How Much Does Tooth Extraction Cost?
No one wants to get a tooth extracted. Yet, they are one of the most frequently performed procedures in dental offices each year. Whether it's due to wisdom teeth coming in the wrong way, a tooth that's beyond saving, or spacing needed for orthodontic work, removal is sometimes the best option. Like any dental work, worries about the cost are common. Understanding what contributes to the final price of a tooth extraction can help you feel more in control as you move forward. Read on to learn more.
Why might a tooth need to be extracted?
Extracting a tooth is usually a last option, but there are several reasons a dentist may recommend it. A very common type of extraction is wisdom teeth, which can cause an issue. These molars tend to show up in the late teens or early twenties and often lack the room they need to grow in correctly. When that happens, they may push against neighboring teeth, come in crooked, or stay lodged in the gum, which is known as being impacted. In these cases, they must come out. Severe decay or breakage can make a tooth unsavable and require extraction. If a filling or crown won’t hold, removal might be the only choice left. In other instances, dentists pull perfectly healthy teeth to create space for alignment during orthodontic treatment. Whatever the reason for the extraction, the cost varies based on what’s involved.
What factors influence the cost?
Not all extractions are the same and therefore do not cost the same. A simple removal, which involves loosening and pulling a fully erupted tooth, tends to cost less than other types of extractions. On average, you can expect to pay somewhere between $75 and $200 per tooth for this type of extraction.
When the procedure is more complex, the price goes up. Teeth that are not fully visible cost more to remove. For example, a partially erupted tooth needing extraction might range from $200 to $600. Fully impacted teeth, especially those buried in bone, can cost $250 to $800 or even more, depending on location and the difficulty of removal.
Other services can add to the final bill as well. For example, sedation options like laughing gas might cost around $50, while general anesthesia can range much higher, especially for lengthy procedures. X-rays, which help guide the surgery, typically run about $100 to $150, as well.
How can you reduce out-of-pocket expenses?
Fortunately, there are ways to manage the costs of extractions. If you have dental insurance, many plans will cover part of the expense when the extraction is medically necessary. Depending on your policy, this could include a portion of the anesthesia and X-ray costs as well.
Some dental offices offer financing or phased payment options, especially if multiple teeth need to be removed. Additionally, discount programs exist in some cases, which provide members with reduced fees on procedures for an annual cost.
What does this mean for me?
The cost of a tooth extraction can vary depending on several key factors. While it’s normal to be concerned about cost, extractions are often a proactive step that prevents more serious issues down the line and are usually a last resort. Talk with your dentist about your options, and they’ll help you create a plan that fits your dental and financial needs.