Tooth Extractions

We always try to save a natural tooth first — but when that isn't possible, extraction (tooth removal) is a safe, straightforward way to relieve pain and protect your overall oral health.

Common reasons for extraction

• Deep decay that has reached the tooth's pulp, ruling out root canal therapy
• Severe periodontal disease, where the gum and bone can no longer support the tooth
• Fractures too extensive to restore
• Extra or impacted teeth, including wisdom teeth, that crowd the mouth
• Orthodontic needs, occasionally requiring removal to create space for proper alignment

How extractions are performed

Every extraction starts with an exam and X-ray so we know exactly what the roots look like before we begin. A fully erupted tooth can often be gently loosened and removed under local anesthetic in a single visit, while teeth that haven't fully emerged or are harder to access — such as impacted wisdom teeth — may call for a small incision and a more involved surgical approach. We also perform extractions for orthodontic treatment when your orthodontist recommends removing teeth to create space for proper alignment — coordinated directly with your orthodontist's treatment plan.

Comfort, anesthesia, and sedation

Every extraction starts with thorough local anesthesia — the area is fully numbed and tested before we begin, so you feel pressure but not pain. For complex or impacted teeth, or for patients with significant dental anxiety, IV sedation ($200–$250^* per 15 minutes) is available so you can rest comfortably through the procedure. We'll discuss the right option for your case at your evaluation, and our team is experienced in helping nervous patients go at their own pace.

What does a tooth extraction cost in Austin?

What you actually pay depends mostly on your insurance. Many of the dental plans we work with cover extractions at 40–100%, so many insured patients pay little or nothing out of pocket — and even complex extractions typically land between $0 and $300 depending on your plan.

Without insurance, our office fees for extractions typically range from $200 to $650 per tooth depending on the tooth and the complexity of removal, with impacted wisdom teeth at the higher end of that range. We examine the tooth and X-ray first, then give you an exact price before any treatment begins — we verify your benefits free of charge, and financing through Cherry or CareCredit is available if you're paying out of pocket.

What to expect afterward

The most immediate benefit of extraction is relief from the pain caused by severe decay or infection. We'll walk you through aftercare and, if appropriate, discuss options for replacing the tooth.

See our post-op care instructions for full recovery guidance after your extraction.

Content reviewed by Jamisen Kohlman, DMD — KoLa Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, Austin, TX.