How Much Does Tooth Extraction Cost?
Patients are often surprised to hear they need to have a tooth extracted. While it can be a shock, it is often a last resort and done to preserve the patient’s oral health. One of the most common teeth to have extracted is the wisdom teeth. Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to erupt and often have various complications and issues. As a result, it is often best to have them removed in order to prevent damage to the other teeth. Below is a summary of the cost of having a tooth extracted.
Tooth Extraction
The wisdom teeth may erupt normally without any issues or complications. If this is the case, they do not need to be extracted. Wisdom teeth are unfortunately commonly impacted below the gum tissue or bone. When they are impacted under the gumline, they are at an increased risk for serious issues. Partial eruption can also occur, which puts the teeth at risk for bacteria growth, infection, and decay. In other cases, patients may lack room in their mouth and the teeth cause crowding or damage to the adjacent teeth.
When a tooth is not positioned properly in the mouth, it can be difficult to clean with regular brushing and flossing. This provides an ideal environment for the growth of bacteria that causes cavities. In the event that a tooth needs to be extracted, it is best to have them removed when patients are younger. This ensures the roots are not fully developed, results in a more successful procedure, and expedites the healing.
Cost
A routine tooth extraction is commonly performed by a dentist, while wisdom tooth extractions are commonly performed by oral maxillofacial surgeons. An oral maxillofacial surgeon is a dental specialist with additional training and the ability to administer general anesthesia. Various factors impact the cost of your procedure such as
- Tooth’s location
- Type of impaction
- Use of anesthesia
- Geographical location
Below is a summary of the cost for wisdom tooth extraction.
- Simple wisdom tooth extraction: $75–$200
- A simple wisdom tooth extraction occurs when the tooth has simple roots, local anesthesia is used, and the tooth is fully erupted
- Impacted wisdom tooth with local anesthesia: $225–$600
- This occurs when the wisdom tooth is impacted, and local anesthesia is used for the extraction. The type of impaction will also impact the price. For example, a partially erupted tooth costs less to extract than a fully impacted tooth which is in the jawbone.
- Nitrous oxide: $40–$90
- This is used when patients are nervous and need help relaxing during the procedure
- General anesthetic: $250–$800
- General anesthesia is used to put patients to sleep for more complicated cases.
Additional Costs
There are additional costs which can have an impact on the overall cost for an extraction. This can include things such as x-rays which can cost about $150. There may also be an additional cost for the initial and follow-up appointments.
Insurance and Payment Options
Other things which can affect the cost of an extraction are listed below.
- Dental insurance: procedures which are considered medically necessary may be covered by dental insurance. The specific coverage will depend on the patient’s individual plan. Up to half of the procedure may be covered by dental or health insurance.
- Payment plans: It is quite common for dental offices to offer payment plans or discounts for patients who do not have dental insurance. Some providers also offer discounts for having multiple teeth removed at the same time.
Contact the office today if you suspect that you need to have a tooth extracted. The team can schedule a consultation to determine the cost for the tooth extraction and discuss any questions you may have.