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Tooth extractions, including those with infections, periodontal disease, and crowding issues, are among the most common dental procedures. An estimated 10 million wisdom teeth are extracted from children and adults in the United States each year.
The cost of a tooth extraction without dental insurance can be high, but the exact cost depends on the type of extraction and the number of teeth removed, among other things.
How much does an uninsured tooth extraction cost?
dental insuranceIt usually covers tooth extractions when medically necessary, but tooth extractions can be expensive if you don't have insurance. The exact cost of a tooth extraction depends on a few factors, including the type of extraction required and the number of teeth to be extracted.
Here are the most common types of extractions and the average cost.
easy extraction
Simple extractions are generally the least expensive extraction methods ranging from$75 to $250 per tooth.
Simple extracts are the easiest to perform. If a tooth has fully erupted and is not impacted, the dentist can dislodge and remove it without surgical intervention.
surgical removal
Surgical extractions can cost from$180 to $550 per tooth.
Surgical extractions are used to remove heavily decayed teeth that cannot be easily removed in one piece, or teeth that are fully or partially impacted. These procedures are longer and more complicated, so surgical extractions are more expensive than simple extractions.
Wisdom teeth surgery
The cost of removing wisdom teeth can be$120 to $800 per tooth.
Wisdom tooth extraction is usually a surgical procedure, especially when third molars are partially or fully affected. It can also be expensive since most people are born with multiple wisdom teeth and oral surgeons charge per tooth.
The cost of wisdom tooth surgery depends on many factors, including whether or not you need anesthesia.
Average cost of tooth extraction
| type of extraction | average cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Removal of coronary remains (milk tooth) | 141 $ | |
| Extraction, erupted tooth or exposed root | 196 $ | |
| Erupted tooth requiring bone removal | 301 $ | |
| Impacted tooth (soft tissue) | 347 $ | |
| Impacted tooth (partial bone) | 414 $ | |
| Impacted tooth (whole bone) | 510 $ | |
| Fonte: American Dental Association, 2020 Dental Fee Survey | ||
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How much does a tooth extraction with insurance cost?
If you have dental insurance that offers more than just preventive care, tooth extraction procedures are generally covered when deemed medically necessary by a dentist or oral surgeon. The amount covered depends on the type of procedure and the specifics of your plan.
Dental insurance plans that cover basic procedures including tooth extractions pay different percentages depending on the plan. You can have a policy that pays 50% or find a plan that pays 80% for basic coverage. If your dental plan pays 80% for basic care, you would pay the remaining 20%.
Let's see how this translates to actual extraction procedures. Imagine wisdom tooth surgery on three partially affected teeth that will cost you $1,500 before insurance. If your plan covers 80% of surgical extractions, you must pay $300 if you exceed your plan's deductible.
Now imagine that you only have one wisdom tooth that needs to be extracted and it has fully erupted. In this case, it's a simple extraction that can cost as little as $200. Your dental insurance covers $160, and you pay the remaining $40 out of pocket.
It is also possible that yoursHealth insurancecovers part of a tooth extraction procedure. This can further reduce the amount to be paid. If you have health insurance, contact your insurer to find out if oral surgery is covered by your plan.
Other costs related to tooth extraction
If you want to know how much a tooth extraction costs, you need to look beyond the cost of the procedure. If a tooth is pulled, there are usually additional costs that you have to bear. Some of these costs include:
- Advice:Before having a tooth extracted, you likely have an appointment with a dentist or oral surgeon. The cost of the consultation is usually billed separately from the procedure and averages $114.
- X-ray:Your oral surgeon will likely order a panoramic x-ray before the extraction to get a better look at your teeth and jaw. Panoramic x-rays cost an average of $125, your dental plan can cover the full cost.
- Anesthesia:Tooth extractions usually require some type of anesthesia, either nitrous oxide (laughing gas), local anesthesia, or IV sedation. If anesthesia is medically necessary, it is usually covered by supplementary dental insurance. If you don't have insurance, the average anesthesia cost is $53 for a local anesthetic, $76 for nitrous oxide, and $232 per 15-minute step for IV sedation.
- Medicine:You may need certain medications to prevent infection after a tooth extraction, such as B. prescription painkillers or antibiotics. These medications may be partially covered by insurance, depending on the plan. On average, these drugs cost around $30.
- Follow date:If you need to see the dentist or oral surgeon for a follow-up appointment, additional charges may apply during the follow-up appointment.
Dental insurance that covers tooth extractions
Most dental insurance plans cover tooth extraction. The problem is that the plans cover withdrawals with different reimbursement rates. Here are examples of some dental insurance plans that cover tooth extraction.
| Pursue | Tooth plan name | % of dental plan reimbursement for basic care, including simple tooth extractions | Waiting time for basic services |
|---|---|---|---|
| Earnings | PrimeStar overall | 80% in the first year, 90% thereafter | none |
| Hino | PPO Gold Essential choice | 80% online; 60% off the grid | 3 Fun |
| Zigna | Cigna dental 1500 | 80% | 6 Fun |
| delta tooth | Delta Dental PPO | 80% | 6 Fun |
| direct guardian | winner | 70% | none |
| Mensch | Loyalty Plus | 40% in the first year; 55% in the second year; 70% in the third year | none |
| tooth spirit | talk tip | 50% in the first year; 60% in the second year; 80% in the third year | none |
| UnitedHealthcare | First Max Dental | 50% after the four-month grace period; 65% after the first year; 80% after the second year | Four months |
Is there tooth extraction insurance without a grace period?
Dental insurance plans may have a waiting period before you can use your benefits for certain procedures. For example, you may have to wait six months before your plan covers non-surgical extractions.
However, it is possible to purchase tooth extraction insurance with no grace period as outlined in the table above. Group dental insurance plans purchased through your employer may have no-wait options.
If you recently changed insurance companies, see if the new insurance company makes an exception. In some cases, the waiting period may be waived if you have had dental insurance for the past 12 months without interruption.
How to pull a tooth without insurance
If you need to have a tooth pulled and don't have dental insurance, there are a few ways you can potentially reduce the cost of a tooth extraction:
- Go to a local dental school:If you live near a university with a dental school, you may be able to get discounted treatment from a dental student. Many dental schools have clinics where trained dental students see patients and are supervised by licensed dentists or oral surgeons.
- Set a payment plan:Most dental offices or oral surgery offices can set up a payment plan where you pay for the cost of your treatment over a period of time. If you know you need financial assistance, ask about a payment plan before the procedure.
- Apply for the Lifeline red tooth line:The Dental Lifeline network provides free or discounted dental care to people on low incomes and people with disabilities. Dental services are provided by dentists who volunteer their time. However, not all dental procedures are covered.
- You also qualify for Medicaid:If you qualify for Medicaid in your state, you may be able to receive dental benefits included in your plan. Medicaid dental benefits vary by location, but most states offer some coverage for dental emergencies.
Will a dentist pull a tooth on the first visit?
A dentist is unlikely to pull a tooth on the first visit. In most cases, a consultation is needed so the dentist or surgeon can determine what type of extraction is needed, whether there is an infection, and whether the procedure will require anesthesia. The provider will also need to take x-rays to look at your teeth and jaw.
After the consultation, you will be scheduled for the procedure. If you have a dental emergency, the dentist or surgeon will try to get you scheduled as soon as possible. Many dental offices have emergency appointments outside of business hours for urgent situations.
Is anesthesia covered by supplementary dental insurance?
Yes, anesthesia is usually covered by supplementary dental insurance, but only if it is medically necessary for the procedure. For example, your dental insurance will likely cover IV sedation if you need to have four fully impacted wisdom teeth removed. However, IV sedation may not be adopted for a simple extraction where only local anesthesia is clinically required.
FAQs
How much does it cost to extract a tooth? ›
A simple extraction without insurance costs between $75 and $250. For a surgical extraction, however, prices can go up to $300 a tooth or more. The price you pay depends on factors like your tooth's condition and the type of extraction and anesthesia you need.
How much is a broken tooth extraction? ›The price of a surgical extraction ranges from $200 and $700, with an average cost of $300. However, the extraction of impacted teeth can reach as high as $1,000 ($450 on average). When the tooth is broken below the gum line, you can expect to pay between $200 and $600 – about $350 on average.
How much is a molar extraction? ›Simple extraction usually costs between $75 and $200 per tooth, and may be more depending on the type of anesthesia you need. The cost to remove impacted teeth is significantly higher and can land anywhere between $800 and $4,000.
Will a dentist pull an infected tooth same day? ›A common belief associated with infected or abscessed teeth is that they cannot be extracted until the infection has subdued. This is not true in a large number of cases where the best option to get rid of the infection is to remove the tooth.
What is the cheapest tooth extraction? ›Simple extractions are generally the cheapest extraction procedure, ranging from $75 to $250 per tooth. Simple extractions are the easiest to perform. If a tooth is fully erupted and not impacted, the dentist can loosen the tooth and remove it without surgical intervention.
How do you pull a rotten tooth at home? ›Make use of a cold, wet washcloth or medical gauze to grip and remove a loose tooth. If you think the tooth is not loose enough to come out painlessly, slightly wiggle it while holding it with a gauze or wet cloth. This will help the loose tooth come out quickly and stop the bleeding if any.
What happens if you leave a broken tooth alone? ›Leaving a broken tooth untreated can lead to tooth decay, tooth sensitivity, and ultimately, tooth loss. If you have broken a tooth, it's important that you make an appointment with your Dallas dentist for proper evaluation and treatment.
Can a half broken tooth be extracted? ›Root Canal and Extraction: If damage to the tooth is extensive, like a broken in half tooth that exposes nerves and blood vessels in the pulp, a root canal or extraction might be necessary. This is largely isolated to incidents where the root is damaged or there is a significant amount of infection.
Can I just pull a broken tooth? ›If a tooth becomes broken at the gum line, the dentist may need to make an incision to remove the pieces. The method of removal depends on the location and condition of the tooth. Most cases only require simple extractions. An incision becomes necessary when the dentist can't reach the tooth with tools.
How much is a dentist visit without insurance? ›One of the most common questions is how much a dental cleaning without insurance is. At some offices, the cost of a dental cleaning can be up to $200. The cost of fillings without insurance has a much larger range, from $200 to $600. It can even escalate to $4,000 depending on the severity of the cavity.
Can I pull my own molar? ›
The quick answer is no, you should not force a tooth to come out. Forcing a tooth to come out when it's not ready can cause severe pain and permanent damage to your nerves and surrounding tissue.
How long does it take for a dentist to pull a molar? ›How long does a tooth extraction take? This procedure is quicker than you'd think. The entire process of pulling a tooth—from administering the anesthetic to applying stitches if needed—typically takes anywhere between 20-40 minutes.
How do I know if my tooth infection has spread to my heart? ›- fever.
- swelling.
- dehydration.
- increased heart rate.
- increased breathing rate.
- stomach pain.
Leaving an infection to spread to your facial bones may eventually necessitate surgical removal to stop it. Even in minor cases, a tooth infection can cause the bone structures of your jaw to weaken, making it hard to support your teeth.
How do I know if my tooth is severely infected? ›- Severe, constant, throbbing toothache that can spread to your jawbone, neck or ear.
- Pain or discomfort with hot and cold temperatures.
- Pain or discomfort with the pressure of chewing or biting.
- Fever.
- Swelling in your face, cheek or neck that may lead to difficulty breathing or swallowing.
In the case of an upper front tooth the root is generally cone-shaped, so there is not too much resistance to removal. One source for this particular procedure's name is from the dental insurance code ascribed to it, “simple uncomplicated extraction.”
How can I get pain free from tooth extraction? ›- Local Anesthesia. As described by the American Dental Association (ADA), your dentist may use local anesthesia to numb your mouth. ...
- Nitrous Oxide. ...
- Oral Sedation. ...
- Intravenous Sedation. ...
- General Anesthesia.
Fewer costs.
While you may think that pulling a tooth is cheaper than fixing it, the truth is that replacing the tooth costs more time and money. And choosing to not replace it will likely have physical and emotional costs.
Decay can deteriorate our teeth and over time if not treated, the teeth can become loose and even fall out. Decay damages teeth and can cause dental abscesses that can become serious if not treated.
Will my rotten tooth stop hurting? ›However, as the infection persists over time, the nerves of your tooth will eventually die. This means they will no longer be able to send pain signals to the brain, hence why your toothache appears to suddenly “end.”
Can I pull my own tooth out with pliers? ›
Pulling your own adult teeth out with tools such as pliers is exceedingly dangerous, and could lead to needing to go to hospital.
Should you brush a broken tooth? ›You can still brush a broken tooth, but you should be gentle and very careful while doing so. Brushing too hard could cause pain or further damage to the tooth, especially if the nerves on the inside of the tooth are exposed. Flossing around a damaged tooth may help to reduce pain or pressure on the broken tooth.
How long can a broken tooth stay in your mouth? ›Depending on the type and extent of the damage, it may be days, weeks, months, and sometimes even years before the tooth falls out.
Why is my teeth breaking off? ›Untreated cavities can cause a tooth to become brittle and break. Old, large amalgam fillings, where the remaining structure of the natural tooth can become brittle over a period of time.
Is it hard to remove tooth broken at gum line? ›When a tooth is broken and the portion of the tooth that is broken off at the gum line, it can be difficult for a dentist to pull it. This is because when pulling a tooth, there needs to be as much of the root still intact to the tooth.
How do dentists pull a broken tooth? ›Using specialized dental instruments, your dentist will gently loosen your tooth and carefully lift it from its socket. Sometimes, your dentist might need to make incisions in your gums to access your tooth — especially if your tooth is badly decayed or has broken off at the gum line.
Why does my broken tooth not hurt? ›How Can I Have A Broken Tooth With No Pain? If you break or chip a tooth, one of the possibilities is that you only damage the enamel layer. This means that you might not compromise the dentin layer, which protects the sensitive pulp. In that case, it's possible not to feel pain or only feel a mild toothache.
How many teeth can be extracted at once? ›There is no limit to the number of teeth you can have extracted at once. While having multiple teeth extracted during the same procedure is rare, it is sometimes the only option for patients with severe tooth decay.
What to do if tooth breaks in half? ›If your tooth cracked in half, calling your dentist's office immediately to schedule an appointment is optimal. Ignoring a broken tooth is not suggested because your condition could worsen, and the tooth can become infected. The infection might begin in the dental pulp and spread to the gums besides your jawbone.
What to do before tooth extraction? ›Generally speaking, you should avoid eating anything for 12 hours prior to the surgery. This can help prevent nausea during and after the procedure. If you are having a local anesthetic, you may not need to fast as long so be sure to inquire before the treatment.
What state is cheapest for dental work? ›
Lowest dental treatment costs: Alabama, Kentucky, Mississippi, Tennessee and Texas. Highest dental treatment costs: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont.
Do all dentists charge the same? ›There can be wide variations in prices for the same dental procedures from different providers. Individual dental practices set prices for their offices based on market prices and the costs of doing business. These costs include rent, salaries, insurance, supplies and more.
Can a dental abscess heal on its own? ›A dental abscess is a build-up of pus in the teeth or gums caused by an infection. It needs urgent treatment by a dentist. A dental abscess will not go away on its own.
How do you deaden a nerve in your tooth? ›Apply a cold compress to the aching tooth for 10 to 15 minutes to help numb the area. If your tooth is too sensitive, you can apply the ice to the outside of your mouth near the tooth.
What happens if you pull a molar and don't replace it? ›After you undergo a tooth extraction, you will need to replace the missing tooth or teeth. If the teeth are not replaced, the bones in your mouth can weaken and lose density. Other teeth also might shift, and you might experience trouble eating. Fortunately, you have several replacement options for missing teeth.
Can a broken molar be pulled? ›In short, yes; our dentist in Doncaster East will probably use the same tools to extract a tooth which has broken off at gum level as they would with any other extraction.
Can you drive after getting a tooth pulled? ›Local anesthesia, where the immediate area surrounding the extraction site is numbed, is completely safe for driving afterwards. This type of procedure is known as a tooth extraction without sedation, and patients can drive themselves to and from their appointments without any added concern.
Can a tooth be pulled while infected? ›The presence of an acute infection characterized by severe percussion pain is not a contraindication for tooth extraction. Infected teeth should be extracted as soon as possible and the procedure should not be postponed by giving antibiotics.
How painful is a molar extraction? ›Whether you get a simple or surgical extraction, the process will begin with an anesthetic for the tooth, gum, and surrounding tissue. At this point, you may feel a slight “bite” from the needle. However, many patients find it to be painless and for the discomfort to only last a split second.
Can a regular dentist pull a broken tooth? ›If the tooth can be removed using Novocain or local anesthesia, most dentists can do this right in the office, perhaps even at the same time as your consultation. If the dentist determines that an oral surgeon is necessary, most dental offices have oral surgeons they work with and can easily make a referral.
Is it easy for a dentist to extract a tooth? ›
Usually tooth removal is straightforward and takes a few minutes. You should not feel pain during the procedure but you will feel pressure and hear noises. If any stitches are needed these will dissolve in about 2-4 weeks. Keep the area very clean while it heals - your dentist will tell you how best to do this.
How much painful is tooth extraction? ›As the dentist removes your tooth, you shouldn't be able to feel any pain. However, you may still feel some pulling or pressure in the area your dentist is working on. Oral sedatives tend to make people sleepy so you may actually fall asleep during the procedure.
When is it too late to save a tooth? ›If the deepest layers of the pulp become infected, it may be too late to save the tooth. In addition, if a large portion of the tooth is lost and a crown cannot be placed on what's left, root canal treatment is no longer a viable solution.
At what point does a tooth need to be pulled? ›You may need to have a tooth extracted if: Periodontal disease has badly infected the tooth. The tooth is badly damaged and cannot be restored by a filling or a crown. You are suffering from pain even after a filling, crown, or treatment for a root canal.
What happens if you have a tooth pulled and don t replace it? ›After you undergo a tooth extraction, you will need to replace the missing tooth or teeth. If the teeth are not replaced, the bones in your mouth can weaken and lose density. Other teeth also might shift, and you might experience trouble eating. Fortunately, you have several replacement options for missing teeth.
What do dentist do with the teeth they pull? ›The teeth are placed in a hazardous waste container and then incinerated once it's picked up at the dental office. The CDC has different guidelines for teeth containing metal fillings. Because the metal might release toxic fumes during incineration, they need to be sent to a specialized recycling center instead.
Can a tooth broken at gum line be pulled? ›Tooth Broken at Gum Line Extraction
If a tooth becomes broken at the gum line, the dentist may need to make an incision to remove the pieces. The method of removal depends on the location and condition of the tooth. Most cases only require simple extractions.
What is the most difficult tooth to extract? Impacted wisdom teeth are wisdom teeth that have failed to erupt properly. They are generally considered to be the most difficult teeth to extract. The higher the degree of impaction, the more difficult the extraction.
Can I go home by myself after tooth extraction? ›As a safety precaution, we require that you have someone to take you home, help you collect any prescription medications that are needed and stay with you for 2-4 hours post surgery, or longer if required.
Can I drive myself home from a tooth extraction? ›Local anesthesia, where the immediate area surrounding the extraction site is numbed, is completely safe for driving afterwards. This type of procedure is known as a tooth extraction without sedation, and patients can drive themselves to and from their appointments without any added concern.
Does it hurt to get 1 tooth pulled? ›
Whether you get a simple or surgical extraction, the process will begin with an anesthetic for the tooth, gum, and surrounding tissue. At this point, you may feel a slight “bite” from the needle. However, many patients find it to be painless and for the discomfort to only last a split second.
When is the most pain after a tooth extraction? ›After having a tooth extracted - especially molars - you may feel some pain and discomfort for around 3-7 days after it has been removed. However, if you still have intense pain near the area immediately after 5 days, book an appointment to see your dentist.
How long does tooth extraction take? ›How long does a tooth extraction take? This procedure is quicker than you'd think. The entire process of pulling a tooth—from administering the anesthetic to applying stitches if needed—typically takes anywhere between 20-40 minutes. That said, the procedure will take longer if you require more than one tooth pulled.