Wisdom teeth removal under a general anaesthetic
Sometimes wisdom teeth are removed under a general anaesthetic, which means you're asleep. It's done in hospital, and you don't usually need to stay overnight. Your dentist refers you to a specialist surgeon, and the cost is given at a consultation. Don't drive for 48 hours afterwards.
Asleep, in hospital: the referral, the day and the cost.
Free to send, no obligation. One registered dentist rings you, not five.
- Asleepunder a general anaesthetic
- Hospitalusually home the same day
- 48 hoursbefore you drive
- Referralto a specialist surgeon
How you get there
After an examination and an x-ray, your dentist may refer you to a specialist surgeon working in a hospital. The surgeon decides with you whether a general anaesthetic is the right way to do it.
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.
The day
- In hospital, usually home the same day.
- Someone needs to take you home: no driving for 48 hours after a general anaesthetic.
- The recovery is the same as any removal: soft food, nothing hot for 24 hours, then salt water rinses.
The cost
We haven't found an Irish practice or hospital that publishes a price for this, so ask at the consultation. If you have health insurance, ask your insurer what it pays towards before you book.
Questions people ask
Do I have to stay in hospital overnight?
Not usually. Most people go home the same day after a general anaesthetic for wisdom teeth.
How much does it cost under a general anaesthetic?
The cost is given at a consultation. Ask your insurer what it covers if you have health insurance.
When can I drive?
Wait 48 hours after a general anaesthetic.
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.