Tooth extractions are among the most common of dental procedures. It’s tempting to assume that also makes them the cheapest, but that’s not always the case. While you can get an extraction for cheap, lots of others go into it, the most prominent being the type of extraction needed and the complexity of the procedure. Extracting the tooth itself can cost you as little as $50 or as much as $1,000.
A simple extraction, wherein the tooth is fully erupted, has small roots, and isn’t growing into any neighboring teeth, will cost $100 to $150. You may be able to get it for less if you shop around, but that’s the general range. The tooth extraction cost goes up the more complicated it gets, as it takes up more of the dentist’s time. When there’s surgery involved—for example, when the tooth breaks off at the gum or it’s impacted—the price can go up to $6000.Teeth that are partially covered by bone are harder to pull out and can cost even more.
Wisdom teeth are usually the hardest and most expensive to pull out. If there are no complications, the cost can run from $150 to $300. Impacted wisdom teeth can start at $350, and the price can go up depending on how complicated the surgery will be. Very complex cases are usually handled by a specialist known as a maxillofacial surgeon. Because they are more highly trained, they may charge significantly higher than your regular dentist.
Sedation and anesthesia usually add significantly to tooth extraction costs, although patients don’t always think of it. Sedation can set you back $200 to $400. You can choose to just get local anesthesia, although the doctor may insist that you be sedated if you need to keep still for a long operation. Other related costs include the initial checkup, which can range from $50 to $150, and x-rays, which can be as low as $10 or as much as $100.
Most dental insurance policies will cover at least 50% of the tooth extraction cost, provided it isn’t for purely cosmetic purposes. If you’re not covered or the procedure costs more than they’re willing to cover, you can look into financing plans—some clinics offer different payment options for patients undergoing expensive procedures. You can also go to a university dental clinic, where students in training can do it for you at a discount.
