Tooth Extraction Cost Guide

Tooth extraction cost is a growing concern among the general US population due to an increase in dental problems in the country. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), more than 70 percent of US residents have experienced problems with their teeth at some point in their lives.

Modern day lifestyle aspects such as a poor diet and lack of observance of appropriate dental hygiene practices are some of the major causes of tooth decay which is in turn the leading cause of tooth extraction. This is according to credible studies and surveys carried out by the ADA. Tooth extraction is inevitable in non-restorable cases.

What Is The Best Way To Determine Tooth Extraction Cost?

Most people prefer to just get on the telephone and inquire about extraction costs from several dentists. However, a physical visit to the dentist is one of the best ways of determining the cost of the average tooth extraction process according to the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). This fact is backed up by the increasing number of dentists who are averse to telephone surveys. They prefer a physical visit by the patient so that they can build the requisite rapport. Physical visits to a dental clinic are ideal since you will be able to physically ascertain whether the dentist and his/her clinic will work for you. A physical visit to the dentist will also give you an exact estimate of the total tooth extraction costs after a thorough clinical examination.

The ADA has specialized code numbers intended for dental processes considered to be pertinent. The codes identify a standard procedure which can easily be understood by dental insurance firms and other insurance companies. They make it easier for a dental patient to call and ask for details pertaining to a particular dental procedure over the phone.

Factors That Determine The Cost Of Tooth Extraction

Different dentists have different tooth extraction prices depending on the following factors:

• The dental clinic’s physical location.
• The goodwill and skills of the dentist.
• Your dental insurance.
• Tooth extraction technique applied (surgical process or the usual simple process)

Categories Of Tooth Extractions

Tooth extraction costs in the US can be broadly categorized into three major categories depending on the technique being applied:

• Forceps/closed/simple tooth extraction technique- this tooth extraction process entails the removal of an erupted or complication-free tooth. The cost for this process ranges from $100 to $150. Some clinics might charge a low cost of $75 for the same process. Deciduous baby teeth are removed using the same process at a cost $50 to $90.
• Surgical tooth extraction technique- this technique is applied to partially erupted teeth that is broken, impacted or have other complications. Associated extraction costs are usually high. They range from $150 to $200. Impacted tooth cost $200 to $350 to extract while a tooth that has other complications can cost as much as $300 to $500 to extract.
• Wisdom tooth extraction process- the extraction of a wisdom tooth comes with its own unique pricing. Fully erupted wisdom teeth will cost you $150 to $300 to extract while impacted or half erupted wisdom teeth cost $350 to $650 to extract. The high extraction costs associated with wisdom teeth are due to the skill and time required to remove them.

The above fees are usually inclusive of the entire surgical procedure and any follow-up visits. Other extra costs associated with the procedure include: initial consultation fees which range anywhere from $50 to $135, X-ray fees that range from $13 to $135 (cover x-rays such as 4bw, 2pa, 1pa and panoramic X-ray) and sedation fees that range from $200 to $400. Tooth extraction techniques that involve the surgical removal of the tooth will cost the patient approximately $1,000 for all pre-operation and post operation procedures.

Your costs can be made easier to bear with a specialized dental insurance plan. In most instances, these plans cover any tooth extraction procedure that is devoid of complications. These plans are usually termed as basic dental insurance plans and their premiums amount to 70 to 80 percent of the entire fee payable to the dentist. There are concerns about the exact value of surgical tooth extraction coverage. This is because of the expensive nature of this type of tooth extraction procedure. The dentist provides the insurance provider with notes in the form of a claim submission form which the insurance provider uses to determine whether to pay up or not.

It is vital that you be in agreement with the dentist as concerns the services to be availed and the associated costs before the actual procedure is undertaken as it would be nearly impossible to haggle over the fee after you receive the procedure. Always observe the highest possible standards of dental hygiene to avoid frequent visits to the dentist and the associated tooth extraction cost.