The cost of a simple tooth extraction can range anywhere from $95 to $250 depending on whether the procedure is being performed by a dentist or specialists known as periodontists or an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. If the tooth is broken at the gum line, it will be considered a ‘surgical extraction’ and usually costs $150 to $300. Extracting a wisdom tooth, which is usually done by an oral surgeon, can cost anywhere between $150 and $350, but if it’s a partially or completely impacted wisdom tooth then the cost could climb as high as $650.
The cost of the tooth extraction can be higher; for example, if the tooth disintegrates, it can take the dentist a while to get all of it out and the dentist may charge you extra if that happens. Each patient and each tooth is unique. It can be cookie cutter, but it doesn’t have to be. The bottom line is the harder the tooth is to get out, the more it costs, hence the range.
For a soft tissue surgical extraction of a partially impacted tooth, an incision usually has to be made into the gums and once again the cost will increase to about $200 -$350; and for a partial bony extraction (the tooth has some bone covering it) expect to pay anywhere from $300 -$600.
The above fees often include a follow-up office visit to check healing or to remove sutures. What should also be included is the understanding that a tooth is firmly encased in a bony socket and attached by a ligament. The socket needs to be gently widened to allow the tooth to be removed; patients will feel pressure but not pain during this procedure. Sometimes a tooth is so firmly anchored that is has to be removed in sections.
Additional related fees, particularly with an oral surgeon may include an initial surgical consultation ($50 – $135), x-rays ($13 – $135) and sedation ($200 – $400 or more) if required. Many dental insurance plans cover 70 percent to 80 percent of tooth extraction costs if the procedure is considered to be medically necessary and not done just for cosmetic reasons.
Typically, dental insurance permits only about $1,000 per year coverage so if there are other teeth needing to be extracted then the cost can escalate above the annual limit. Because of the limited coverage that dental insurance provides, most people have come to realize that they don’t have much protection from the high cost of dental care with dental insurance alone.
Our goal is to help you understand a procedure which may vary depending on the circumstances surrounding the tooth being pulled. If you have additional questions or concerns, do not hesitate to contact our office or email us. Consultations are always welcome and many times these procedures are accomplished in-house.
Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC
290 Carpenter Drive, 200A
Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328
404-256-3620
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