A straightforward extraction costs less than a surgical one, where the tooth has to be removed in sections or the gum lifted to reach it. Wisdom teeth are usually the most expensive because they're often impacted. Budget separately for replacing the tooth - that's frequently more than the extraction itself.
We'll give you a figure, not a range
Quoting a national average here wouldn't help you much - the cost depends on your teeth. After an examination we'll give you a written plan with the cost of each item, before any treatment is booked. Ring 03 441 8248 and we'll arrange it.
What changes the price
- Whether it's a simple or surgical extraction
- Whether the tooth is impacted, especially wisdom teeth
- How many roots the tooth has and their shape
- Whether sedation is used
- Whether the tooth is broken down and harder to grip
- Whether a bone graft is placed to preserve the site for a future implant
Simple versus surgical
A simple extraction is a tooth that's fully erupted and can be removed whole. A surgical extraction means lifting the gum, sometimes removing a little bone, and often sectioning the tooth to get it out. It takes longer and costs more.
Which one you need isn't always obvious beforehand. An X-ray showing the root shape is what tells us, and it's a fair question to ask when you're quoted.
The cost after the extraction
The extraction is often the cheaper half. A gap left alone lets neighbouring teeth drift and the opposing tooth over-erupt, and the bone gradually resorbs - which makes replacing it later harder and more expensive.
So the real comparison is rarely 'extraction versus root canal'. It's 'extraction plus replacement versus saving the tooth'. Ask for both totals.
ACC
If the tooth was damaged in an accident, ACC usually contributes to the extraction and often to the replacement. We lodge the claim as part of the appointment.
