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Tooth Extraction Cost in Ontario (2025)

Teeth removal is a routine dental procedure undertaken by many Canadians to prevent or address various oral health concerns.

The financial implications of this procedure, however, can vary substantially based on several factors. Good Caring Canada explains the different extraction methods, cost determinants, additional expenses, and the array of funding and support options available to ensure that essential dental care remains accessible to Ontarians.

Table of Contents:

👨🏻‍⚕️ Types of Extraction

Tooth extractions are typically categorized into three main types based on the complexity of the procedure and the condition of the tooth being removed:

  • Simple extractions are performed on teeth that are visible and easily accessible in the mouth. This type of extraction is typically straightforward because the tooth does not have any complications such as excessive decay, severe misalignment, or an extensive root system. During a simple extraction, the dentist uses an instrument called an elevator to lift the tooth and forceps to remove it. The procedure usually requires only a local anesthetic to numb the area around the tooth, making it a relatively quick and uncomplicated process.
  • Surgical extractions involve teeth that cannot be easily accessed or removed with simple extraction techniques. This could be due to the tooth being broken at the gum line, having roots with unusual shapes, or being impacted—a condition commonly seen with wisdom teeth. Surgical extractions require the dentist to make an incision into the gum to access the affected tooth. In some cases, it may be necessary to remove some of the surrounding bone or cut the tooth into pieces to extract it safely. Due to the complexity of surgical extractions, dentists often administer a stronger form of anesthesia, and in some cases, patients may opt for sedation to reduce discomfort and anxiety.
  • Wisdom teeth extractions are a type of surgical extraction that specifically deals with the removal of one or more third molars, commonly known as wisdom teeth. These teeth are the last to develop and erupt into the mouth, often causing problems such as overcrowding, misalignment of other teeth, or becoming impacted. Impacted wisdom teeth may grow sideways, emerge only partially, or remain trapped beneath the gum and bone. Extracting wisdom teeth usually requires a surgical approach that may involve cutting through gum and bone. The complexity of the procedure depends on the position of the teeth and their developmental stage. Wisdom teeth extractions are often recommended even if the teeth are not currently causing problems to prevent potential future issues.

🧾 Tooth Extraction Cost in Ontario

In Ontario, the cost of a tooth extraction may range between $120 to $800 per tooth.

  • A simple tooth extraction may cost between $210 and $220
  • A surgical tooth extraction may cost from $300 to $310
  • Extraction of a wisdom tooth may cost from $120 to $800

It is important to consider ancillary costs that are typically required in addition to the underlying procedure for tooth removal.

Our Good Caring Canada research team estimated the cost ranges based on market insights, patient reports, publicly available data sources, and annual fee guides from the Ontario Dental Association.

🔎 Cost Variables for Tooth Extraction

The cost of a tooth extraction is influenced by a multitude of factors that can significantly affect the overall expense associated with this dental procedure. Understanding these variables is crucial for patients preparing for tooth removal, as they contribute to the financial implications of dental care.

  • Extraction type: The complexity of the extraction needed is a primary factor in cost determination. Simple extractions, where the tooth is visible and easily accessible, tend to be less expensive than surgical extractions that require more complex procedures such as incisions and bone removal. Wisdom teeth extractions, which often require surgical intervention due to impaction or alignment issues, typically incur the highest costs due to the complexity and time involved.
  • Tooth location: The specific tooth’s location and type also play critical roles in the cost of extraction. Molars, for example, are usually more challenging and costly to remove than front teeth due to their multiple roots and deeper placement in the jaw. Similarly, teeth that are broken, below the surface, or have unusual root structures may require more intricate and costly techniques to remove.
  • Dentist experience: The experience and specialization of the dentist or oral surgeon can influence the cost. Specialists such as oral surgeons generally charge more than general dentists, reflecting their additional training and expertise, particularly in more complex surgical extractions.
  • Oral and overall health: The overall health and specific oral conditions of a patient can affect extraction costs. For example, patients with underlying health issues such as diabetes or heart disease may require special accommodations or additional precautions, which can increase the procedure’s complexity and cost. Extensive dental disease requiring additional preparatory or follow-up treatments can also lead to higher overall costs.
  • Geography: Geographic location significantly impacts the cost of dental procedures, including tooth extractions. Typically, dental services in urban centres like Toronto, Vancouver, or Montreal are more expensive than in rural areas. This discrepancy is often due to higher operational costs in cities, such as rent, labour, and equipment, which are passed on to the patient.

📈 Additional Costs and Procedures

Beyond the extraction itself, several additional expenses contribute to the overall cost of teeth removal. Understanding these supplementary costs is essential for patients to prepare financially and avoid unexpected bills.

  • Consultation: The initial consultation is a critical component of the tooth extraction process. During this visit, the dentist assesses the patient’s oral health, discusses the reasons for the extraction, and plans the procedure. This consultation fee varies depending on the dentist’s practice and the complexity of the patient’s case.
  • X-rays: Diagnostic X-rays are essential for a detailed examination of the tooth’s condition and its surrounding structures. These images help the dentist to determine the best approach for extraction and to identify any potential complications. The cost of X-rays depends on the type required—such as panoramic or periapical—and the number of views taken.
  • Sedation: While simple extractions may require only local anesthesia, more complex procedures or patients with dental anxiety might need advanced sedation techniques. Options can range from nitrous oxide (“laughing gas”) to general anesthesia. The choice of sedation affects the cost, with more comprehensive methods generally being more expensive.
  • Tooth Replacement: Following an extraction, especially if the tooth is prominent, a replacement such as a dental implant, bridge, or denture may be necessary. The cost of tooth replacement varies widely based on the type of prosthetic chosen and the materials used, and this is often a significant portion of the total expense associated with extracting a tooth.
  • Follow-up Appointment: Post-procedure follow-up appointments are crucial to ensure proper healing and to address any complications such as infection or dry socket. While some dental practices include follow-up visits in the initial cost of the extraction, others may charge separately for these appointments.
  • Prescription Medication: After an extraction, dentists often prescribe medications to manage pain and prevent infection. The cost of these prescriptions will vary depending on the medication type and whether the patient’s pharmacy benefits cover part of the expense.

💳 Payment & Funding Options 

Teeth removal can represent a significant financial burden. However, multiple funding options can be available for pay for the costs:

  • Dental insurance often includes a deductible and co-payments, with policies varying significantly in coverage. Some insurance plans may cover a substantial portion of extraction costs, while others provide more limited benefits. It is crucial to thoroughly understand the specifics of your insurance policy, including any annual maximums that may affect the extent of coverage.
  • Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) allow individuals to set aside pre-tax dollars to pay for qualified medical expenses, including dental procedures, with the added benefit of investing and growing these funds.
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), typically part of an employer’s benefits plan, also allow for pre-tax contributions but usually require that the funds be used within the plan year or a specified grace period.
  • Payment plans may be offered by dentists and oral surgeons, allowing patients to spread the cost of treatment over several months or even longer, making the expense more manageable.
  • Financing options by way of loans or credit lines can be considered for medical expenses. These financial products often come with special terms, such as deferred interest periods or lower interest rates, tailored to make healthcare more accessible.

🤝 Support Programs

Dental student programs frequently offer reduced rates for services performed by dental students under the supervision of licensed dentists. These programs provide an affordable way for patients to receive dental care while contributing to the educational process of future dentists.

The Canadian federal government provides supportive programs to assist residents with dental care costs:

  • Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) supports individuals without dental benefits who have a household income below $90,000 annually. It works in conjunction with other governmental dental programs to ensure comprehensive coverage without duplication.
  • Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP), specifically for refugees, covers emergency dental care necessary to alleviate pain, address infections, and treat injuries resulting from oral trauma.
  • Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) offers coverage for a wide range of dental services to eligible First Nations and Inuit populations, including preventive, diagnostic, and surgical dental care.

The Ontario government also provides supportive programs to assist residents with dental care costs:

  • Healthy Smiles Ontario offers free preventive, routine, and emergency dental services to children and youth 17 years old and under from low-income households. This program aims to ensure that financial barriers do not prevent young Ontarians from receiving essential dental care.
  • Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) provides financial assistance, benefits, and employment support to eligible Ontarians living with disabilities. It includes dental benefits to help cover costs associated with necessary dental care, addressing the additional healthcare challenges faced by those with disabilities.
  • Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) does not cover dental care, with the exception for some in-hospital dental surgeries. Medically necessary tooth removal is sometimes covered, but prior approval is required.
  • Ontario Seniors’ Dental Care Program provides free, routine dental services for low-income seniors who are 65 years of age or older. This program ensures that seniors have access to essential dental services without financial hardship. Seniors can access services through Public Health Units, Community Health Centres, and Aboriginal Health Access Centres.
  • Ontario Works offers financial and employment assistance to individuals in financial need, including some health benefits for participants and their families. It also provides emergency assistance for those in crisis or emergency situations, covering various health-related expenses, including dental care.

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