Here's a "ballpark" estimate of the price that you might pay to have a tooth extracted by a general dentist. (We discuss the issue of dental insurance coverage below.)
The fee shown above is our cost estimate for what is termed a "simple" extraction. A simple extraction is the normal, uncomplicated permanent tooth extraction. The tooth being extracted is fully erupted (penetrated through the gum tissue) and has a relatively normal orientation and positioning. It may or may not have portions missing due to fracture, tooth decay or a lost restoration.
The fee range shown above may seem somewhat exorbitant considering that so many baby teeth either "fall out" or are wiggled out by children on their own. However, the "rootless" state that we are most familiar with is only the end-stage of a baby tooth's life. For most of its existence, a baby tooth does have a root system and its presence adds to the difficulty of extracting it.
Does dental insurance cover tooth extractions?
You can expect that most dental plans will provide some type of coverage for routine dental extractions. Typically, this type of procedure is classified under
"basic dental services" and is often covered at a rate of 70 to 80% of the dentist's UCR fee ("Usual, customary and reasonable" fee).
There may be some issues associated with coverage for "surgical" extractions (which typically have a higher cost than "simple" extractions). When a claim is submitted, the treating dentist must sometimes explain the circumstances of the extraction, relating why it required a surgical approach. The insurance company will then make a decision as to whether the procedure's circumstances meet their coverage guidelines.
Cost variations.
Just as your dentist may feel that they deserve a higher fee for more difficult extractions, in the case where multiple teeth (especially loose ones) are being removed, their fee may be lower than expected.
This is probably most likely in the case of removing several lower front teeth in preparation for denture placement. Many times the bone surrounding these teeth has been so ravaged by gum disease that the dentist's job is quick and simple.
However, other types of multiple-tooth cases can pose challenges that their single-tooth counterparts don't. Removing several teeth in a row typically requires the placement of stitches. And especially in the case where a denture will be worn, the shape of the jawbone's ridge will typically require contouring.
Determining tooth extraction costs:
The dentist's perspective.
While in reality dentists are simply providing a service in exchange for a fee, most dentists would no doubt prefer to think that their patients have chosen them primarily because of the quality of their work and the manner and environment in which they perform it. It seems unlikely that any dentist would be flattered to learn that they had attracted a patient simply because they had the area's lowest fees.
Most dentists would consider a consultation appointment to be an excellent way for a potential patient to determine the cost of the specific dental treatment they need and also as a way to meet them and experience the environment in which the dental treatment will be performed. Most dentists will likely charge an examination fee for this visit. The receptionist making your consultation appointment should be able to quote this fee for you precisely.
The receptionist will not be able to know exactly what dental x-rays will be required and these can add to the cost of the consultation, but these are items that you would need no matter which dentist performed the work. After you have had your consultation appointment with the dentist, if you decide not to have them perform the treatment, or if you simply choose to get a second opinion, in most cases you can request that your x-rays be forwarded to another dental office.
Determining tooth extraction costs:
The patient's perspective.
It seems doubtful that any patient would want to choose their dentist based solely on price, after all, the manner in which the dental treatment is performed should be of equal, if not much greater, concern. Ask your friends and coworkers who their dentist is. Reputations travel, your friends will know who has treated them well and will most likely have a relative idea of how the fees charged by their dentist compare with other dentists in your area.
A polite telephone survey to a few dentists' offices can give you a general idea of the range of fees in your area. Many dental offices will, however, be put off by such inquires for a couple of reasons. The first reason is that most dentists want to develop continuing relationships with their patients. They are interested in helping patients overcome their current dental problems and continuing on with periodic checks so to help them maintain their oral health. A phone call from a person "checking out the best prices in town" doesn't typically fit that ideal.
The other problem is that dental office personnel realize that phone inquiries often result in "apples and oranges" comparisons. Without an examination by their dentist it is impossible for the dental office to know exactly what work is needed, and thus it is impossible for them to give you an accurate idea of the fee. Even using identical dental terminology when calling various dental offices can easily result in several different interpretations of the work being inquired about.
If you do choose to survey dental offices by phone we would suggest the following. The American Dental Association ("ADA") has developed a series of code numbers, each of which references a specific dental procedure. These codes are standard for the dental industry and are used by all dental offices and dental insurers. When making an enquiry ask the dental office receptionist what ADA code number is associated with the procedure for which they are providing fee information. Then make sure you reference this same number when contacting other dental offices. This way you are most likely to collect true "apples to apples" comparative quotes.
- Tooth extractions.
- Recovery / Aftercare.
- Related topics.
