How much does a tooth extraction cost?

Simple tooth extraction cost

A simple extraction removes a fully erupted, reachable tooth with forceps.^[1] The national estimates in the table above differ because they come from different data sets: Pearl uses ADA fee survey data, CareCredit uses its 2023 to 2024 cost study, and Real Dental Costs publishes a wider range.^[1][2][3] Local anesthesia is usually included; sedation is separate.^[1]

Surgical tooth extraction cost

A surgical extraction means cutting the gum, removing bone or sectioning the tooth, and is used for impacted teeth, broken roots or teeth that will not come out simply.^[1] A decayed tooth that crumbles can move from simple to surgical billing during the procedure.^[1]

The more bone and gum work a tooth needs, the higher the code: a soft tissue impacted tooth costs more than a plain surgical extraction, a fully bony impacted tooth more again, and a complicated single tooth the most, as the table above shows.^[3] Real Dental Costs puts a surgical extraction at $180 to $650, and a fully bony-impacted molar at up to $800.^[2] Wisdom teeth have their own guide: see wisdom teeth removal cost.

Will a dentist pull an infected tooth the same day?

Often, yes. A 2018 review in Brazilian Oral Research concluded that infected teeth should be extracted as soon as possible and that the extraction should not be postponed by giving antibiotics first.^[9] Delta Dental of Iowa says antibiotics are normally not needed for an extraction but may be prescribed when infection was the reason for removal.^[8] Swelling, your health history or a hard-to-reach tooth can still lead a dentist to delay or refer you to an oral surgeon, so call the office, describe the infection and ask whether they can extract at the first visit.

What is the procedure for molar extraction?

A molar comes out the same way as any other tooth, in one of two ways:^[8]

1. Numbing. Local anesthesia is injected around the tooth. For several teeth or complex surgery, the surgeon may suggest IV sedation or general anesthesia.
2. Simple removal. If the molar is fully erupted, the dentist loosens and lifts it out, and usually no stitches are needed.
3. Surgical removal. If it is not fully erupted, the gum is turned back, some bone may be removed, and the tooth may be cut into pieces to take it out. Stitches are normally placed.
4. Recovery. Most patients change their diet for 7 to 10 days, and the socket takes about 3 weeks to heal.

A molar that breaks or will not come out in one piece can switch from simple to surgical billing during the visit, so ask for both prices in your estimate.^[1]

Other charges on the bill

• Exam and X-rays: roughly $150 to $350 more, billed on top of the extraction.^[2]
• Sedation: CareCredit’s average is $349^[3]; Real Dental Costs puts IV sedation at $500 to $1,500 or more.^[4]
• Socket preservation: if you plan an implant or bridge, the dentist may add a graft at extra cost.^[1] CareCredit’s average socket graft is $558.^[3]

Tooth extraction cost with insurance

Simple extractions are covered at the basic rate, typically 60% to 80% after the deductible. Surgical extractions are major oral surgery at most plans, covered at 50%, and often need pre-authorization.^[1] If IV sedation is used, check its coverage separately.^[1]

Tooth extraction cost by state

Pearl’s state averages for a simple extraction run from $225 in Oklahoma and $230 in Louisiana to $320 in New York and $330 in Hawaii.^[1]

Cost to pull and replace a tooth

A missing tooth is often replaced. A single implant with post, abutment and crown costs about $3,760 to $5,733^[4], and Pearl’s average for a bridge (code D6240) is $4,620.^[6] Compare dental implant cost, dental bridge cost and root canal cost before you decide to pull a tooth you could save.

How to pay less for a tooth extraction

1. Ask a general dentist first. General dentists often charge less than oral surgeons for simple extractions.^[1]
2. Ask whether it is simple or surgical. The surgical code costs more and has lower insurance coverage.^[1]
3. Check school clinics. California State University Northridge’s student dental clinic lists a simple extraction at $99 to $199 for its students.^[5]
4. Use a dental discount plan. Care Anytime’s dental benefit shows a sample single-tooth extraction at $109 against a regular cost of $282, based on 2021 FAIR Health data for Los Angeles, Orlando, Chicago and New York City.^[7] See how dental discount plans work.