Cost Of Teeth Removal in Australia

Close-up of a dental examination to remove a tooth using dental tools for hygiene and care.
Your dental health is part of your overall wellbeing, and there may be a time when you need to have a tooth removed. Tooth removal is common in Australia, whether due to decay, injury, or overcrowding. 


This article will go through the cost of tooth extraction, what affects the price, and what to expect.

Tooth extraction, also known as dental extraction, is a common dental procedure that involves the removal of a tooth from its socket in the jawbone. A dentist or oral surgeon usually performs this procedure, and is often necessary to alleviate pain, prevent infection, or improve oral health.

What is a Tooth Extraction?

Tooth extraction is an important procedure for maintaining good oral health. When a tooth is damaged, decayed, or infected, it can cause pain, discomfort, and infection.

 If left untreated, these conditions can lead to more serious health problems, such as gum disease, abscesses, and systemic infections. A dentist or oral surgeon can help prevent these complications and promote healing by removing the affected tooth.

What Affects The Cost of Teeth Removal?

Costs of this procedure can vary, depending on the following:

Type of tooth extraction

  • A simple extraction is when the tooth is visible above the gum line. Less complex and cheaper than a surgical extraction.
  • Surgical extraction is when the tooth is impacted, broken below the gum line, or has complex roots. It’s more complicated and more expensive than a simple extraction. 

Anaesthetic

The type of anaesthesia used can also influence the dental extraction cost, with local anaesthesia typically being sufficient for simple extractions. In contrast, general anaesthesia is often required for more complex cases.

Additional Procedures

X-rays, sedation or other additional treatments will add to the overall cost of tooth removal.

A detailed close-up photo of a hand holding a human tooth against a plain white background.

Dental Insurance and Government Help

In Australia, there are a few options you can use to help cover the cost of teeth removal:

  1. Private health insurance: Many private health insurance policies in Australia cover dental procedures, including tooth removal. Check with your insurance provider to see what’s covered and what’s out of pocket.
  2. Medicare and Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS): Medicare doesn’t cover dental for adults. However, the CDBS provides eligible children 2-17 with up to $1000 over 2 years, which can be used for tooth extractions.
  3. Dental Vouchers: If you’re experiencing financial hardship, you may qualify for a dental voucher through NSW Health. Occasionally, the public dental service may issue an Oral Health Fee for Service Scheme (OHFFSS) voucher, allowing patients to receive treatment from a private dental provider registered with the public dental service.

Public dental staff will determine whether a voucher is appropriate for the type of treatment you require. Please note that patients cannot request a voucher directly from the public dental service. If you are issued a voucher, public dental service staff will either schedule an appointment with a practitioner of your choice or provide a list of practitioners for you to contact at your convenience.

At Odontologie Dental Care, we are proud to accept these vouchers as part of our commitment to giving back to the community. For more information, contact our team.

Dentist performing procedure on woman patient using dental tools. Close-up view.

What Happens Before Your Tooth Removal?

Before your tooth removal, you will have an initial consultation and examination with your dentist. They will assess your dental health, take X-rays if necessary, and go through the tooth extraction procedure and associated costs with you.

Your dentist will give you pre-extraction instructions, which may include:

  • Fasting for a certain period before the procedure if sedation is required
  • Arranging transport to and from the practice
  • Taking time off work for the procedure and recovery

How the Surgical Tooth Extraction Procedure Works

The tooth removal process involves:

  1. Anaesthesia: We begin by applying a numbing gel to the area before administering the anesthetic.
  2. Extraction: The dentist will loosen the tooth with special instruments and remove it from the socket. Wisdom tooth extraction can be more complex and may involve additional steps, such as cutting the tooth into smaller pieces or removing bone around the tooth.
  3. Cleaning and closing: The socket is cleaned, and the dentist may put a gauze pad or stitches in it to help with healing.

The procedure takes around 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the complexity of the extraction.

Post-Extraction Care and Recovery

After your tooth removal, your dentist will give you aftercare instructions which may include:

  • Biting on a gauze pad to stop bleeding
  • Not smoking, drinking through straws or vigorous rinsing for 24 hours
  • Taking prescribed medication or over-the-counter pain relief
  • Applying an ice pack to reduce swelling
  • Eating soft food and gradually return to a normal diet as you heal

For patients recovering from wisdom teeth removal, following these instructions closely and considering additional tips such as keeping your head elevated to reduce swelling and avoiding strenuous activities for a few days is important.

You may need to come back for follow-up appointments to have stitches removed.

Tooth Removal Alternatives

In some cases, alternatives to tooth removal may be available depending on the tooth and your overall dental health. These include:

  • Fillings and crowns for decayed or damaged teeth
  • Root canal for infected teeth
  • Orthodontic treatment for overcrowding or misalignment

Talk to our dentists to see what’s best for you. Contact us today to book an appointment.

Close-up of a dental examination with modern equipment, showcasing oral hygiene maintenance.

Key Takeaways

  • Tooth extraction costs in Australia vary depending on the type of extraction, location, and dentist.
  • Private health insurance, Child Dental Benefits Schedule, and government-funded dental clinics may help with costs.
  • Pre and post-extraction care is key to a smooth recovery.
  • Avoid the need for an extraction altogether by keeping up with regular checkups and cleans.

FAQs

How long does it take to recover from a tooth extraction? 

Recovery time varies from person to person but most people can return to normal activities in a few days. Complete healing of the extraction site takes several weeks.

Are there any risks or complications with tooth removal? 

As with any surgical procedure, there are some risks involved with tooth removal such as infection, dry socket or nerve damage. However, these are rare, and your dentist will take every precaution to minimise the risks.

How do I manage pain after tooth extraction? 

Your dentist may prescribe pain medication or recommend over-the-counter pain relief such as ibuprofen or paracetamol. Applying an ice pack to the area can also help with pain and swelling.

When should I opt for tooth removal? 

Your dentist may recommend tooth removal if a tooth is severely decayed, damaged beyond repair, infected or overcrowded. In some cases, tooth removal may be necessary for orthodontic treatment or in preparation for dentures or implants.

What factors influence the tooth extraction cost?

The tooth extraction cost can vary based on several factors, including the complexity of the procedure, the type of anaesthesia used, and whether it is an emergency extraction. Insurance coverage can also play a significant role in the final cost. Additionally, specific costs may differ for different types of tooth extractions, such as wisdom teeth versus other teeth.