Dental questions · Fees and health funds
Is Wisdom Tooth Removal Covered by Health Funds?
Usually, yes. Most extras policies cover wisdom tooth removal, often under major dental with a longer waiting period. Here is how cover works and what removal typically costs.
- Usually major dental cover
- Often $350 to $600 per tooth
- Claim on the spot with HICAPS
- Written estimate first
Planning wisdom tooth removal?
Ask us for the item numbers so you can check your benefit with your fund before treatment.
Call now →Health fund cover
How do health funds cover wisdom tooth removal?
Wisdom tooth removal is usually claimed under extras cover. Most funds treat it as major dental, which usually has a 12 month waiting period and its own annual limit.
What you get back depends on your level of cover, how much of your limit is left and the item numbers used. Some funds treat a simple extraction differently from a surgical one, so it is worth checking with your fund before booking.
How health fund dental cover works →Before you book
Check your waiting period
Major dental waiting periods are commonly 12 months on a new or upgraded policy.
Check your limit
Find out how much of this year's major dental limit is left.
Ask for item numbers
We can give you the item numbers to quote to your fund.
Know your reset date
Many funds reset limits on 1 January, so timing can make a difference.
Cost
How much does wisdom tooth removal cost?
At Dental Seasons, wisdom tooth removal is often between $350 and $600 per tooth, depending on how difficult the tooth is to remove.
A tooth that has fully come through is usually simpler to remove than one that is partly through or sitting at an angle. We assess each tooth first, usually with an X-ray, and confirm the fee before treatment.
Removal in hospital
If removal in hospital under general anaesthetic is recommended, it is claimed differently, often under hospital cover. We explain your options and refer you where appropriate.
What affects the fee
Position of the tooth
Fully erupted, partly erupted or still under the gum.
Root shape
Curved or long roots can make removal more involved.
Number of teeth
The fee is per tooth, so it depends on how many need to come out.
Imaging
X-rays, or 3D CBCT where clinically appropriate, to plan safely.
Before you plan
Do my wisdom teeth need to come out?
Not always. Wisdom teeth that have come through fully, are healthy and can be cleaned properly may be left alone. Removal is usually considered when they are causing problems or are likely to.
We look at the position of each tooth and the space available, then explain your options and the best timing.
Learn about wisdom teeth removal →Common reasons for removal
Repeated gum infections
Swollen, sore gum over a partly erupted tooth, known as pericoronitis.
Decay
Decay in the wisdom tooth or the tooth in front that is hard to treat or clean.
Not enough room
A tooth that is stuck at an angle and affecting the neighbouring tooth.
Pain or swelling
Ongoing discomfort at the back of the mouth. Call us if you have swelling.
Meet your dentists
Experienced, highly qualified and genuinely kind
All of our dentists are registered with Ahpra and keep learning well beyond their degrees, so you get thoughtful, up-to-date care.
Dr Andrew Bachour
Principal Dentist
BDSc (Hons, UQ). Master’s degrees in Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopaedics and in Sleep Medicine. Special interest in TMJ, orofacial pain and airway health.
Dr Michael Au
Dentist
BDSc (Hons, UQ). Known for his gentle touch and clear explanations, with advanced training in restorative dentistry and full-mouth rehabilitation.
Dr Pei San Chan
Dentist
BDS (Adelaide), GradDip Orthodontics (JCU), DipOrtho (UJI). Warm, calm care for patients of all ages, including children and orthodontics.
Book a wisdom teeth assessment
Find out whether your wisdom teeth need treatment and what it will cost. Book online or call our Sandgate team on (07) 3269 2064.