Tooth Extraction Cost

How Much a Tooth Extraction Costs and What to Expect

Tooth extractions are needed for many different reasons. 

They can be removed to extract cavities, treat advanced gum disease, resolve an impacted tooth, or before orthodontic treatment.^4. However, the most common reason for an extraction is to remove wisdom teeth.

The average cost of a simple tooth extraction varies depending on your insurance and the procedure requirements. A simple extraction is less costly than a surgical extraction, but the cost is still a burden for many people.

In some cases, your dentist might tell you a dental extraction is optional, but neglecting treatment can lead to other issues down the road. Oral diseases, chewing problems, jaw issues, and shifting teeth can all result from resisting an extraction. 

Sometimes, an alternative dental procedure is necessary. For example, root canals and other less-invasive procedures may be offered before extraction, but these options do not guarantee removal won’t ever be necessary.

Discount Dental Plans can save you money on procedures that insurance can't (including cosmetic procedures). Learn more about dental discount plans here. Or call (833) 704-2246

How Much Does a Tooth Extraction Cost?

The cost of the procedure depends on the type of extraction needed.

The average price of a simple extraction without insurance ranges from $75 to $250 per tooth.

Surgical extractions, such as wisdom teeth extraction, can cost $300 or more.

Local Anesthetic and Sedation Fees

If local anesthetic is needed for your procedure, it’s likely already included in the total cost of the extraction.

In some cases, a person may ask for anesthesia or sedation to help them calm down before an extraction. In this case, your insurance company will consider it nonessential and refuse to cover it.

If you ask for nitrous oxide, you can expect to pay between $50 and $60 per half hour of use without the help of insurance. General anesthesia for oral surgeries start at around $250 per hour out-of-pocket. 

Unfortunately, without insurance coverage, you’ll pay the entire cost of the procedure. Some dentists offer payment plans.

Other Potential Fees

There are a few unfortunate hidden fees that may affect how much you pay for your tooth extraction. The potential additional fees you may come across are:

• X-rays: These images, which help your dentist further analyze your teeth, can add about $200 to the cost.
• Dental exams: Before your extraction, you’ll need to visit the doctor for a preliminary exam. These often cost between $50 and $150, but can often exceed that range.
• Antibiotics and medications: Depending on your procedure, you may be prescribed medication. These costs can vary greatly, but most generic medications start at $20.
• Follow-up appointments: You may be required to go to the dentist for a check up after your extraction, which could mean another visit payment.

Cost of Tooth Extraction With Dental Insurance

Patients pay less for tooth extractions covered by dental insurance.

Most medically necessary extractions will be covered. How much you pay varies based on your insurance plan and based on the cost of the extraction.

Depending on your insurance, you could pay anywhere from nothing to a few hundred dollars per extraction.

Other Ways To Pay For Treatment

A tooth extraction when you don’t have dental insurance can costly. Luckily, it is possible to find other ways of paying for tooth extractions without insurance.

If you need an extraction, consider:

Discount Dental Plans

Discount dental plans help you save money on tooth extraction. There are several discount dental plans available, most of which include:

• Discounts on dental services without monthly insurance premiums
• One low annual fee
• Access to a network of dentists offering reduced prices to discount dental plan members
• No approvals or application forms need

One of the most popular discount dental plans available is offered through Dental Plans. Members enjoy 20 to 50 percent savings on dental care costs. There is no annual spending limit, and patients pay one low yearly fee that lets them save on treatments throughout the year.

Find out if a dental savings plan from DentalPlans can save you money on your next dental procedure. Visit DentalPlans.

Government Services

Medicare or Medicaid covers tooth extraction when it’s medically necessary.

If you are a recipient of a Medicare Advantage plan, you will need to have the tooth removed performed by a dentist that is within the plan’s network.

Additionally, there might be other government-funded medical programs available in your area.

Dental School Services

Some dental schools offer services for less than you’d pay at a traditional dentist’s office. This allows student dentists an opportunity to practice under real-world circumstances.

Extractions are performed under the guidance of faculty dentists, and the average cost is about 60 to 70 percent less.