Tooth Extraction Cost

How Much Does a Tooth Extraction Cost?

Tooth extractions are needed for many different reasons, such as removing cavities and treating advanced gum disease. Other reasons for a simple extraction include impaction or before undergoing orthodontic treatment. The most common reason for an extraction is to remove someone’s wisdom teeth, but simple extractions are less complicated than this.

In some cases, your dentist might tell you a dental extraction is optional. But neglecting treatment can lead to other issues down the road, such as oral diseases, chewing problems, jaw issues, and shifting teeth.

Sometimes there are alternative dental procedures to extraction, but this isn’t always the case. Some dentists will try a root canal or other less-invasive procedure before extraction, but these options do not guarantee removal won’t be necessary eventually.

All general dentists can do a simple tooth extraction, but some refer patients to an oral surgeon depending on the situation.

The average cost of a simple tooth extraction varies depending on the circumstances. It is the least expensive extraction procedure, but it can still be expensive without insurance. A simple extraction is less costly than surgical extraction, but for many people, the cost is still a burden.

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.

Tooth Extraction Costs Without Dental Insurance

The cost depends on the type of extraction needed:

• The average price of a simple extraction without insurance ranges from $150 to $300 per tooth
• Surgical extractions, such as wisdom teeth extraction, range from $225 to $2300

Without insurance coverage, you’ll pay the entire cost out-of-pocket, but a payment plan might be an option. A local anesthetic (numbing medication) is always necessary and included in the cost of the extraction.  General anesthesia may also be necessary. The cost of this medication is separate. 

No Insurance? Other Ways To Pay For Treatment

Learning you need a tooth extraction when you don’t have dental insurance is devastating. 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.

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 removal 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 than private practice.

Visiting a dental school for tooth extraction and other services is safe and affordable, but not everyone has a facility in their area.