Wisdom teeth removal, from the first ache to two weeks after
What the signs mean, what happens on the day, awake, sedated or asleep, how the recovery goes, and what it costs: €150 to €270 a tooth for a simple extraction at Irish practices, €250 to €420 for a surgical one. Check yours in four taps. Then, if you want it, one Dental Council registered dentist or oral surgeon who covers your county rings you.
Free to send, no obligation. One registered dentist rings you, not five.
- 17 to 25the ages wisdom teeth usually come through
- 1 to 2 daysoff work, as your dentist may suggest
- Up to 2 weeksto fully recover
- 20%tax relief on a surgical removal of an impacted tooth
Check what your removal involves
Four quick taps. You see the likely type of removal, the likely cost, the tax relief and your recovery time. Your number is only asked for at the end, if you want an assessment.
Say one lower wisdom tooth is stuck under the gum: that's usually a surgical removal, typically €250 to €420 at Irish practices, plus €50 to €83 for the x-ray, with 20% tax relief back.
How this is worked out
The likely type of removal comes from what you tell us: a tooth that's stuck under the gum, or partly through in the lower jaw, usually needs a small cut in the gum; one that's through and easy to reach usually comes out whole. The prices are the range Irish dental practices publish for a wisdom tooth, per tooth, plus a panoramic x-ray and, if you pick it, IV sedation. Tax relief is 20% of the removal when it's a surgical extraction of an impacted wisdom tooth. The recovery times are the HSE's. It's a guide to plan with, never a diagnosis or a quote: the dentist decides after an examination and an x-ray.
How it's done
Whether the tooth is through decides the type. How you'd like it done decides the anaesthetic.
Simple extractionA tooth that's through comes out whole. €150 to €270 a tooth at Irish practices.
Surgical removalA small cut in the gum, sometimes the tooth in pieces. €250 to €420 a tooth.
Impacted wisdom teethStuck under the gum without room to come through, and the one removal that gets tax relief.
IV sedationAwake but drowsy and relaxed. €200 to €500 on top, and no driving for 24 hours.
General anaestheticAsleep, in hospital, usually home the same day. No driving for 48 hours.
All four at onceOne visit or two, and what four teeth cost: €1,000 to €1,680 for surgical removals.From the first ache to back to normal
1The check and the x-rayAn examination and a panoramic x-ray show where the tooth sits. Many problems are treated with antiseptic mouthwash and antibiotics; removal comes in if they don't. A complex one may go to a specialist oral surgeon.
2The day itselfUsually a local anaesthetic injection, and a sedative if you're anxious. The removal takes a few minutes to 20 minutes or longer. A general anaesthetic means hospital, usually home the same day.
3The two weeks afterSoft food for a few days, nothing hot and no rinsing for 24 hours, then warm salt water. Swelling can last 7 to 10 days, and full recovery up to 2 weeks.
The first few days at home
Small things that help after a removal.
Day by day: the recovery. What to eat: soft food ideas. What it costs: the price guide.
Before you book
How much does wisdom teeth removal cost in Ireland?
Irish dental practices publish €150 to €270 a tooth for a simple wisdom tooth extraction and €250 to €420 for a surgical removal. A panoramic x-ray adds €50 to €83, and IV sedation €200 to €500. A general anaesthetic is done in hospital and priced at a consultation. A surgical extraction of an impacted wisdom tooth gets 20% tax relief, and medical card holders are covered for extractions at a dentist in the scheme. The full price guide.
Does it hurt?
The removal itself is numbed: you'll usually have a local anaesthetic injection around the tooth, or a sedative or general anaesthetic if that's the plan. Afterwards there's some pain and swelling, worse after a surgical removal. Use the painkillers your dentist recommends.
How long is the recovery?
It can take up to 2 weeks to fully recover. Swelling and bruising can last 7 to 10 days, and your dentist may suggest 1 to 2 days off work. Eat soft food for a few days, and don't rinse, spit or have hot drinks for the first 24 hours. Day by day.
What is dry socket?
Dry socket is when the blood clot doesn't form in the socket, or comes away. It can happen 3 to 5 days after the removal: an intense, throbbing ache in the gum or jaw, a bad smell or taste, and sometimes bone you can see. Go back to your dentist: they clean the socket and put in a medicated dressing. More on dry socket.
Is it covered by the medical card or PRSI?
With a medical card (aged 16 and over), extractions are covered at a dentist in the HSE scheme. More complex care needs the approval of the HSE's local Principal Dental Surgeon first, so ask the dentist what's covered for your removal before you book. PRSI Treatment Benefit doesn't pay for extractions. It pays for a free oral exam once a year and towards a scale and polish, so you can use the free exam to have the tooth looked at, then pay for the removal privately.
Can I claim tax relief?
Only a surgical extraction of an impacted wisdom tooth gets tax relief: 20% of the cost. A routine extraction gets none. Your dentist fills in a Med 2 form, you keep it, and you claim under the Non-Routine heading of your health expenses. How to claim.
Who treats me?
One Dental Council registered dentist or oral surgeon who covers your county. We explain wisdom teeth removal and, with your consent, pass your request to them.
Check what your removal involves
Four taps to the likely type, cost and recovery, then one Dental Council registered dentist or oral surgeon who covers your county rings you.