Wisdom
teeth removal is both a costly and risky procedure to have done. The general
cost for wisdom teeth removal in British Columbia is $350 per tooth under the
gum line, and $500 for the anaesthetic. Therefore, if you’re unlucky enough to
have all four teeth, the total cost will come to nearly $2,000.
The
B.C. Government's health plan doesn't cover any dental, and that includes
extraction of wisdom teeth. This is the case even if the teeth are impacted,
making it a necessity, so you better get some insurance if you need them
removed. Even then, what is and isn’t covered on a dental plan ultimately
depends on each plan. The surgical procedure for wisdom teeth removal has to be
done by a specialist, so a basic dental plan won't be adequate.
It’s
not only wisdom teeth removal; anything that can’t be done by a general dentist
won’t be covered by a basic plan. If something as common as wisdom teeth
removal is so costly, then why isn’t it included in a dental plan affordable to
young people? An average Blue Cross extended plan would cover about 80 per cent
of the costs, which only leaves a few hundred dollars that actually need to be
paid by the patient; for university students that would make a tremendous difference.
However, some extended dental plans can cost upwards of $70 a month.
When
it comes to dental work, many people put it off either because it's too
expensive, or they don't believe it’s essential. Unfortunately, untreated
dental problems can grow from minor preventative issues to emergency dental
treatments requiring hospitalization. Fortunately, if you're hospitalized
because you couldn't afford to get your wisdom teeth taken care of, the
government will foot the bill, so maybe that's the best route to take after
all.
//Christina Blakeborough, writer
//Graphics by Alexandra Gordeyeva
//Christina Blakeborough, writer
//Graphics by Alexandra Gordeyeva
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