- A simple tooth extraction costs between $50 and $500. Extracting an impacted tooth can cost up to $1,100. You may have to pay extra for dental exams, X-ray and sedation.
- The cost of a tooth extraction depends on the type of extraction, the complexity of the procedure and the type of anesthesia.
- Dental insurance may cover about half the cost of a tooth extraction.
Use Authority Dental to find affordable dental services and save big on tooth extraction.
Do you need to estimate the cost of a tooth extraction? Here's everything you need to know.
Average cost of tooth extraction
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The factors that impact the price of tooth extraction most are:
the complexity of the dental procedure,
the type of extraction needed,
the type of anesthesia that is needed, and
whether the extraction is being done by a specialist, like an oral surgeon or a board certified dentist, and of course,
the treatment plan your dental insurance covers.
| EXTRACTION TYPE | AVERAGE COST | COST RANGE |
|---|---|---|
| Simple | $200 | $50-$500 |
| Surgical | $300 | $200-$700 |
| Impacted tooth, soft tissue | $350 | $250-$850 |
| Impacted tooth, partially bony | $450 | $300-$950 |
| Impacted tooth, fully bony | $550 | $350-$1,100 |
| Broken tooth | $350 | $200-$600 |
| Coronectomy | $600 | $250-$1,000 |
| Baby tooth | $150 | $100-$500 |
As shown in the table above, the estimate for an simple tooth extraction or a surgical extraction involves a broad range. Due to the nature of the procedure, it is impossible to say exactly what the cost will be until the work is completed since there are many types of tooth extractions.
Associated costs
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Your dentist might decide that you will need additional visits to the office.
| PROCEDURE | AVERAGE COST | COST RANGE |
|---|---|---|
| Dental exam | $100 | $50-$200 |
| Panoramic X-ray | $130 | $100-$250 |
| Periapical X-ray | $35 | $25-$50 |
| Cone beam CT | $330 | $150-$750 |
| Laughing gas | $90 | $40-$150 |
| Moderate sedation | $250 | $100-$500 |
| Deep sedation | $270 | $150-$450 |
Below are some of the most common procedures associated with tooth extraction.
Oral evaluation
Pulling a tooth out is not a decision you can make by yourself. You will need to pay for an exam during which a dentist will assess what condition your mouth is in. Perhaps a simple cavity filling will be enough to save your tooth. It will be a lot cheaper than an extraction.
This oral evaluation is a good opportunity to find out what needs to be done and how much it might cost. You can ask about the optimal type of anesthesia for your case.
Make sure to let your dentist know about your medical history. Man-made heart valves, a congenital heart defect, an impaired immune system, or liver disease could all make your extraction more complicated.
Dental X-rays
The cost of dental X-rays is something you have to consider for simple extractions. Your dental professional will need to inspect your teeth, the surrounding structures and tissues, and the direction of root growth. Extractions cannot be performed without a recent X-ray.
A radiograph can also help detect impaction and crowding. What’s more, they can help visualize third molars and enable the dentist or orthodontist to see them in 3D.
You can expect one or more of the following dental X-rays before your extraction procedure:
a panoramic X-ray,
a periapical X-ray, or
a cone beam CT.
Anesthesia
Anesthesia is a big topic in tooth extraction. A topical numbing agent in the form of a shot is usually administered. This is included in the price of your procedure. There are, however, other options.
If you have dental anxiety, or if the extraction is more complicated, you might want IV or even general anesthesia. The more intensive the sedation, the more expensive the extraction procedure.
What’s more, all types of anesthesia other than a topical injection are charged according to how much has to be used. This can make them even more expensive, as it is hard to determine how long the procedure will last before it starts.
In the case of the more intense forms, there are additional costs that you have to think about that could potentially raise the tooth extraction cost. These include childcare or transportation since you might not be able to drive yourself home or return that night.
Does insurance cover tooth extraction costs?
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Dental insurance might cover about half of the cost. Adult Medicaid covers tooth extraction in almost every state. If you are over 65, caring for a child, or if you have a disability you might qualify.
There are yearly maximums to take into account too. Tooth extractions can get you up to that maximum pretty quickly, especially with anesthesia. That means your insurance won’t cover anything else for the rest of the year.
It’s important to remember that there are always limitations to pre-existing conditions. That means that if you knew you had to remove your tooth before your insurance was active, they might not cover any costs. Some policies also have a year-long waiting period for initial coverage.
As regards the additional costs, some insurance providers pay for a full series of X-rays once every three years. Taking radiographs is vital, as they are proof that a tooth needed to be extracted. If you don’t have one, your provider might refuse to cover anything.
A good way to lower all of your costs is seeking for more affordable tooth extractions through dental discount plans. These work similarly to memberships. You pay a regular fee and get a discount on all dental procedures. There is no paperwork or yearly maximums.
Dental plans can save you money, even if it turns out your extraction will be one of the more complicated ones. You don’t need to prove that the extraction is medically necessary. They cover all procedures, even cosmetic ones. No need to collect X-rays and dentist statements anymore.
FAQ
What affects tooth extraction price the most?
The type of extraction that is performed and the kind of anesthesia used are the two most important factors determining the price. The more complex the removal is, the more it will cost.
A local injection is included in the price for the procedure. If you have dental anxiety or a low pain tolerance, you should be prepared to pay a lot more.
Is it cheaper to get a tooth pulled or filled?
A dental filling is a lot more affordable than pulling a tooth.
It is not always possible to choose a filling over an extraction, however. While the dentist will do everything they can to save a tooth, an extraction is sometimes necessary.
Where can I get my tooth pulled for free?
It may be difficult to find a place where someone trained will extract your tooth for free, but it is possible.
Most dental schools look for volunteers for students to practice on. It is completely safe, as the procedure is always overseen by a licensed professional. The only downside is that it may take a little longer than usual.
Another option is to find a free clinic or a dental practice that has a promotional or open day. You can also check current programs of non-profit organizations such as the Dental Lifeline Network or Dentistry from the Heart.
How much does an emergency tooth extraction cost?
Emergency treatment usually costs the same as what the practice charges normally. The average price for an extraction is about $200 if you go with a local injection. If you need a stronger form of sedation the price can double.
Sometimes it may only be possible to visit an ER. That will cost you a lot more.