Can I write off my wisdom teeth removal?

Asked by: Ms. Melyssa Nienow IV  |  Last update: September 15, 2025
Score: 5/5 (22 votes)

According to the IRS, you can deduct medical expenses that exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income (AGI) for the year. This includes a wide range of dental treatments that are considered preventative, diagnostic, or for treating dental disease.

Is wisdom tooth removal tax-deductible?

Only medically necessary dental treatments are deductible, such as teeth cleanings, sealants, fluoride treatments, X-rays, fillings, braces, extractions, dentures, and dental-related prescription medications. Cosmetic procedures (like veneers and teeth whitening) and non-prescription medicines are not tax-deductible.

Can you claim wisdom teeth removal?

It is not unheard of that medical covers extractions. Many medical plans still cover surgical extractions, surgical extractions of impacted teeth, or more than a certain number of extractions performed at the same time. Especially so with self-funded and union plans.

Is wisdom tooth extraction claimable?

Our dentists will examine your teeth and let you know if the wisdom tooth can be removed via a routine extraction or surgery. You cannot use MediSave for a routine extraction. Only wisdom teeth that are surgically removed are claimable via the CPF MediSave account.

Can I write off dental expenses on my taxes?

Medical expenses include dental expenses, and in this publication the term “medical expenses” is often used to refer to medical and dental expenses. You can deduct on Schedule A (Form 1040) only the part of your medical and dental expenses that is more than 7.5% of your adjusted gross income (AGI).

PATIENT EDUCATION - Why should I KEEP my WISDOM TEETH?

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What are IRS qualified medical expenses?

Medical expenses are the costs of diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease, and for the purpose of affecting any part or function of the body. These expenses include payments for legal medical services rendered by physicians, surgeons, dentists, and other medical practitioners.

Is deep cleaning teeth deductible?

As a rule of thumb, any treatment aimed at preventing or alleviating dental disease is deductible. This means you can include the cost of fillings, dental cleanings, braces, extractions and dentures.

Does wisdom teeth removal count as medical?

Differences in Coverage

Medical insurance focuses on covering procedures that are medically necessary, such as the surgical extraction of impacted wisdom teeth due to severe pain, infection, or other complications affecting overall health.

Can you pay off wisdom teeth removal?

To make wisdom teeth removal more affordable, various payment options are available: Payment Plans: Some dental clinics offer payment plans that allow you to pay for the procedure in instalments. Healthcare Credit Cards: These credit cards offer no interest or reduced-interest promotional periods for medical expenses.

Why do experts now say not to remove your wisdom teeth?

According to some studies, not removing your wisdom teeth can improve chewing effectiveness, assisting with the digestion and breakdown of food particles. Furthermore, wisdom teeth can support neighboring teeth, possibly preventing the crowding and shifting that were once thought to be inevitable.

How much do wisdom teeth cost to remove?

Simple wisdom teeth extractions can range from $250 to $400 per tooth, An oral surgeon's extraction of impacted wisdom teeth can cost between $450 and $600 per tooth. If you opt for a general anesthetic to remove your wisdom teeth, the cost can range from $1,500 to $3,000 per tooth.

Can I get medical leave for wisdom teeth removal?

Yes, FMLA leave can be used for dental surgery, provided you meet eligibility requirements and your healthcare provider's criteria. FMLA allows up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave for medical conditions.

How can I get money for wisdom teeth removal?

If you don't have insurance to pay for wisdom teeth removal, then you have a variety of low-cost options. Federal programs, dental schools, clinical trials, and financing can all help you to afford a wisdom teeth extraction.

What proof do I need to deduct medical expenses?

You should also keep a statement or itemized invoice showing:
  • What medical care was received.
  • Who received the care.
  • The nature and purpose of any medical expenses.
  • The amount of the other medical expenses.

Is wisdom teeth removal considered preventive care?

Types of procedures

Sometimes procedures like wisdom teeth removal are considered preventative dentistry as well, since taking them out early can help you prevent complications later.

What can I write off on my taxes?

If you itemize, you can deduct these expenses:
  • Bad debts.
  • Canceled debt on home.
  • Capital losses.
  • Donations to charity.
  • Gains from sale of your home.
  • Gambling losses.
  • Home mortgage interest.
  • Income, sales, real estate and personal property taxes.

Does wisdom teeth removal count towards deductible?

Wisdom teeth extraction cost with dental insurance

Benefits for wisdom teeth extractions can typically range from 50% to 80% of the dentist's or oral surgeon's fees. They are typically also subject to deductibles and co-pays.

How to claim wisdom teeth removal?

Wisdom teeth removal is covered on Top Extras, Mid Extras and StarterPak (Basic Plus), but only if your dentist does the extraction at their practice. Depending on how complex the extraction is, you can usually claim it under Major Dental with your Extras cover.

Why is wisdom teeth removal so expensive?

The process of wisdom teeth removal, including the consultation with an oral surgeon, can be a bit expensive due to their specialized training and expertise. A simple extraction procedure by a regular dentist usually costs less, but in complex cases, an oral surgeon's involvement is necessary.

Does wisdom teeth removal count as major dental?

Some of these treatments can be done at the dental clinic or as an admission to hospital or day surgery. On our Extras cover, wisdom teeth removal is included under 'general dental' not 'major dental'. What is included in orthodontics? Specialist dental treatment to correct misaligned teeth and jaws.

Does wisdom teeth removal count as surgery on forms?

Does Wisdom Teeth Removal Count as Oral Surgery? Wisdom teeth removal can sometimes count as oral surgery. Whether or not you'll need oral surgery to extract wisdom teeth will depend on the position of your wisdom teeth and whether they have already erupted through the gum line.

Is it worth claiming medical expenses on taxes?

The medical expense deduction covers a wide variety of expenses. However, because of the high Standard Deduction and the 7.5% of AGI threshold requirement, it can be difficult to benefit unless you have a lot of out-of-pocket costs.

Why is deep cleaning not covered by insurance?

If you have dental insurance that you're using toward the cost of your deep cleaning, it probably will not cover your scaling and root planing at 100%. Deep cleanings (scaling and root planing) are typically categorized as a basic dental procedure, similar to dental fillings.

What is the IRS rule for deducting medical expenses?

Medical Expense Deduction

On Form 1040, medical and dental expenses are deducted on Schedule A, Itemized Deductions. You can deduct only the amount of your medical and dental expenses that is more than 7.5 percent of your adjusted gross income shown on Form 1040, line 38.