wisdom teeth removal includes:
- Initial consultation to assess your wisdom teeth and discuss your options
- On-site imaging (OPG and 3D cone beam CT where clinically required)
- The extraction procedure performed by an experienced dentist
- Post-operative care instructions and aftercare support
- Follow-up if you have any concerns during recovery
- Same-day extraction where clinically suitable (consultation, imaging, and extraction in a single visit)
Our team performed over 1,000 wisdom teeth extractions in 2025 with zero cases of permanent nerve damage and 99.6% of cases managed entirely in-house. No referral to an external oral surgeon, no starting over with a different practitioner.
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner. Results may vary from patient to patient.
Wisdom Teeth Removal Cost by State
While costs vary between individual practices, here are general ranges across Australian states:
| State | Simple Extraction | Surgical Extraction |
|---|---|---|
| New South Wales | $350 to $750 | $550 to $1,800 |
| Victoria | $320 to $700 | $500 to $1,700 |
| Queensland | $300 to $650 | $480 to $1,600 |
| South Australia | $280 to $600 | $450 to $1,500 |
| Western Australia | $320 to $700 | $520 to $1,700 |
| Tasmania | $300 to $600 | $390 to $1,400 |
| ACT | $380 to $800 | $600 to $1,800 |
| Northern Territory | $350 to $750 | $550 to $1,700 |
These are indicative ranges based on industry data and may vary between practices. Always confirm pricing with your chosen dental practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to remove all 4 wisdom teeth?
Removing all four wisdom teeth in Australia typically costs between $2,000 and $4,000 or more, depending on whether each tooth requires a simple or surgical extraction. If all four are impacted, expect the upper end of that range. At Innova Dental, we provide a full treatment plan with exact costs at your consultation.
Is wisdom teeth removal covered by Medicare in Australia?
No. Medicare does not cover wisdom teeth removal or most other dental procedures. However, eligible children aged 0 to 17 may access the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS), which provides up to $1,131.10 in dental benefits over two calendar years.
Can I use my private health insurance for wisdom teeth removal?
Yes, if your policy includes general or major dental cover. The amount covered depends on your fund, your level of cover, and any waiting periods or annual limits. We process health fund claims on the spot at Innova Dental so you only pay the gap.
How much does wisdom teeth removal cost under general anaesthesia?
General anaesthesia adds $1,000 to $2,500 or more to the total cost, as it includes hospital facility fees and an anaesthetist. Most wisdom teeth can be removed comfortably under local anaesthesia in the dental chair.
Does it cost more to remove impacted wisdom teeth?
Yes. Impacted teeth require a surgical approach, which takes more time, more skill, and often 3D imaging to map the tooth's position relative to the nerve. Expect to pay $450 to $1,800 per tooth for surgical extraction compared to $300 to $750 for a simple erupted tooth.
Can I pay for wisdom teeth removal in instalments?
Many dental practices, including Innova Dental, offer interest-free payment plans. This allows you to spread the cost over several months so you can proceed with treatment without waiting.
How much does a wisdom teeth consultation cost?
Consultation fees vary by practice but typically range from $50 to $250. At Innova Dental, your consultation includes a clinical assessment and on-site imaging (OPG and 3D cone beam CT) where required.
Can I get wisdom teeth removed for free in Australia?
Public dental services in each state offer treatment to concession card holders, but non-emergency wisdom teeth removal involves long wait times (often 12 months or more in Tasmania). The Child Dental Benefits Schedule is another option for eligible families.