A tooth extraction costs anywhere between $70 and $3,000. The main factor affecting these costs is whether you have a surgical or non-surgical extraction. Surgical extractions cost more and require you to go to an oral surgeon instead of a regular dentist.
If you have dental insurance, it may cover at least part of the cost of tooth extraction. Learn more about what you can expect to pay for tooth extractions in this article.
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What to Know About Tooth Extractions
Tooth extraction is a procedure in which a dentist or oral surgeon pulls a tooth out of its socket. It’s commonly done to remove diseased, decayed, or broken teeth before they turn into more serious problems.
Before beginning the procedure, the dentist usually takes X-rays to assess the area. They then use a local anesthetic to numb the area around the tooth so you do not feel any pain when the tooth is pulled. If you’re nervous about dental work, you may also request sedation to make the experience more bearable, but this will cost more.
Caring for your teeth is crucial for preventing the need for extractions. Around 52.2% of teeth extractions are due to tooth decay, and another 35.7% are from periodontal disease, both of which can be prevented with routine care. Going to the dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings can help you maintain good oral health and avoid extractions.
Common Reasons to Need an Extraction
There are several reasons your dentist might recommend tooth extraction, including:
- Tooth decay: If your teeth have decayed so severely that a root canal cannot help, a dentist might recommend extraction instead.
- Periodontal disease: Also known as gum disease, this is when your gums become infected and cannot hold teeth in place. Once teeth are weakened, they need to be pulled so they do not break.
- Impacted wisdom teeth: Most people have 4 extra teeth at the back of their mouth that emerge in young adulthood. When there is not enough room in your mouth for them, removing these excess teeth can relieve pain and prevent other complications.
- Broken teeth: If you break your tooth in an accident and it cannot be fixed with a crown or bridge, your dentist might recommend removing it entirely.
General Tooth Extraction Costs Explained
Type of Extraction | General Costs |
|---|---|
Simple extraction | $75 to $250 |
Surgical extraction | $180 to $550 |
Wisdom tooth surgery | $120 to $3,000 |
Extraction costs are higher for more complex procedures. There are three main types of tooth extractions:
- Simple extraction: A simple extraction is used for teeth that are visible above the gum line. A dentist numbs the area and loosens the tooth from the socket with special tools. Usually, you do not require stitches or extensive aftercare.
- Surgical extraction: Surgical extraction is commonly used for teeth that are impacted, broken below the gun line, or severely decayed. The surgeon numbs the area, cuts into the gum, removes the tooth and surrounding bone if necessary, and closes the wound with stitches.
- Wisdom tooth surgery: Wisdom teeth surgery extracts the unnecessary third molars in the back of the mouth. Removing these teeth works like a surgical extraction, except that a surgeon needs to carefully consider the position and angle of these teeth to avoid affecting the other teeth.
Other Factors That Impact Costs
- Dental insurance: If you have dental insurance, it may cover a portion of your costs, reducing your overall out-of-pocket expenses.
- Dentist’s reputation and experience: More experienced dentists or specialists like oral surgeons may charge higher fees.
- Extraction complexity: Simple extractions are typically less expensive than surgical extractions involving impacted teeth or bone removal.
- Post-operative medications: Antibiotics or pain medication prescribed before or after the extraction can add to the overall cost.
- Sedation vs. anesthesia: Local anesthesia is generally less expensive than general anesthesia or sedation dentistry.
- X-rays and diagnostic imaging: Necessary X-rays or scans can add to the overall cost because they require more specialists and equipment.
Simplifying Dental Insurance
Dental insurance is a type of policy you can buy to help offset your dental expenses. You pay a monthly premium to receive coverage for dental exams and necessary X-rays. You may also receive coverage on other procedures like cavity fillings or tooth extractions, depending on the plan. Here’s a closer look at how dental insurance works.
Types of Dental Insurance
There are two main types of dental insurance:
- DPPO (Dental Preferred Provider Organization): Offers a wider network of dentists with potentially higher costs for out-of-network providers.
- DHMO (Dental Health Maintenance Organization): Premiums are typically lower, but you have to see a dentist within the plan’s network.
What Dental Insurance Covers
A typical dental insurance plan offers coverage in three areas:
- Preventive care: Most dental plans cover cleanings and exams at 100%.
- Basic procedures: Many dental plans cover 80% of the cost of fillings, root canals, and simple extractions.
- Major restorative procedures: Many dental plans cover 50% of the cost for complex procedures, like surgical extractions and implants.
Type of Coverage | Examples of Services and Procedures |
|---|---|
Preventive | Cleanings (usually twice a year) Exams (usually twice a year) X-rays (usually once a year) Fluoride treatments Sealants for back teeth |
Basic | Fillings Root canals Simple extractions Periodontal scaling Treatment of gum disease |
Major | Surgical extractions Crowns Bridges Dentures Implants Other complex procedures |
Dental insurance typically does not cover cosmetic procedures like teeth whitening or elective procedures like tooth replacement with implants unless medically necessary. Nor do plans usually cover orthodontic care for adults, such as braces or retainers. However, some dental plans may offer add-ons for those coverages for an additional fee per month.
Who Needs Dental Insurance?
To know if you could benefit from dental insurance, consider the condition of your teeth. If they’re in good shape and you take adequate oral health measures, then you may not need as extensive of a plan. For example, you may meet your dental needs with a plan that only covers preventive and basic dental care services.
You also need to consider your family history. Dental problems can be genetic, so a family history of dental problems or past experience with cavities suggests a greater need for more coverage. Also, think about if you’ll need dental work soon. If that’s the case, a more comprehensive plan that covers preventive, basic, and major dental services could save you money on these procedures.
How to Enroll
- Find a plan. Many employers offer dental insurance as a benefit, so check with your employer to see if you are eligible to enroll. Otherwise, you can browse dental plans on the Health Insurance Marketplace or by searching insurance providers’ websites.
- Compare your options. After finding a few plans in your area, compare factors like budget, preferred dentists, and anticipated dental work. Select the plan that best aligns with your needs and budget. You may also work with a licensed agent or broker to help you select a plan.
- Enroll. Follow the provider’s instructions to enroll online or by phone. Pay your first month’s premium right away to begin coverage. Dental plans do not follow any enrollment periods, so you may join one at any time of the year.
Managing Tooth Extraction and Oral Health Costs
Dental insurance is a great tool, but there are additional ways to reduce the cost of tooth extraction and oral health maintenance:
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs): FSAs allow you to contribute pre-tax dollars from your paycheck.If offered by your employer, an FSA can help you pay for qualified dental expenses, reducing your taxable income.
- Medicaid: Medicaid programs may cover dental services, including extractions, for individuals and families that meet income requirements. Check with your state’s local Medicaid office for specific eligibility details.
- Price comparison tools: Online platforms like ZocDoc allow you to compare dentists in your area, view estimated costs for procedures (including dental extractions), and book appointments.
- Community dental clinics: Many communities offer free or low-cost dental clinics for uninsured or low-income residents. Research clinics in your area to find out when they’re open.
- Dental schools: Dental schools often provide affordable dental care. Students work under the supervision of licensed dentists.
What It All Means
Tooth extractions are sometimes necessary to preserve your oral health. While they can be expensive, there are ways to reduce costs, such as enrolling in dental insurance. If you need further help, consider additional community resources to lower your costs or work with a licensed agent or broker to explore your insurance options.