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 a
specialist known as 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.
Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC
290 Carpenter Drive, 200A
Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328
404-256-3620
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