Updated on October 2, 2024
5 min read

Tooth Extraction Cost

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Dental procedures, like tooth extractions, are necessary to keep your mouth healthy and prevent more severe dental conditions. While it may seem cheaper to avoid expensive dental treatments, delaying them may be detrimental to your health.

In this article, we cover the cost of tooth extractions and how you can pay for them even without dental insurance.

Why are Teeth Extracted?

Tooth extractions are dental procedures that remove a tooth from its socket. It’s typically done when a tooth is damaged beyond repair.

Your dentist may recommend a tooth extraction for the following reasons:4

  • Remove wisdom teeth
  • Extract cavities
  • Treat advanced gum disease (periodontal disease)
  • Removing broken teeth
  • Resolve an impacted tooth
  • Prepare the teeth for orthodontic treatment

What Happens if You Don’t Get a Tooth Extraction?

In some cases, a dental extraction is optional. However, neglecting treatment can lead to other issues, such as:

  • Oral diseases
  • Chewing problems
  • Jaw issues
  • Shifting teeth

It’s best to consult your dentist or oral surgeon if tooth extraction is necessary to prevent future dental problems.

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What Affects a Tooth Extraction’s Cost?

The average price of a simple extraction without insurance ranges from $130 to $250 per tooth. However, the price can vary depending on the type of extraction needed.

For example, surgical extractions can cost  $250 to $370. Meanwhile, extracting impacted teeth, which are stuck below the gums’ surface, can cost $500 or more.

Common factors that affect the procedure’s price include:

The Complexity of the Procedure

The size and shape of your tooth’s root can affect the cost and the complexity of the procedure. The cost can also be affected depending on whether or not the tooth is impacted or erupted.

For example, wisdom tooth extractions can be one of the most complicated procedures to do. Because of this, a wisdom tooth extraction can cost between $1,000 to $3,000. Furthermore, the number of teeth that need to be extracted can increase the price.

Oral Surgeon’s Fees

The tooth extraction cost can also depend on who’s performing the procedure. A dental surgeon or specialist has the necessary education and expertise to perform a complex extraction. However, they typically have a higher service fee than general dentists.

Local Anesthetic and Sedation Fees

If a local anesthetic is needed for your procedure, it’s likely already included in the total cost of the extraction. If you need anesthesia or sedation to calm down before an extraction, your insurance will consider it non-essential 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 insurance. General anesthesia for oral surgeries starts at around $250 per hour out-of-pocket.

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

Dental Insurance Plans

The cost of a tooth extraction can vary depending on your dental insurance plan. This also includes any additional fees from the procedure.

Most dental insurance plans cover common dental procedures, which include tooth extractions. However, the dental costs covered will vary depending on your insurer.

Other Potential Fees

You may incur additional fees for other dental services before, during, and after the procedure. These potential services include:

  • X-rays — These images help your dentist further analyze your teeth. Taking x-rays can add about $200 to the cost
  • Dental exams — A preliminary exam used to check on your dental condition. These often cost between $90 and $160 but can often exceed that range
  • Antibiotics and medications — Prescription medication that can cost $20 or more
  • Follow-up appointments — A check-up after your extraction, which could increase the total cost

Cost of Tooth Extraction With Dental Insurance

Surgical procedures like tooth extractions are typically covered by insurance, especially if it’s medically necessary. Depending on your dental insurance plan, it may cover 50 to 70 percent of the tooth extraction’s cost.

Depending on your insurance, you could pay anywhere from $50 to $125 for a simple tooth extraction. Your dental insurance will usually cover the costs of additional services, including:

  • Initial exams
  • X-rays
  • Anesthesia (local or general)
  • Sutures
  • Follow-up visits

Check with your dentist about what is covered under your insurance plan.

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Other Ways to Pay For Tooth Extractions

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

If you need an extraction, you can 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 is offered through Dental Plans. Members enjoy 20 to 50 percent savings on dental care costs. There is no annual spending limit, and you pay one low yearly fee to save on treatments throughout the year.

Government Services

Medicare or Medicaid covers tooth extraction when it’s medically necessary. If you’re a recipient of a Medicare Advantage plan, you will need to have the tooth removed performed by a dentist 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.

Veteran’s Benefits

If you’re a veteran with a dental disability related to your services, you may be able to get dental care from the Department of Veterans Affairs. You can check the requirements for VA dental care and apply for the benefit here.

Summary

Tooth extraction procedures are used to remove a tooth from its socket. It’s typically done when a tooth is beyond repair.

The average price of a simple tooth extraction can cost between $130 to $250 without insurance. However, dental insurance typically covers 50 to 70 percent of the procedure.

Keep in mind there are additional costs that may increase the total cost of the procedure. If you don’t have dental insurance, there are other financing options that can help reduce the cost.

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Last updated on October 2, 2024
7 Sources Cited
Last updated on October 2, 2024
All NewMouth content is medically reviewed and fact-checked by a licensed dentist or orthodontist to ensure the information is factual, current, and relevant.

We have strict sourcing guidelines and only cite from current scientific research, such as scholarly articles, dentistry textbooks, government agencies, and medical journals. This also includes information provided by the American Dental Association (ADA), the American Association of Orthodontics (AAO), and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
  1. “Careington Dental Savings Plans: 20-50% Dental Discounts.” Careington.
  2. Hollins, C. “Individual CIGNA Dental Choice.” John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
  3. Koerner, K. “Manual of Minor Oral Surgery for the General Dentist.” Blackwell Munksgaard, 2006.
  4. Passarelli et al. “Reasons for Tooth Extractions and Related Risk Factors in Adult Patients: A Cohort Study.” International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, National Library of Medicine, 2020.
  5. Shareef et al. “Analysis of Tooth Extraction Causes and Patterns.” Open Access Macedonian Journal of Medical Sciences, 2020.
  6. Garla et al. “Dental insurance: A systematic review.” Journal of International Society of Preventive and Community Dentistry, National Library of Medicine, 2014.
  7. “2022 Survey of Dental Fees.” American Dental Association, 2022.
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