How Much Does a Tooth Extraction Cost Without Insurance? – Forbes Advisor

Tooth extractions, including those involving infections, periodontal disease, and congestion problems, are among the most common dental procedures. An estimated 10 million wisdom teeth are removed from children and adults in the United States each year.

The cost of tooth extractions without dental insurance can be expensive, but the exact cost depends on factors such as the type of extraction and the number of teeth extracted.

How much does it cost to have a tooth extracted without insurance?

dental insurance We usually cover tooth extractions if medically necessary, but if you don’t have insurance, tooth extractions can be expensive. The exact cost of tooth extraction surgery depends on several factors, including the type of tooth extraction required and the number of teeth that need to be extracted.

Here are the most common types of extraction and their average costs.

easy extraction

Simple extraction is generally the least expensive extraction procedure. $75-$250 per tooth.

A simple extraction is the easiest to perform. If the tooth is fully erupted and unaffected, the dentist can loosen it and remove it without surgical intervention.

surgical excision

Surgical removal costs everywhere $180-$550 per tooth.

Surgical extractions are used to remove teeth that are solid and cannot be easily removed with severe caries, or teeth that are partially or completely affected. Surgical removal is more expensive than simple removal because these procedures are longer and more complicated.

wisdom tooth surgery

Wisdom tooth extraction cost $120-$800 per tooth.
Wisdom tooth extraction is often a surgical procedure, especially if the third molar is partially or completely affected. Most people are born with multiple wisdom teeth, and oral surgeons charge per tooth, so it can be expensive.

The cost of wisdom tooth surgery depends on many factors, including whether anesthesia is required.

average cost of tooth extraction

How much does tooth extraction cost with insurance?

If you have dental insurance beyond preventive care, tooth extractions are usually covered when deemed medically necessary by a dentist or oral surgeon. The amount covered depends on the type of procedure and the details of the specific plan.

Dental insurance plans that cover basic procedures, including tooth extractions, pay at different rates based on the individual plan. You can find a plan that has a pay 50% policy or pays 80% for basic care. If your dental plan pays for 80% of basic care, you pay the remaining 20%.

Let’s see how this translates into the actual extraction procedure. Imagine that she has had wisdom tooth surgery and has three partially affected teeth. This would cost him $1,500 before insurance coverage. If the plan covers 80% of the surgical removal, he will have to pay $300 if the plan’s deductible is exceeded.

Now imagine that you have only one wisdom tooth that needs to be extracted, and it has completely erupted. In this case, it’s a simple extraction and costs only $200. Your dental insurance plan covers $160 and you pay the remaining $40 out of pocket.

Also, your Health insurance Covers part of the tooth extraction procedure. This will allow you to pay even less. If you have health insurance, contact your insurance company to see if oral surgery is included in your plan.

Other costs associated with tooth extraction

If you want to know how much a tooth extraction costs, you need to look beyond the cost of the procedure itself. There are usually other costs associated with having a tooth extracted. These costs include:

• consultation: A dentist or oral surgeon will often be consulted before a tooth extraction. Consultations are typically billed separately from the procedure and average $114.
• X-ray: Your oral surgeon may order a panoramic x-ray to get a better view of your teeth and jaw before extraction. Panoramic x-rays cost an average of $125, but may be fully covered by your dental insurance.
• anesthesia: Tooth extractions often require some form of anesthesia, such as nitrous oxide (laughing gas), local anesthesia, or intravenous sedation. If anesthesia is considered medically necessary, it is usually covered by dental insurance. Without insurance, the average cost of anesthesia is $53 for local anesthesia, $76 for nitrous oxide, and $232 for every 15 minutes of IV sedation.
• dosage: You may need certain medications to prevent infection after tooth extraction, such as prescription pain relievers and antibiotics. Depending on your plan, some of these drugs may be covered by insurance. On average, these drugs cost about $30.
• Follow-up appointment: If you are required to visit a dentist or oral surgeon for your follow-up appointment, additional charges may be incurred during your follow-up appointment.

Dental insurance that covers tooth extraction

Most dental insurance plans cover tooth extractions. The catch is that the plans cover extractions at different reimbursement rates. Here are some examples of dental insurance plans that cover tooth extractions.

Is there tooth extraction insurance with no waiting period?

Dental insurance plans may have waiting periods before benefits are available for certain procedures. For example, you may have to wait 6 months before your plan covers non-surgical removal.

However, as shown in the table above, it is possible to purchase tooth extraction insurance without a waiting period. Group dental insurance plans purchased through your employer may have an option with no waiting period.

If you recently changed insurance companies, check to see if your new insurance company makes exceptions. If you have had dental insurance for the past 12 consecutive months, you may be exempt from the waiting period.

How to get a tooth extracted without insurance

If a tooth needs to be extracted and you don’t have dental insurance, there are several options that may help reduce the cost of the extraction.

• Go to your local dental school: If you live near a university that has a dental school, you may be able to get discounted treatment from dental students. Many dental schools have clinics where trained dental students examine patients and are supervised by a licensed dental professional or oral surgeon.
• Set up your payment plan. Most dental or oral surgery clinics allow you to set up payment plans. In this case, you can pay for treatment over a longer period of time. If you know you will need financial assistance, please inquire about payment plans before proceeding.
• Subscribe to the Dental Lifeline Network: The Dental Lifeline network offers free or discounted dental care to low-income and disabled individuals. Dental services are provided by volunteer dental professionals. However, not all dental treatments are covered.
• Check if you are eligible for Medicaid. If you are eligible for Medicaid in your state, you may be eligible for dental benefits included in your plan. Medicaid dental benefits vary by location, but most states offer some coverage for dental emergencies.

Do dentists pull teeth on first visit?

Dentists rarely pull teeth on the first visit. In most cases, a consultation with a dentist or surgeon is necessary to determine the type of extraction needed, whether there is an infection, and whether the procedure requires anesthesia. The provider should also take x-rays of her to get a closer look at her teeth and jaw.

After counseling, a treatment reservation will be made. If you have a dental emergency, your dentist or surgeon will try to make an appointment as soon as possible. Many dental clinics accept emergency appointments outside of business hours in case of emergencies.

Is anesthesia covered by dental insurance?

Yes, anesthesia is usually covered by dental insurance, but only if it is considered medically necessary for the procedure. For example, if her four fully affected wisdom teeth needed to be removed, a dental insurance plan could cover IV sedation. However, intravenous sedation may not be indicated for simple extractions where only local anesthesia is medically required.