Tooth Extraction
Tooth Extraction — Cost Breakdown
Quick answer
A simple tooth extraction in the UK costs £76.60 on the NHS in England (Band 2, covering multiple extractions in one course) or £100–£200 privately. Surgical extractions of broken or impacted teeth cost £200–£400 privately, or £300–£600 with a specialist oral surgeon. Hospital-based surgical extraction is free on the NHS but has waiting lists of 6–18 months.
Key facts
- NHS England (Band 2): £76.60 for any number of extractions
- Private simple extraction: £100–£200
- Private surgical extraction: £200–£400
- Specialist oral surgeon: £300–£600
- Bone graft for future implant: £200–£600
- Dry socket risk: 2–5% (up to 10% for lower wisdom teeth)
Most adult tooth extractions are simple — your dentist uses local anaesthetic and removes the tooth in one piece. Surgical extractions (broken roots, impacted teeth) take longer and may need a referral.
What is tooth extraction?
Tooth extraction is the most common emergency procedure in UK dentistry. Patients search for the price after being told a tooth cannot be saved, after losing a filling and being in pain, or after pricing implants and considering keeping the gap. NHS extractions are covered by the £76.60 Band 2 fee; private fees depend on whether the extraction is simple or surgical.
Who needs this treatment?
- Patients with a tooth too damaged or decayed to restore
- Anyone with a severe abscess that cannot be drained through root canal
- Patients preparing for orthodontic treatment that requires space
- Wisdom teeth causing recurrent infection or decay
- Severely loose teeth from advanced gum disease
What does the procedure involve?
A simple extraction takes 15–30 minutes. The dentist injects local anaesthetic, uses an elevator to loosen the tooth from the surrounding bone and gum, then removes it with forceps. Pressure is applied to a gauze pad until bleeding stops. A surgical extraction (broken roots, impacted teeth) takes 30–60 minutes and may involve raising a small gum flap, drilling away surrounding bone, and stitching the gum back. Sedation is available privately for very anxious patients (£200–£500 extra).
Recovery time
Pain peaks 6–24 hours after extraction. Take ibuprofen and paracetamol on rotation for 2–3 days. Eat soft foods. Do not rinse, spit, or use a straw for 24 hours — these can dislodge the blood clot and cause dry socket (intense pain 3–4 days post-extraction). Bleeding usually stops within 30 minutes; if it continues, bite on a clean gauze pad for another 30 minutes.
How long does it last?
Healing is usually complete in 2–3 weeks for soft tissue and 6–8 weeks for the underlying bone. Bone naturally resorbs after extraction — most pronounced in the first 6 months — which is why implants are often placed within 4–6 months of extraction.
NHS Coverage
Falls under Band 2 (simple) / Band 2 (surgical). Multiple extractions in one course of treatment are all covered by the single Band 2 fee.
| Nation | NHS patient charge |
|---|---|
| England | £76.60 |
| Wales | £62.00 (legacy) |
| Scotland | 80% of item-of-service fee |
| Northern Ireland | from £14 (simple) |
NHS charges effective from 1 April 2026.
Private Cost Range
Bone graft to preserve the socket for a future implant adds £200–£600.
| Option | UK average | Central London |
|---|---|---|
| Simple extraction | £100–£200 | £150–£300 |
| Surgical extraction | £200–£400 | £300–£550 |
| Specialist oral surgeon | £300–£600 | £450–£800 |
Private fees compiled from UK clinic price lists and 2026 market surveys.
What Affects the Cost
- Whether the tooth is intact or broken at gum level
- Position in the mouth (back teeth are harder)
- Whether sedation or surgical referral is needed
- Need for a socket preservation graft
When is this treatment available on the NHS?
Routine extractions are covered by the NHS Band 2 charge (£76.60). Surgical extractions and wisdom teeth needing referral to a hospital are free of patient charge on the NHS but may have a waiting list of 6–18 months.
How to save money on this treatment
- Combine the extraction with other Band 2 treatment in the same course to pay only £76.60
- Use NHS hospital referral for difficult cases — no patient charge once you are accepted
- Discuss whether sedation is genuinely necessary; local anaesthetic is usually sufficient
- Consider socket preservation (£200–£600) only if you plan an implant — otherwise it adds unnecessary cost
Does dental insurance cover this?
All UK dental plans cover routine extractions; cash plans typically refund £30–£60 per tooth.
Risks and side effects
- Dry socket — sharp pain 3–4 days after extraction in about 2–5% of cases
- Excessive bleeding requiring practice review (uncommon)
- Infection — antibiotics may be needed (1–3% of cases)
- Nerve damage on lower wisdom teeth (rare but can cause permanent numbness)
- Sinus communication on upper back teeth (rare)
Red flags to watch for
- Extraction recommended without offering root canal or other tooth-saving options
- Surgical extraction fees over £600 for a single straightforward tooth
- Pressure to add socket preservation graft without an implant plan
Alternatives to consider
- Root Canal Treatment — Save the tooth instead of removing it — usually cheaper long-term once replacement is factored in.
- Dental Crown — A crown can save a heavily damaged tooth that still has a stable root.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get sedation for my extraction?
IV sedation is rarely available on the NHS for routine extractions. Privately it costs an additional £200–£500.
How long does the pain last?
Pain peaks 6–24 hours after extraction and improves daily for 2–3 days. If pain worsens after day 3 it may be a dry socket — call the practice.
What is dry socket?
Dry socket happens when the blood clot in the extraction site falls out, exposing bone. It is intensely painful but treatable with a medicated dressing.
Should I replace the extracted tooth?
Yes for visible front teeth and chewing teeth. Leaving a gap allows neighbouring teeth to tilt and opposing teeth to over-erupt. Replacement options: implant, bridge, denture.
Can I drive after an extraction?
Yes if you only had local anaesthetic. After sedation you must not drive for 24 hours and need an adult to take you home.
When can I eat normally?
Soft foods for the first 2–3 days. Avoid the extraction site for a week. Most people are back to normal eating within 7–10 days.