How Much Does a Tooth Extraction or Removal Cost?

If you’ve ever heard the saying, “It’s like pulling teeth,” you may have the impression that pulling teeth is a long and painful process. But in reality, the process of pulling a tooth, known as tooth extraction, can be fairly quick and painless.¹

Below, we'll dive into more information about tooth extractions, including why you might need them, different types, what you can expect to pay and more.

What Is a Tooth Extraction?

Tooth extraction is a procedure to remove a tooth from its socket.² While tooth removal might not be something you’re eagerly anticipating, it’s actually a routine dental treatment.³ Dentists safely perform millions of tooth extractions each year, and these procedures are often the best option for long-term oral health.⁴

Types of Tooth Extractions

Depending on your specific oral health issue, the type of tooth extraction your dentist uses may be simple or slightly more involved.⁴ Here are the five types of dental extraction:⁵

• Simple extraction. This procedure is for teeth that are visible above the gumline and can be removed with forceps, so there’s no need for surgery.

• Surgical extraction. Teeth that can’t be easily accessed, such as impacted wisdom teeth or teeth that have broken off at the gumline, must be surgically removed. The process may involve making incisions in the gum to expose the tooth, removing bone around the tooth or cutting the tooth into pieces to remove it.

• Soft tissue impaction. This procedure involves extracting a tooth that is partially covered by gum tissue and has not fully erupted through the gum.

• Full bony impaction. This refers to a more complex dental procedure required when a tooth is completely encased in the jawbone.

• Complicated tooth impaction. When a tooth (typically a wisdom tooth) is fully encased in the jawbone or partially buried beneath the gum and bone, the surgical procedure is more involved.

How Much Is a Tooth Extraction?

The national average cost* of a tooth extraction can range from $177 to $835, depending on the type of extraction being performed. Here’s a quick summary of how much you can expect to pay based on the type of tooth extraction being performed:⁵

Tooth extraction cost by type

The above costs do not include any reduction that may be provided by a dental insurance or discount plan.⁵ Also, note that dental schools may offer lower rates — about 60% to 70% less than traditional dental offices.⁶

Anesthesia costs

The costs of the tooth extraction procedures listed above include the cost of local anesthesia. However, costs may increase if sedation or general anesthesia is used.⁵

The goal of sedation is to keep the patient relaxed and comfortable yet conscious and able to respond to commands. Under general anesthesia, however, the patient is unconscious and monitored closely for vital signs. This option is typically used for a more lengthy or complex dental extraction.⁵

Here’s a brief cost* summary of anesthesia for a tooth extraction:⁵

Does Insurance Cover Tooth Extractions?

Most dental insurance plans offer coverage for tooth extractions, especially if the procedures are medically necessary. Your plan may cover 50% to 70% of the cost of dental extraction.⁶

If you don’t have insurance, payment options may include a dental discount plan or third-party financing.⁷ In addition, some dental clinics offer a sliding scale based on income.⁵

Why You Might Need a Tooth Extraction

While dentists try to help patients keep their natural teeth in place for as long as possible, there are instances when this is simply not feasible or recommended.³

Reasons for tooth extraction may include:

• Tooth decay. If there’s not enough healthy tissue left to restore a decayed tooth, the tooth may need to be extracted. Tooth decay (aka dental caries) is the number one reason to remove a tooth.³

• Abscess. This is a deep infection in a tooth that may necessitate removal.² If left alone, an infected tooth can jeopardize the health of your other teeth.⁸

• Gum disease. If periodontal disease has advanced to the point where it has destroyed bone and loosened teeth, extraction may be required.³

• Impacted tooth. This is a tooth that can’t erupt because of a physical barrier.³ If impacted teeth (such as unerupted wisdom teeth) are causing problems, they may need to be extracted.²

• Fractured tooth. If the tooth can’t be restored — for example, with a filling, crown or root canal — it will need to be removed.⁸

• Extra tooth. If you have an extra (aka supernumerary) tooth that is causing problems, such as dental crowding or displacement, it may need to be removed.³

• Orthodontia. An orthodontist may recommend extraction to create enough space in the mouth to allow teeth to move into a better position.³ Extraction may also be considered prior to fitting dentures or dental implants.⁴

The goal of tooth extraction is to preserve the health of your mouth and help prevent future dental problems.⁶ Ask your dentist if they recommend extraction to help resolve your dental issues.

Preparing for Tooth Extraction

Your dentist will take an X-ray before extraction.⁴ They should also be informed of your full medical history, including any allergies and all over-the-counter and prescription medications you are taking.³ Dental extraction can introduce bacteria into the bloodstream, so your dentist needs to know if you have an issue that may make you susceptible to infection, such as liver or heart disease, recent surgery or a weakened immune system.² You may need to take antibiotics before or after the procedure to lower the chance of infection.⁴

What to Expect During Tooth Extraction

Whatever type of tooth extraction you’re having, you can expect the dentist to:⁴

• Give you an anesthetic to numb the tooth, jawbone and gums

• Remove the tooth surgically or with forceps

• Clean the empty tooth socket and possibly place a few stitches

• Fill the socket with gauze to absorb the bleeding

While the anesthesia should make the procedure painless, you will still experience pressure. You will also hear loud noises, so you may want to wear headphones and listen to music during the procedure.¹

It takes about 20 to 40 minutes to extract a single tooth; each additional tooth adds another three to 15 minutes to the process.¹ You can go home soon after the procedure.² Keep in mind that you will need to bite down on gauze for at least 30 to 45 minutes after the appointment to stop the bleeding and help a blood clot form.⁹

Possible Side Effects of Tooth Extraction

Tooth extraction is typically a safe procedure.⁴ However, side effects may include:²

• Damage to other teeth or restorations

• Reaction to anesthesia

• Infection

• Dry socket (the blood clot falls out days after the extraction, causing pain)

• Nerve damage (rare)³

Contact your dentist if you experience any concerning symptoms after tooth extraction.²

Tooth Extraction Recovery Tips

Recovery takes about a week for a simple extraction, or several weeks for a more complicated extraction. Be sure to follow your dentist’s aftercare instructions to speed up your recovery and reduce the chance of complications like dry socket.⁴

Consider these tips for various areas of recovery:

• Pain. It’s normal to feel pain for three to seven days after extraction. While this can usually be managed with an over-the-counter medication like ibuprofen, your dentist might give you a prescription for pain medicine.³

• Swelling. Apply a cold compress for 10 to 20 minutes at a time to reduce swelling.² Swelling usually subsides after 48 hours.⁹

• Bleeding. To keep the blood clot intact and promote healing, avoid vigorous physical activity for at least 24 hours, and don’t smoke, drink alcohol, drink from a straw or rinse vigorously for three days.⁹

• Oral hygiene. Resume brushing and flossing after 24 hours, but avoid the extraction site for at least three days.²

• Eating. Avoid hard or crunchy foods for a week.² Instead, opt for soft or liquid foods like soup, smoothies, yogurt and applesauce.⁷

It’s important to follow up with your dentist as directed and keep your appointments for regular dental cleanings.²

Financing Tooth Extractions With the CareCredit Credit Card

Whether you're getting tooth extractions or you're simply paying for a dental exam, the CareCredit credit card can help you pay for costs not covered by insurance.** Use our Acceptance Locator to find a dentist or oral surgeon near you that accepts CareCredit. Use the CareCredit credit card, again and again, to pay for your health and wellness wants and needs, and download the CareCredit Mobile App to manage your account, find a provider on the go and easily access the Well U blog for more great articles, podcasts and videos.

In addition to dental care, you can also use your CareCredit credit card for pet care, cosmetic, vision, hearing, health systems, dermatology, pharmacy purchases, spa treatments and so much more within the CareCredit network. How will you invest in your health and wellness next?

Author Bio

Robyn Tellefsen is a freelance writer and editor with more than 20 years of experience covering health and wellness, finance and more. Her work has appeared on sites such as LoopNet, Beachside Rehab, First Horizon Bank, SoFi, A Place for Mom, American Express, Chase and more.