Tooth extraction, or pulling a tooth, might sound daunting, but it’s often a quick and relatively painless procedure. If you’re wondering, “How Much Is It To Get A Tooth Pulled?”, this comprehensive guide breaks down the costs associated with tooth extractions, different types of extractions, and what factors influence the final price.
What is a Tooth Extraction?
A tooth extraction is the removal of a tooth from its socket in the bone. Dentists perform millions of tooth extractions every year as a routine dental treatment, and it’s often the best solution for maintaining long-term oral health.
Alt text: A dentist carefully removes a tooth during an extraction procedure.
Types of Tooth Extractions
The type of extraction needed will depend on the tooth’s condition and location. Here’s a breakdown of the different types:
- Simple Extraction: This involves removing teeth visible above the gum line using forceps. It’s a straightforward procedure that doesn’t require surgery.
- Surgical Extraction: This is necessary for teeth that are difficult to access, such as impacted wisdom teeth or teeth broken off at the gum line. It involves incisions in the gums, bone removal, or cutting the tooth into pieces.
- Soft Tissue Impaction: This procedure extracts a tooth partially covered by gum tissue.
- Full Bony Impaction: This complex extraction is required when a tooth is entirely encased in the jawbone.
- Complicated Tooth Impaction: This occurs when a tooth, typically a wisdom tooth, is either fully encased in the jawbone or partially buried beneath the gum and bone, requiring a more involved surgical approach.
How Much Is It to Get a Tooth Pulled? – Cost Breakdown
According to CareCredit’s 2024 Cost Study, the national average cost of a simple tooth extraction is $177, but can range from $137 to $835. Here’s a more detailed look at the cost based on the extraction type:
Tooth Extraction Cost by Type
| Type of Tooth Extraction | Average Cost | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Simple Extraction | $177 | $137 – $335 |
| Surgical Extraction | $363 | $281 – $702 |
| Soft Tissue Impaction | $423 | $325 – $829 |
| Full Bony Impaction | $532 | $413 – $1,041 |
| Complicated Impaction | $835 | $639 – $1,620 |
These figures don’t include potential discounts from dental insurance or dental schools, which often offer rates 60-70% lower than traditional dental offices.
Tooth Extraction Cost by State
The cost of a simple tooth extraction can also vary by state. Here’s a state-by-state breakdown of average costs:
| State/District | Average Cost | State/District | Average Cost | State/District | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $152 | Kentucky | $164 | North Dakota | $161 |
| Alaska | $214 | Louisiana | $165 | Ohio | $160 |
| Arizona | $180 | Maine | $178 | Oklahoma | $152 |
| Arkansas | $155 | Maryland | $193 | Oregon | $189 |
| California | $221 | Massachusetts | $240 | Pennsylvania | $169 |
| Colorado | $175 | Michigan | $161 | Rhode Island | $180 |
| Connecticut | $181 | Minnesota | $162 | South Carolina | $166 |
| Delaware | $175 | Mississippi | $153 | South Dakota | $158 |
| District of Columbia | $243 | Missouri | $155 | Tennessee | $156 |
| Florida | $175 | Montana | $172 | Texas | $162 |
| Georgia | $162 | Nebraska | $157 | Utah | $177 |
| Hawaii | $294 | Nevada | $175 | Vermont | $186 |
| Idaho | $178 | New Hampshire | $181 | Virginia | $170 |
| Illinois | $174 | New Jersey | $200 | Washington | $199 |
| Indiana | $158 | New Mexico | $157 | West Virginia | $157 |
| Iowa | $151 | New York | $192 | Wisconsin | $162 |
| Kansas | $155 | North Carolina | $161 | Wyoming | $161 |
Keep in mind these prices exclude consultation costs, potential maintenance or repairs, and insurance coverage.
Sedation Costs
The costs mentioned above usually include local anesthesia. If sedation or general anesthesia is required, the price will increase. Sedation keeps you relaxed but conscious, while general anesthesia renders you unconscious and requires close monitoring.
Here’s a cost summary for anesthesia:
| Type of Anesthesia | Average Cost | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Sedation | $349 | $273 – $675 |
| General Anesthesia | $639 | $494 – $1,253 |
Alt text: A dentist prepares anesthesia for a tooth extraction procedure.
Does Insurance Cover Tooth Extractions?
Most dental insurance plans cover tooth extractions, particularly if they’re medically necessary, often covering 50% to 70% of the cost. If you lack insurance, explore dental discount plans or third-party financing options. Some clinics also offer income-based sliding scales.
Why You Might Need a Tooth Extraction
While dentists aim to preserve natural teeth, extraction becomes necessary in certain situations:
- Tooth Decay: Extensive decay where insufficient healthy tissue remains for restoration.
- Abscess: A severe tooth infection requiring removal to prevent further complications.
- Gum Disease: Advanced periodontal disease causing bone loss and tooth loosening.
- Impacted Tooth: A tooth unable to erupt due to a physical barrier, potentially causing pain and other issues.
- Fractured Tooth: Irreparable damage requiring removal.
- Extra Tooth: Supernumerary teeth causing crowding or displacement.
- Orthodontia: Creating space for teeth alignment.
Ultimately, tooth extraction aims to safeguard oral health and prevent future dental issues. Consult your dentist to determine if extraction is the appropriate solution for your specific situation.
How Does a Tooth Extraction Procedure Work?
Preparation
Before the extraction, your dentist will take an X-ray and gather your complete medical history, including allergies and medications. This is crucial because tooth extraction can introduce bacteria into the bloodstream. If you have conditions like heart disease, liver disease, recent surgery, or a weakened immune system, you may need antibiotics before or after the procedure.
Procedure
During any type of tooth extraction, the dentist will:
- Administer anesthesia to numb the area.
- Remove the tooth surgically or with forceps.
- Clean the socket and possibly place stitches.
- Pack the socket with gauze to control bleeding.
While the anesthesia eliminates pain, you’ll likely feel pressure and hear noises. The procedure typically takes 20-40 minutes per tooth, with additional teeth adding 3-15 minutes each. After the procedure, you’ll need to bite down on gauze for 30-45 minutes to allow a blood clot to form.
Possible Side Effects of Tooth Extraction
Tooth extraction is generally safe, but potential side effects include:
- Damage to other teeth or restorations
- Reaction to anesthesia
- Infection
- Dry socket (dislodged blood clot)
- Nerve damage (rare)
Contact your dentist if you experience any concerning symptoms post-extraction.
Tooth Extraction Recovery Tips
Recovery typically takes a week for simple extractions and several weeks for more complex ones. Adhering to your dentist’s aftercare instructions minimizes complications like dry socket.
Consider these recovery tips:
- Pain: Manage pain with over-the-counter medication or prescription pain relievers.
- Swelling: Apply cold compresses for 10-20 minutes at a time.
- Bleeding: Avoid strenuous activity, smoking, alcohol, straws, and vigorous rinsing for three days.
- Oral Hygiene: Resume brushing and flossing after 24 hours, avoiding the extraction site.
- Eating: Stick to soft foods for a week, such as soup, smoothies, yogurt, and applesauce.
Follow up with your dentist and maintain regular dental cleanings.
Financing Tooth Extractions
The CareCredit credit card can help cover tooth extraction costs not covered by insurance. Use the Acceptance Locator to find a dentist or oral surgeon near you that accepts CareCredit.
Disclaimer: Cost data is based on national averages and may vary.
