Does Medicare cover wisdom teeth removal?
Wisdom teeth removal is very common. The extraction procedure comes with dreadful stories of the swelling, bleeding and pain that comes with it. The average cost of wisdom teeth removal is about $200*. However, depending on the specific needs of the patient, the cost may vary. For a tooth that is impacted, it starts from $200* and goes up to $450* for teeth that are highly impacted. Anything that requires GA is about $2500*. Additional costs that may be associated with this procedure include panoramic X-ray, CT scans, general anesthesia and the aftercare prescriptions.
Does Medicare cover wisdom tooth removal services?
Medicare categorizes wisdom tooth extraction as a routine, non-emergency dental procedure which is why it is not typically covered. In Australia, Medicare only covers dental services covered under a program known as the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS). This program is meant to offer dental services to eligible children between the age of 2 and 17.
The primary goal of this program is to improve the dental health of children residing in Australia by giving them an affordable plan. The program covers essential dental services including restorative and preventive dental treatment of up to $1000*. The amount is spread over a two year period. If the period lapse before the child has taken advantage of the plan, the amount cannot be carried forward to the third year. The child will have to apply for another two years if still eligible.
Dental procedures Covered Under Medicare
CDBS covers a wide range of dental services, excluding wisdom tooth removal. One of the services covered within the program is diagnostic dental procedures. Such procedures include dental x-ray. Also, the program covers preventive dental procedures. These are dental procedures that prevent other complicated dental procedures that might be severe from occurring. Preventative dental procedures include dental cleaning and scaling. Restorative procedures are only partially covered by the program. This means that the patient might be forced to pay an out of pocket fee after receiving such services.
A patient may only receive some of the oral surgery procedures but not all. Some of the oral surgery procedures covered under Medicare include tooth extraction and root canals. Cosmetic procedures, which are procedures meant to improve appearance, are not covered under Medicare. Such procedures include installing dental veneers. If you will need such a procedure, it means you will have to meet the dental fee.
Why are we your best option?
Our dentists in Melbourne are all well trained and experienced in the procedure of wisdom teeth removal. We are willing to go above and beyond to ensure that you are comfortable and feel safe in our hands. We have invested in the latest technology to make sure that the procedure is done in the safest and best way possible. We are also reasonably priced and give you your money’s worth by empowering you to make informed decisions about your oral health.
Do you have questions about Medicare coverage of wisdom teeth removal? Make an appointment with us today and talk to our professionals about it.