Without insurance, a simple tooth extraction in the US usually costs $150 to $400, and a surgical one costs $250 to $600. Sedation, X-rays, and where you live can push the bill higher. Last reviewed October 2026.
Key Takeaways
- A simple extraction usually costs $150 to $400. One national average, based on ADA fee survey data, is about $260.
- A surgical extraction usually costs $250 to $600, and impacted teeth can cost more.
- Dental schools, community clinics, and payment plans can lower the bill.
- With insurance, your plan may cover part of the cost, but you could still owe a deductible or the full amount if you've used up your annual maximum.
- A painful, swollen tooth shouldn't wait on price. An untreated infection can spread.
Toothache or swelling while you sort out the cost? Book a $39 online urgent care visit with August AI. A board-certified MD reviews your symptoms and, when clinically appropriate, sends a prescription, such as an antibiotic for a suspected tooth infection, to the pharmacy you choose. The visit can't pull a tooth and doesn't guarantee a prescription, and medication costs are separate. For facial swelling, trouble swallowing or breathing, or a fever with swelling, go to the ER.
How Much Does a Tooth Extraction Cost?
The first thing your dentist decides is whether the tooth can come out with a straightforward procedure or needs surgery. That distinction can make a big difference in price.
A simple extraction is for a tooth that's visible above the gum line. The dentist numbs the area and loosens the tooth with an instrument. Price guides put it at roughly $150 to $400 without insurance.
A surgical extraction is for a tooth that's broken at the gum line, has curved roots, or hasn't fully come in. The dentist may need to cut the gum or remove a small amount of bone. Surgical extractions typically run $250 to $600.
These numbers come from dental price guides, not a single official source, and they don't always match.
Tooth Extraction Price Table
These are typical cash prices per tooth, before insurance:
| Service | Typical price range |
|---|---|
| Simple extraction | $150 to $400 (national average about $260) |
| Surgical extraction | $250 to $600 |
| Wisdom tooth (erupted or impacted) | $250 to $800 |
| Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) | $50 to $150 |
| Oral sedation | $150 to $300 |
| IV sedation | $250 to $500 |
| Exam | $50 to $150 |
| X-ray | $25 to $150 |
Prices are estimates from dental price guides we reviewed in October 2026. Your quote may fall outside these ranges, particularly for complex surgery or when imaging is needed. Local anesthesia is usually included in the extraction fee, and prices vary by region.
What Changes the Price?
Several factors explain why one dentist quotes $180 and another quotes $450 for the same tooth.
- How difficult the tooth is. A tooth that breaks apart or sits below the gum often costs more than one that comes out whole. Molars have more roots than front teeth, so they can be harder to remove and cost more.
- Sedation. Nitrous oxide, oral sedation, and IV sedation are billed separately.
- Who does the work. A general dentist often charges less than an oral surgeon, though a complex case may need a specialist.
- Imaging and exam. If you're a new patient, the exam and X-ray may be billed on top of the extraction.
- Where you live. Prices tend to be higher in big metro areas.
Some dentists bundle the exam, X-rays, local anesthesia, and extraction into one price. Others bill for each separately. Ask for the complete expected cost in writing before agreeing to treatment.
Wisdom Tooth Extraction Cost
Wisdom teeth are usually priced by how deeply they're impacted. An erupted wisdom tooth is often $250 to $500, while a fully impacted one can reach $800 per tooth. Having all four removed commonly costs about $1,000 to $3,000.
For a breakdown by impaction type, see our guide to wisdom teeth removal.
Tooth Extraction Cost Without Insurance
Paying out of pocket is common, since many adults don't have dental insurance. These options can help lower the cost.
- Dental schools. Students perform extractions under faculty supervision, and clinics often charge less than private practices. One price guide says fees can be 60 to 70 percent lower. Appointments may take longer, and availability varies.
- Community health centers. Federally funded health centers offer sliding-scale fees based on income. Call ahead, since dental services and wait times vary.
- Medicaid. Adult dental coverage depends on your state. Some states cover only emergency care, such as pain relief and extractions, and a few cover none. Check our state-by-state Medicaid dental guide.
- Medicare. Original Medicare generally doesn't cover routine dental care, including most tooth extractions. Exceptions may apply when dental treatment is closely connected to certain covered medical procedures or qualifying hospital care. Some Medicare Advantage plans offer dental benefits. See does Medicare cover dental?
- Payment plans and financing. Many offices offer in-house plans, and some accept medical credit cards such as CareCredit. Compare interest rates before you sign up.
- Dental savings plans. These aren't insurance. You pay a yearly fee for discounted rates at participating dentists. Compare the fee to what you'd save.
- HSA or FSA funds. You can use these tax-advantaged funds for an extraction.
- Ask for procedure codes. Standard codes let you compare quotes between offices.
How Much Does Insurance Cover?
Dental plans often cover simple extractions as basic care, paying around 80% after you meet your deductible. Surgical or impacted extractions may fall under major care, which many plans cover at about 50%. The exact amount depends on your plan.
Most plans also cap what they'll pay each year, often at $1,000 to $2,000. Once you hit that limit, you're responsible for the rest. Waiting periods or preapproval requirements may apply, too. Before scheduling, call your insurer or ask the dental office to check your benefits so you know what you'll owe.
Don't Wait on Price If You Have an Infection
An infected tooth shouldn't be ignored, and waiting can make things worse. A tooth abscess can spread to the jaw, face, or neck. See our guide on tooth abscess for the warning signs.
Antibiotics can help control an infection, but they don't fix the underlying tooth problem. You'll still need a dentist. If you can't get in right away, our dental infection treatment page explains how an online visit can help in the meantime.
After an extraction, pain that worsens after a few days can signal dry socket.
Conclusion
A tooth extraction usually costs $150 to $400 for a simple case and $250 to $600 for a surgical one, with sedation and imaging extra. Ask for an itemized estimate, compare a couple of offices, and look into dental schools, community clinics, or payment plans if cost is a barrier. If a painful tooth can't wait, August's $39 online urgent care visit can help with an infection or pain while you arrange dental care.
Frequently Asked Questions
A simple extraction typically costs $150 to $400 without insurance, and a surgical extraction about $250 to $600. Sedation, X-rays, and exams can add to the total.
Dental schools and community health centers are often the lowest-cost options. Medicaid may cover medically necessary extractions in some states.
Often, yes. Many plans cover about 80 percent of simple extractions and about 50 percent of surgical ones, up to the annual maximum. Check your plan's tiers and waiting periods.
It can be. Impacted wisdom teeth are billed as surgical procedures and often cost more per tooth. Removing all four commonly runs about $1,000 to $3,000.
