Tooth Extraction Cost Guide: What You'll Pay in 2026

Nobody wants to hear they need a tooth pulled. But sometimes it's the best option — whether it's a severely decayed tooth, a damaged tooth that can't be saved, or those pesky wisdom teeth causing problems. The good news is that extractions are one of the most routine dental procedures, and the costs are generally more manageable than you might expect.

Here's what you'll actually pay in 2026.

Types of Tooth Extractions

Simple Extraction

When a tooth is fully visible above the gumline and can be removed with forceps after loosening with an elevator tool. This is the most straightforward type of extraction.

Cost: $150–$300 per tooth

Surgical Extraction

Required when a tooth is broken at the gumline, hasn't fully erupted, or has curved roots. The dentist makes a small incision in the gum tissue and may need to remove some bone to extract the tooth.

Cost: $250–$500 per tooth

Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Wisdom teeth often need surgical extraction because they're impacted (stuck under bone or tissue). Costs vary based on the level of impaction:

• Erupted (simple extraction): $200–$400 per tooth
• Soft tissue impacted: $300–$500 per tooth
• Partial bony impacted: $400–$700 per tooth
• Full bony impacted: $500–$1,100 per tooth

For all 4 wisdom teeth, expect to pay $1,200–$3,500 total without insurance, depending on the level of impaction and type of anesthesia. According to CareCredit, the average cost for wisdom tooth extraction ranges from $1,200 to $4,175.

Extraction Cost Comparison

Additional Costs to Consider

The extraction itself is just part of the total bill. Here are other potential charges:

• Dental exam and X-rays: $150–$350 (often required before the extraction)
• Panoramic X-ray or CBCT scan: $100–$450 (especially for wisdom teeth)
• Local anesthesia: Usually included in the extraction price
• Nitrous oxide (laughing gas): $50–$150
• IV sedation: $250–$800
• General anesthesia: $300–$1,000 (typically for complex wisdom tooth surgery or anxious patients)
• Bone grafting: $200–$800 per socket (if you plan to get an implant later — preserves the bone)

Does Insurance Cover Tooth Extractions?

Most dental insurance plans cover extractions because they're considered medically necessary:

• Simple extractions: Typically covered at 70–80% as a "basic" procedure
• Surgical extractions: Usually covered at 50–80%
• Wisdom teeth: Most plans cover surgical extraction at 50% (classified as "major")
• With insurance, your out-of-pocket for a simple extraction: $30–$100
• With insurance, your out-of-pocket for all 4 wisdom teeth: $400–$1,500
• Utah Medicaid: Covers extractions for both children and adults

Some medical insurance (not dental) may cover wisdom tooth removal if it's done in a hospital or surgical center under general anesthesia. It's worth checking both your dental and medical plans.

Utah Extraction Costs: Local Pricing

Utah extraction costs are generally in line with or slightly below the national average. A simple extraction at most Utah dental offices runs $150–$250, and surgical extractions typically cost $250–$450. For wisdom teeth, oral surgeons in the Salt Lake, Utah, and Davis county areas tend to be competitive with each other, which works in your favor.

If cost is a concern, here are some Utah-specific options:

• Roseman University Dental Clinic (South Jordan) — Offers extractions at reduced rates under faculty supervision
• University of Utah Dental Clinic — Another option for lower-cost surgical procedures
• Utah Medicaid — Covers extractions for both children and adults as of the April 2025 expansion
• Emergency dental clinics — Some Utah clinics offer same-day emergency extractions with payment plans for patients in acute pain

Don't forget to check if your medical insurance (not just dental) might cover wisdom teeth removal, especially if it requires general anesthesia or is done in a surgical center. Some medical plans classify this as an oral surgery benefit rather than dental.

When Do You Need a Tooth Extracted?

Your dentist may recommend extraction when:

• Severe decay: The tooth is too damaged for a filling or crown to save it
• Advanced gum disease: The tooth is loose due to bone loss
• Cracked or fractured tooth: A crack that extends below the gumline usually can't be repaired
• Impacted wisdom teeth: Causing pain, infection, or damage to neighboring teeth
• Orthodontic treatment: Making room for teeth to move into proper alignment
• Failed root canal: If a previously treated tooth develops problems again

Recovery After a Tooth Extraction

Recovery time depends on the type of extraction:

• Simple extraction: 1–3 days of mild discomfort. Most people return to normal activities the next day.
• Surgical extraction: 3–7 days of recovery. Some swelling and bruising is normal.
• Wisdom teeth removal: 5–10 days for full recovery. The first 2–3 days are typically the most uncomfortable.

For detailed recovery information, check out our tooth extraction aftercare guide and learn about preventing dry socket — the most common complication after extraction.

Recovery Tips

• Bite on gauze for 30–60 minutes after the procedure to control bleeding
• Apply ice to the outside of your cheek (20 minutes on, 20 minutes off) to reduce swelling
• Take prescribed pain medication and antibiotics as directed
• Eat soft foods for the first few days (yogurt, soup, mashed potatoes, smoothies)
• Don't use a straw for at least 72 hours — the suction can dislodge the blood clot and cause dry socket
• Don't smoke for at least 48–72 hours (smoking significantly increases dry socket risk)
• Rinse gently with warm salt water starting 24 hours after extraction

What Happens After You Lose a Tooth?

After extracting a non-wisdom tooth, you'll want to think about replacement options to prevent neighboring teeth from shifting and bone loss. Your main options are:

• Dental implant ($3,000–$5,500): The gold standard — see our implant cost guide
• Dental bridge ($2,000–$5,000): Uses neighboring teeth for support
• Partial denture ($700–$2,500): Removable option — see our dentures cost guide

If you plan to get an implant later, ask about a bone graft at the time of extraction. Preserving the socket bone now makes implant placement much easier (and less expensive) later.

Finding an Oral Surgeon in Utah

Simple extractions can be done by any general dentist. For surgical extractions and wisdom teeth, you may be referred to an oral surgeon. Browse our directory to find providers near you in cities like Salt Lake City, Provo, Ogden, and Logan.

For more on wisdom teeth specifically, check out our complete wisdom teeth removal guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

How painful is a tooth extraction?

During the procedure, you'll be completely numb from local anesthesia — you'll feel pressure but no pain. After the numbness wears off, most simple extractions cause mild discomfort manageable with ibuprofen. Surgical extractions and wisdom teeth can cause more significant soreness for a few days.

How long does a tooth extraction take?

A simple extraction takes 5–20 minutes per tooth. Surgical extractions take 20–45 minutes. Having all 4 wisdom teeth removed under sedation typically takes about 45–90 minutes.

Can I drive home after a tooth extraction?

If you only had local anesthesia, yes. If you had IV sedation or general anesthesia, you'll need someone to drive you home and stay with you for a few hours.

When should I go to the ER vs. a dentist for tooth pain?

Go to the ER if you have severe swelling (especially if it's affecting your breathing or swallowing), uncontrollable bleeding, or a high fever. For non-emergency tooth pain, a dentist visit is both more appropriate and less expensive.

Do I need my wisdom teeth removed if they don't hurt?

Not always, but often yes. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause problems even without pain — including damage to neighboring teeth, cyst formation, and infection risk. Your dentist can advise based on X-rays showing how your wisdom teeth are positioned.

What is dry socket and how common is it?

Dry socket happens when the blood clot that forms in the extraction site gets dislodged, exposing the bone. It causes significant pain and usually develops 2–4 days after extraction. It occurs in about 2–5% of all extractions and up to 20% of wisdom tooth removals. Following aftercare instructions significantly reduces the risk.

Choosing Between a General Dentist and Oral Surgeon

Here's a quick guide for who to see:

• General dentist is fine for: Simple extractions of fully erupted teeth. Most general dentists do these routinely and are fully qualified.
• Oral surgeon is recommended for: Impacted wisdom teeth, teeth with curved or long roots, patients with medical conditions that increase surgical risk, multiple extractions at once, or any extraction requiring significant bone removal.
• Periodontist for: Extractions related to severe gum disease, especially when combined with bone grafting or ridge preservation.

If your general dentist recommends an extraction, ask whether they feel comfortable doing it in-office or if they'd recommend a specialist. A good dentist will be honest about their limitations. Oral surgeons typically charge slightly more, but for complex extractions, the added expertise is worth the cost difference.

Get Your Extraction Scheduled

If your dentist has recommended an extraction, don't put it off — waiting usually makes things worse (and more expensive). Find an oral surgeon or general dentist near you to get started.

Sources: CareCredit Dental Procedure Costs 2026, Cigna Tooth Extraction Cost Guide, Aspen Dental Wisdom Teeth Cost, American Dental Association