Dentist Tooth Extraction Cost

Before you see your dentist for a tooth extraction, it is helpful to know how much it will likely cost. The average cost of a tooth extraction ranges from around $75 to $450, but dental procedures overall vary by location.

Like most dental procedures, however, the cost of getting a tooth pulled can vary depending on a lot of other factors, like the extent of the work you need, your dentist (or oral surgeon), and whether you have dental insurance.

Kool Smiles is an affordable option for families on a budget with or without dental insurance when they need a dentist for a tooth extraction. Our knowledgeable staff can answer your questions about the cost of a tooth removal, whether it is a simple tooth extraction or a surgical extraction. Call us at 254-781-0553 for more information or to make an appointment.

A Closer Look at Tooth Removal Costs

According to recent estimates, these are the average costs of tooth extraction:

• $75–$300 for a simple tooth extraction. This is a routine extraction involving just a local anesthetic and the work of your dentist.
• $150–$650 for a surgical extraction. This type of procedure is necessary to remove a tooth that requires a little more work by an oral surgeon. Sometimes the bone surrounding the tooth needs to be trimmed away or the tooth must be cut and removed in sections. This procedure can involve local or general anesthesia, depending on your situation.

Full-bony or partial-bony impactions describe teeth that your oral surgeon will need to work through bone to access. Soft-tissue impactions describe teeth that need to be removed from under your gums but not from under bone. Soft-tissue impactions tend to be less expensive to extract.

• $75–$600 for wisdom tooth extraction. Removing your “third molars” is a fairly common procedure that also requires anesthesia and the careful work of an oral surgeon, as well as thoughtful aftercare. Impacted wisdom teeth extractions can be more expensive depending on their location in your mouth.
• $51–$94 for the extraction of a baby tooth. While baby teeth eventually fall out on their own, one that needs to be removed before it’s ready to come out naturally will require a little bit of work to remove. Adults may also have fragments of baby teeth they need to remove—a procedure that can cost around $200 depending on your area.

Factors Affecting Treatment Costs

There are several things that can affect the cost of a tooth extraction, including:

• Your location—Costs will often be higher in large cities when compared to more rural areas. This graphic shows fluctuations in dental fees by zip code.
• The barriers to extracting the tooth—Soft tissue impacted teeth are slightly less expensive to extract than full-bony or partial-bony impacted teeth (those covered by bone in your mouth).
• What’s included—The total cost of the tooth extraction will include the following when necessary:
  • Local anesthetic (numbing medicine)
  • General anesthesia
  • Stitches
• The necessary extras—The examination ($70–200) and X-rays ($20–$250) that your dentist uses to diagnose tooth problems can add to the cost of getting them resolved. Cleanings without insurance during your visit can also be pricey.
• Aftercare—Medications to prevent infection and keep you comfortable after a procedure are important to plan for, as are follow-up visits to your dentist. Related antibiotics can run you around $150–$200 without insurance (depending on your zipcode).
• Follow-up work—Tooth removal for overcrowding might require braces to realign the teeth, while extractions in highly visible locations might require implant crowns or tooth replacements. If teeth are being removed because of infection or decay, these conditions might need treatment beyond the extraction.

Budgeting for Recovery Time

You may want to take it easy a bit after having a tooth removed. Icing the affected area and changing the gauze over the extraction site every few hours is helpful for recovery. Planning for a day off with your head propped up and easy access to soup, ice cream and your favorite slippers may be a smart move.

After any extraction, it’s important to monitor the affected area for dry socket, a condition that occurs when a natural clot falls out or fails to form.

Follow up with your dentist right away if you experience any dry socket symptoms after your extraction.

Preparing for an Extraction

Here are a few tips to help you prep for getting a tooth removed:

1. Make sure you actually need the removal.

Talking to your dentist is the best way to determine what your treatment options are and if extraction is actually necessary. A no-cost consultation with Kool Smiles can help you learn more about your treatment possibilities. Schedule an appointment by calling 254-781-0553.

2. Consult your dental plan for coverage information.

Once you and your dentist have a plan of action, it’s a great idea to review your insurance coverage. This way you’ll know what treatment options are included in your plan and to what extent as well as what treatments you need that may not be covered. Call your provider or an expert at Kool Smiles at 254-781-0553 to learn more about your coverage.

3. Know your options for extraction if you’re uninsured.

Did you know dental schools offer discounted treatments? You may be able to get a lower cost procedure from a dentist in training than you would from your local dental office. That said, you may need to plan for longer waits and more pre- and post-procedure exams. There are pros and cons to getting extractions without dental insurance.

4. Be proactive about payment

Don’t be shy about asking your dental office how you can develop a payment plan that works for both of you. Kool Smiles works with patients to develop payment plans that are affordable. The important thing is getting the treatment you need when you need it because delaying can lead to more costly complications.

5. Don’t wait it out.

Some dental extractions, like wisdom tooth removal, can be safely delayed with a dentist’s supervision. Others, especially those involving infection and decay, can be painful and bad for your health to ignore. The sooner you see your dentist, the better your odds of receiving simpler, easier treatment. Kool Smiles has extended weekday and Saturday hours for your convenience. Don’t wait! Call 254-781-0553 for an appointment at Kool Smiles.

Common Concerns About Extractions

Is an extraction painful?

Most people who have had extractions describe a feeling of pressure, but not pain, during the procedure. Your dentist will use a combination of topical numbing agents, local anesthetics, and possibly sedatives or general anesthesia to keep you comfortable.

You’ll also likely receive pain medication to use after your procedure as you recover.

What should I do while I recover?

Most dentists recommend taking a few days off from physical activity. Keep in mind that it may also take you a few days before you’re able to eat your favorite foods again. Soft foods like soup and yogurt are recommended.

Does Medicaid cover an extraction?

Medicaid covers dental procedures that are medically necessary. An extraction that your dentist orders for infection, trauma to the tooth, or severe overcrowding would likely fall into this category.

Though not all dentists accept Medicaid, Kool Smiles proudly does. Call a knowledgeable Kool Smiles staff member at 254-781-0553 to have your Medicaid benefits explained to you and to discuss the cost of tooth extraction. Schedule your no-cost consultation today!

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Sources:

CostHelper: health.costhelper.com/tooth-extraction.html

Humana: humana.com/individual-and-family/products-and-services/dental-insurance/dental-care-dental-insurance/cost-of-common-dental-procedures

CareCredit: carecredit.com

Fair Health Consumer: fairhealthconsumer.org/dental/zip

Animated Teeth:

http://www.animated-teeth.com/tooth_extractions/t8_extraction_costs.htm

American Dental Association: ada.org/en/science-research/health-policy-institute/change-in-dentist-fees

WebMD: webmd.com/oral-health/guide/dry-socket-symptoms-and-treatment#1

MedlinePlus: medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007630.htm

Healthline: healthline.com/health/tooth-extraction#procedure

Oral Health Foundation: dentalhealth.org/what-to-do-following-an-extraction

Colgate: colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/basics/dental-visits/discount-dental-work-through-a-dental-school-0915