Wisdom Teeth Removal Cost in Korea
What Is Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Wisdom teeth removal (third molar extraction) is a common dental procedure to take out one or more wisdom teeth, especially if they are causing pain, infection, crowding, or won’t erupt properly. Wisdom teeth often require removal because they are the last to come in and may not have enough space in the jaw.
Average Cost of Wisdom Teeth Removal in Korea
Wisdom tooth removal cost in Korea varies significantly based on complexity, imaging, anesthesia, and insurance. Here are realistic price ranges per tooth for 2026:
Simple Extraction (Fully Erupted, Easy Access)
- ₩50,000 – ₩150,000 per tooth (~USD 40 – 110) for straightforward removal with local anesthesia.
Surgical/Impacted Extraction (Partially or Fully Impacted)
- ₩200,000 – ₩500,000 per tooth (~USD 150 – 370) for surgical removal of impacted wisdom teeth.
Complex or High-End Clinic Pricing
- Some premium clinics in central Seoul (e.g., Gangnam) estimate ₩300,000 – ₩700,000+ per tooth for impacted or difficult cases. Gangnam Dentist
Total Cost if Removing Multiple Teeth
If you need all four wisdom teeth removed, many clinics offer package or combined pricing rather than simply multiplying per-tooth costs — typically ₩300,000 – ₩1,200,000+ for all four, depending on complexity and whether anesthesia or sedation is included. Korea Health Pages
What’s Included in the Cost?
Wisdom tooth removal pricing in Korea often includes:
- Consultation & dental exam
- Panoramic x-ray or CBCT imaging (for surgical planning)
- Local anesthesia (standard)
- Tooth extraction procedure
- Post-op check and basic pain medication guidance
Not always included:
- Sedation or general anesthesia
- 3D CT scans
- Prescription medications
- Follow-up pain management or complications care
Always confirm what’s covered in the quoted price with your clinic before treatment.
Anesthesia & Sedation Options
- Local anesthesia: included in most basic price quotes. Gangnam Dentique
- IV sedation or general anesthesia: optional and costs extra, ranging from ₩150,000 – ₩400,000+ depending on the clinic and sedation type. Expat Guide Korea
- Clinics often recommend sedation for anxious patients or multiple extractions in one session.
Factors That Affect Price
- Complexity of tooth position – impacted or curved roots cost more. Gangnam Dentique
- Clinic location & reputation — central Seoul surgeons charge more than suburban clinics.
- Imaging needs — CBCT scans add to total cost for surgical planning. 서울치과
- Anesthesia method — sedation/general anesthesia increases price. Expat Guide Korea
- Insurance vs non-insurance pricing — coverage can reduce out-of-pocket cost significantly.
Insurance Coverage & Cost Savings
- Korean National Health Insurance (NHIS):
If you are a resident with NHIS and the removal is medically necessary (e.g., pain or infection), insurance can cover a large portion, reducing the patient’s share to around ₩10,000 – ₩35,000 for insured procedures. - Private dental insurance: May partially reimburse extraction costs depending on your plan.
- International patients: Usually pay non-insurance fees unless they have Korean insurance.
Always check with the clinic and your insurer what costs can be claimed.
Treatment & Recovery Timeline
- Simple removal: Single visit, ~20–40 minutes.
- Surgical impacted removal: ~30–90 minutes, depending on difficulty.
- Recovery: Most swelling and discomfort improve 3–7 days; full healing in a few weeks.
Follow your dentist’s post-op guidance for best results.
Korea vs Other Countries: Cost Perspective
Wisdom tooth removal in the U.S. often ranges from USD 200 – 1,000+ per tooth, especially for impacted cases, making Korea’s average cost much more affordable even when paying non-insurance rates.
Tips for Getting an Accurate Quote
- Ask for a detailed breakdown: extraction type, imaging, anesthesia, medications.
- Clarify whether the price includes post-op follow-ups.
- If you’re a foreign patient, ask about English support and transparent cost estimates.
- Consider getting quotes from multiple clinics for comparison.
Final Thoughts
The
wisdom teeth removal cost in Korea is highly competitive, ranging from basic extractions at
~₩50,000 – ₩150,000 per tooth to more complex impacted procedures at
₩200,000 – ₩700,000+ per tooth. With experienced oral surgeons, advanced imaging, and sometimes insurance coverage, Korea provides quality dental care at accessible prices.
