How Much Does a Tooth Extraction Cost?

What is a tooth extraction?

Tooth extraction is a type of oral surgery that may be done by a dental specialist. Your dentist may recommend tooth extraction to treat issues like gum disease, tooth decay, or injury. 

Tooth extraction cost depends on the type of extraction, whether you have dental insurance as well as the type of dental insurance you have.

What is the average cost of a tooth extraction?

The average cost of a tooth extraction starts at roughly $146 but can range to more than $300 per tooth.¹ The cost per tooth will usually depend on factors including:

• Type of extraction (the average tooth extraction cost can be much higher for more complicated extractions, like impacted teeth or wisdom tooth removal)
• Where you live (living in a major city may increase your costs)
• Type of anesthesia needed (a local anesthetic will typically cost less than if you need intravenous or general anesthesia)
• Your dental specialist’s experience or skill level

What are the different types of tooth extraction?

A tooth extraction is either considered to be “simple” or “surgical.”

Simple Extraction

Simple extraction is the easiest and least expensive type of tooth extraction. These are done on teeth that you can see and easily reach. The average cost can range from $70-$250 per tooth.² It usually involves a local anesthetic, which is most likely included in the price of the tooth extraction.

Surgical Extraction

Surgical extraction is a more complicated and more expensive type of tooth extraction. These are done for teeth that are harder to reach or those that haven't come in yet. For example, wisdom teeth typically require surgical extraction.

The average cost can range from $180-$550 per tooth.² It usually involves local anesthesia and intravenous anesthesia. You may also receive general anesthesia, which may cost a fixed amount in the first hour and then in 15-minute increments beyond the first hour.

What does wisdom teeth removal cost?

The average cost for wisdom tooth removal can range from $120-$800 per tooth.² It is often considered a surgical extraction. Factors that can influence how much a wisdom tooth removal costs include:

• The type of extraction (simple vs. surgical)
• The condition of your teeth (teeth that have already erupted are simpler to remove, whereas impacted teeth will likely require sedation and more time to remove).
• The number of teeth being extracted.
• The type of anesthesia used.
• Your age.
• Your location.
• Your dentist's experience.

How much is a tooth extraction with insurance?

The cost of a tooth extraction with insurance depends on the type of plan you have. If you have a plan that covers procedures beyond preventive care, there’s a chance your tooth extraction will be covered if it’s considered medically necessary. Otherwise, your dental insurance plan will cover a certain percentage of your tooth extraction procedure. You'll also save money if you choose a dental provider that's in your plan's network.

In addition, costs like deductibles and coinsurance vary by plan. For example, if you have a simple extraction for a single wisdom tooth that costs $500, and your plan covers extractions at 80%, you will be left to pay $100 if you’ve exceeded your plan’s deductible.

How much does a tooth extraction cost without insurance?

You may pay the entire tooth extraction cost out of pocket without dental insurance. This amount may range from $70 for a simple extraction of a single tooth to $3,000 or more for a complex surgical extraction for multiple teeth.³

Other payment options like medical credits cards, dental savings programs, or spending accounts may help you pay for dental procedures if you don’t have insurance.

What are other costs associated with tooth extraction?

You may run into additional costs before, during, or after a tooth extraction procedure.

• Pre- and post-op appointments – Before your procedure, you may need to meet with your dentist or oral surgeon to go over what will happen during a tooth extraction. You may also have a follow-up visit with your dental specialist. These appointments are usually billed separately from the procedure itself.
• X-rays – Your dentist will likely take an X-ray of your tooth to prepare for surgery, which may be an extra cost.²

• Medication – Your dentist may prescribe antibiotics or painkillers after the procedure, which may or may not be covered by your dental insurance plan. These can cost around $30 on average.³

Why would I need a tooth extraction?

There are several reasons why you may need to have a tooth (or multiple teeth) pulled.

• Tooth decay
• Infection or abscess in the tooth
• Broken teeth
• Crowded teeth
• Impacted teeth

Your dentist will need to do an exam to determine if a tooth extraction is the best procedure for your dental issues.