How much does wisdom teeth removal cost in Cape Town?

There is no fixed price for wisdom teeth removal in South Africa. The cost depends mainly on whether the tooth can be taken out in the dentist’s chair or needs a surgeon, and on how many teeth are involved. A written quotation after an examination is the only reliable way to know what your own treatment will cost.

In short

• Each dental practice sets its own fees, so a written quotation after an examination is the only way to know your own cost.
• The cost depends on how hard each tooth is to remove, how many come out, the X-rays needed, and whether a surgeon, a hospital and an anaesthetist are involved.
• Medical aids generally pay for a simple extraction from the day-to-day or savings part of a plan, at the scheme’s own tariff.
• Removing impacted wisdom teeth in hospital usually needs pre-authorisation, often carries a co-payment, and is not paid at all on some plans.

This article is part of the extractions and wisdom teeth information on this site for patients in Cape Town.

Why is there no fixed price for wisdom teeth removal?

Each dental practice sets its own fees, and so does each surgeon’s practice, so the same treatment can cost a different amount from one practice to the next. Wisdom teeth also differ from person to person, so the work, and the cost, differ too. See what a dentist costs without medical aid for more detail.

What makes the cost of wisdom tooth extraction go up or down?

The main factor is how the tooth comes out. Dr Davies carries out simple extractions, including wisdom teeth, at the practice under local anaesthetic. A wisdom tooth that is impacted, which means it is stuck under the gum or against the jawbone, can need surgery, in which the gum is opened and the tooth is sometimes cut into pieces. Surgery has more steps, and the account reflects the extra time and work. When an extraction is more complicated, Dr Davies refers it to a maxillofacial and oral surgeon after she has assessed it. Who removes wisdom teeth? explains that decision.

Other things change the total too:

• The number of teeth. Each extra tooth adds time and work.
• X-rays. They show where the tooth and its roots sit and how close they are to a nerve. A wider X-ray of the jaws, such as a panoramic X-ray, may be added.
• The surgeon’s fee. A surgeon’s account is separate from the dentist’s account.
• The hospital and the anaesthetist. When teeth come out in a hospital or day clinic under general anaesthetic, the hospital (for the theatre), the anaesthetist (the doctor who gives the anaesthetic) and the surgeon usually each send an account. Any sedation or general anaesthetic is arranged through the surgeon’s practice and the hospital.

How do South African medical aids treat wisdom teeth removal?

The details depend on your scheme, plan and year, but the benefit pages of Bonitas, Medihelp and Momentum Medical Scheme show a pattern.

A simple extraction in the dentist’s chair counts as basic, everyday dentistry. On plans that include dental cover, it is generally paid from the day-to-day or savings part of the plan, at the scheme’s own tariff. Many dentists charge more than that tariff, and the patient pays the difference.

Removing impacted wisdom teeth is handled differently. For work in hospital or under sedation, these schemes generally want pre-authorisation, which means the scheme approves the procedure first. Many plans also ask for a co-payment, which is an amount you pay yourself towards the hospital or day clinic admission. Some plans do not pay for dentistry in hospital at all. Discovery Health Medical Scheme’s page says that, apart from approved severe dental and oral surgery, you pay part of the hospital or day clinic account upfront for dental admissions.

What dental work does medical aid usually not cover? lists other common exclusions. Check your benefit table, or call your scheme, before you book.

How much does wisdom teeth removal cost without medical aid?

Without medical aid, you pay each account yourself, and the same factors apply, so there is still no fixed price. Arrange an examination with Dr Davies, and ask for a written quotation afterwards, once she has seen the tooth and its X-ray. If she refers you to a surgeon, ask the surgeon’s practice for its own quotation. When should wisdom teeth be checked? explains the usual timing.

How do I reach Dr Davies?

To have your wisdom teeth examined, call Dr Davies directly on her own mobile, which is shown on this page. Dr Davies treats adults and children at BRS Dental on Strand Street, in Cape Town City Centre. BRS Dental is not registered with medical aids, so it does not claim from them directly, but reception can help you submit your claim to your medical aid. If a wisdom tooth is painful now, see wisdom tooth pain and the dental emergency guidance on this site rather than researching the cost first. This page gives general information and does not replace an examination.