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A tooth extraction can be an unpleasant and expensive experience. It can be especially unpleasant in Australia because here, dentists are free to charge as they see fit, just like any other private business. There are ways you can make it cheaper.
Although it seems a little extreme, tooth extractions are very common. Despite this, the average cost of a tooth extraction can be anywhere from $150 to $200 per tooth without extras cover. Indeed, a common wisdom tooth extraction will cost you even more.
The type of procedure will also affect the price. A simple extraction usually involves removing a tooth that is held in soft tissue or within a minimum amount of bone. This normally costs somewhere in the region of $75 to $200 per tooth.
Need your tooth out asap? Taking out an Extras policy could be a good option. With the Lifestyle Extras plan from ahm, there's no waiting period on general dental from $51 monthly. This includes a $500 limit for a simple tooth extraction.
A surgical extraction, on the other hand, is needed when more of the tooth is below the gum or bone line and therefore tougher to remove. The total cost of a surgical tooth extraction can range from $150 to $900 per tooth due to things like sedation.
As with most healthcare in Australia, you have two options when it comes to getting your tooth taken out: public and private.
While there is some public sector dentistry, such as emergency treatment and child dental services, Medicare doesn't cover a large portion of most dental care. That means that if you rely solely on Medicare for dental, any treatment comes entirely out of your own pocket. Unlike doctors, dentist’s prices are not regulated by Medicare, so you could be hit with a heavy bill.
Because of Medicare’s limited dental cover, extras cover can be a good option. Indeed, dental care is the main reason most people get extras cover to begin with. That’s because you know you’re going to need one or two check-ups a year, if not more, so you’re guaranteed to be there at some point. More than that though, extras helps you budget, eliminating the risk of large, out-of-pocket expenses that you’re faced with if relying solely on Medicare.
As with the majority of insurance policies, you can choose how basic or comprehensive you want your dental cover to be. The kind of cover you need really depends on a range of factors. Depending on your choice, your policy will cover one or more of the following two treatment categories:
Below are some options from Finder partners that would cover some of the costs of a tooth extraction. All quotes are based on a single person under 65 living in Sydney.
*Quotes are based on less than $90,000 income.
The following can help minimise discomfort, speed up recovery and help bring back a happy smile:
Picture: Shutterstock
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