[AKL] Wisdom Teeth removal by specialist

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lNomNoml

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#275641 1-Sep-2020 22:37

Partner is having on and off wisdom teeth pain and she has been to two dentists who have told her that they will need to be taken out sooner rather than later.

The problem is that both dentists have told her that the risk of nerve damage is high as her nerves are very close to the wisdom teeth, so I suspect she will need to have it done by a specialist.

She isn't with any health insurance. :/

The question(s) I have are, has anyone in the Auckland region or anywhere else been to a specialist for wisdom teeth removal, anyone you can recommend?

What are the costs for such things?

Is there any way of getting the funding other than saving for it? ask ACC? or a loan ect?

Should we just look at going to Fiji and having them removed there due to costs?

Any wisdom please and thank you

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#2555294 1-Sep-2020 23:28

had mine out years ago with no problems

I know some one who has a medical condition and a community services card got theirs out at the hospital dental dpt for free

BlinkyBill

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#2555304 2-Sep-2020 01:27

If she is fearful of dentistry, anxious about the procedure and the prospect of nerve damage, then the public health system might well do the job. I don’t know how long waiting times are. Would then be taxpayer-paid.

Yoban

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#2555461 2-Sep-2020 10:37

would recommend https://nigelparr.nz/ in Greenlane. Both kids (last one 18mths ago) been to see him for wisdom teeth. Great staff with his wife as practice manager, even have the family dog (chocolate lab) in reception for a calming effect.

mkissin

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#2555526 2-Sep-2020 11:43

I had mine done about a year ago, by Hamish Cameron, here: https://www.healthpoint.co.nz/private/oral-maxillofacial-surgery/westlake-dental-specialists/

All 4 teeth out under IV sedation. All four had to be sectioned and removed in pieces as they were all complicated (the lower ones were around the nerves and the top ones were inside my sinuses. Good times). He did an excellent job, and the recovery was quick. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend him.

I can't remember what it cost unfortunately (it was covered under insurance) but it wasn't too bad. I'll update once I can look it up.

lNomNoml

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#2555582 2-Sep-2020 12:53

mkissin:

I had mine done about a year ago, by Hamish Cameron, here: https://www.healthpoint.co.nz/private/oral-maxillofacial-surgery/westlake-dental-specialists/

All 4 teeth out under IV sedation. All four had to be sectioned and removed in pieces as they were all complicated (the lower ones were around the nerves and the top ones were inside my sinuses. Good times). He did an excellent job, and the recovery was quick. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend him.

I can't remember what it cost unfortunately (it was covered under insurance) but it wasn't too bad. I'll update once I can look it up.

Thank you, looking forward to the update on the cost please so we at least have a starting point.

surfisup1000

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#2555590 2-Sep-2020 13:07

lNomNoml:

The problem is that both dentists have told her that the risk of nerve damage is high as her nerves are very close to the wisdom teeth, so I suspect she will need to have it done by a specialist.

At least they warned her . I had a wisdom tooth taken out around 15 years ago and suffered nerve damage. Consequences are that part of my tongue on that side went slightly numb. Even today, it is still a bit tingly and the sensation is not quite the same as the other side.

ACC isn't going to help. Unless something goes wrong.

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mkissin

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#2555873 2-Sep-2020 19:14

Ok, so I paid $360 for the initial consult, which was mainly for some incredibly fancy 3D X-rays to find all of the nerves and whatnot.

The actual removal cost an additional $2300 all up, including the sedation (I know from previous oral surgery that the IV sedation itself is fairly expensive, compared to other options you may have).

That was all paid by southern cross, so I’m not sure whether that would translate directly to a similar cost without insurance.

rfdawn

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#2555924 2-Sep-2020 19:56

Nerve damage can happen when pulling wisdom teeth from lower jaw.

In my case it was deemed feasible to just remove top half of tooth sew gum over the top and leave the roots and nerves to RIP.

Probably worth asking if that is possible although I guess that depends on what the xrays look like.

Yoban

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#2555966 2-Sep-2020 20:50

mkissin: Ok, so I paid $360 for the initial consult, which was mainly for some incredibly fancy 3D X-rays to find all of the nerves and whatnot.

The actual removal cost an additional $2300 all up, including the sedation (I know from previous oral surgery that the IV sedation itself is fairly expensive, compared to other options you may have).

That was all paid by southern cross, so I’m not sure whether that would translate directly to a similar cost without insurance.

I can concur with those sort of prices, as very similar for my kids. If going down the insurance path do double check with them first as I am with southern cross and it was not covered and they do make mention of this on their plans https://www.southerncross.co.nz/society/buying-health-insurance/our-plans/healthessentials - "Includes teeth extraction (other than wisdom teeth), dentures, and endodontic, periodontic and orthodontic treatment".

The other option that we had was full general, but this doubled the cost. The IV sedation does work very well.

tukapa1

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#2555974 2-Sep-2020 21:08

My better half had three taken out by surgery a couple of weeks ago (in New Plymouth).

Around $5k including anesthetist fees.

lNomNoml

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#2555976 2-Sep-2020 21:13

mkissin: Ok, so I paid $360 for the initial consult, which was mainly for some incredibly fancy 3D X-rays to find all of the nerves and whatnot.

The actual removal cost an additional $2300 all up, including the sedation (I know from previous oral surgery that the IV sedation itself is fairly expensive, compared to other options you may have).

That was all paid by southern cross, so I’m not sure whether that would translate directly to a similar cost without insurance.

Thank you for that $3000~ is manageable for us, it's one of those things you just got to do. I have contacted them and booked an appointment for her.

I have been recommended the following one from a friend as well, so she will go see them tomorrow to get a quote as well: https://www.southaucklanddental.com/services#.X09iKXkzabh

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mkissin

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#2555980 2-Sep-2020 21:17

Yoban:

I can concur with those sort of prices, as very similar for my kids. If going down the insurance path do double check with them first as I am with southern cross and it was not covered and they do make mention of this on their plans https://www.southerncross.co.nz/society/buying-health-insurance/our-plans/healthessentials - "Includes teeth extraction (other than wisdom teeth), dentures, and endodontic, periodontic and orthodontic treatment".

The other option that we had was full general, but this doubled the cost. The IV sedation does work very well.

Just to reiterate this point, I’m not good with surgery/needles and all that, but the IV sedation is excellent.

Also on the southern cross note, at the time I was on UltraCare 400 and even that only covered each tooth if it was impacted. Once they came through the gums, they weren’t covered. Of course, having a non-impacted wisdom tooth removed at a regular dentist is vastly cheaper and easier. My wife had one removed and it took 15 minutes and cost about $290.

mkissin

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#2555982 2-Sep-2020 21:23

lNomNoml:

Thank you for that $3000~ is manageable for us, it's one of those things you just got to do. I have contacted them and booked an appointment for her.

I have been recommended the following one from a friend as well, so she will go see them tomorrow to get a quote as well: https://www.southaucklanddental.com/services#.X09iKXkzabh

It absolutely is important. Problematic wisdom teeth will just lead to further issues down the road, including compromising the bone of the jaw. Getting them out is a bit lame for a day or two (I only needed pain relief on the first day after, having them sectioned is less traumatic than wrenched out, I think) but super worth it in the long run.

This is one of the reasons that I’m disappointed that dental care isn’t subsidised in New Zealand, but that’s a different discussion!

huckster

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#2555983 2-Sep-2020 21:24

For what it is worth, Daughter had all four out a couple of months ago - $2600 - Auckland.

CutCutCut

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#2555984 2-Sep-2020 21:24

I had all 4 of mine out under a general about 8 or 9 years ago. It went very smoothly, and quickly, I don't remeber a thing! I think it was around $5000, fully covered by Southern Cross. Very pleased I've been with them, they have covered a lot over the years. Obviously too late for the wisdom teeth now, but I'd recomend health insurance particularly if you have kids or are expecting some soon.

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