Health insurance policies cover specific dental procedures. However, some patients are hesitant to get procedures that are not covered because of the associated costs. What should you know about the cost of tooth extractions?
When Do You Need Tooth Extraction?
Tooth extraction may be suggested by your dentist if:
- You have deep decay that can’t be saved with a root canal treatment
- Your tooth roots have decayed due to gum disease
- Your gums have receded, and your tooth roots have been exposed
- Most of your tooth structure has deteriorated and can no longer support restorations
- You have an impacted wisdom tooth
- It is more practical and cost-efficient to remove the tooth than restore it
- You have extra teeth, or you have baby teeth that still have not fallen out
Dentists will only recommend a tooth extraction only when it is necessary. In some cases, dentists still want to salvage the tooth and recommend other restorative solutions to preserve the natural tooth.
How Much Does a Tooth Extraction Cost?
The price of tooth extraction depends on a wide range of factors. Here are some essential details that you should know:
- Medicare or Bulk Billing
If you have Medicare or are considering bulk billing, tooth extraction is usually only applicable for your children or teenage dependents. For most adults, Medicare usually covers hospital-based medical conditions, not dental ones.
- Dental Hospital
For pensioners and patients with concession cards, you can get tooth extractions from dental hospitals. However, since these are government-funded facilities, there are limitations to what they can cover and how much work they can do for free.
- Private Health Insurance
Most private health insurance policies categorise tooth extractions under routine dental services. Depending on your policy, your plan should cover a specific number of tooth extractions. Some policies may only apply this benefit for wisdom teeth, while others may have more specific details. To get the most accurate information, you may discuss this directly with your health insurance provider.
In some cases, the insurance policy may only cover a partial amount for tooth extractions. Knowing the exact amount will help you prepare for the remaining cost you will have to pay out of pocket.
- Patients with No Insurance
Patients who are willing to pay for tooth extractions out of their own pockets want to know the specific pricing for the procedure. While standard pricing information may be available, the exact cost can only be determined by your dentist. Factors such as the type of extraction to be done, tooth to be removed, anaesthesia to be used, and severity of the dental problem all affect the final price of the procedure.
Getting Tooth Extraction at Parkdale Family Dental
At Parkdale Family Dental, we only consider teeth extractions as the final option for irreversible dental damage. We perform all of the necessary diagnostic procedures to double-check if extraction is the best course of action. We also prioritise the comfort and safety of our patients. You don’t have to be afraid of getting a tooth extraction because our dentists will take good care of you.