Tooth extraction cost

Procedures for tooth extractions can be divided into two categories: simple tooth extraction and surgical tooth extraction.

Simple extractions are tooth removals that can be performed without the need for an incision or other special techniques. This is only possible for easily accessible teeth. The procedure can usually be performed at the dentist.

Surgical extractions are tooth removals that require an incision into the gum line and, in some cases, the removal of surrounding bone to provide access. These procedures are usually for cases where the teeth aren’t easily accessible, or the infection is beneath the gum. Due to their complexity, surgical extractions typically cost more than simple extractions, as they may require sedation and to be performed in a hospital.

Private health insurance can provide cover for dental services in different ways. If you’re having the procedure at the dentist clinic, you’ll only need extras cover. However, if it’s a surgical removal being performed in a hospital, hospital cover will help pay for hospital admission costs and surgeon fees, while your extras will assist with the dental item numbers associated with the extractions.

‘Dental cover’ is a general term used to refer to potential dental treatment and benefits covered by your policy. The specific categories you’ll usually see in your extras cover are general dental, major dental, orthodontic and endodontic. Dental extraction will usually fall under either general dental or major dental.

The category that covers your tooth extraction depends on a few key factors. If the tooth is being removed at a dentist’s clinic, it may fall under the general dental, while it’ll typically fall under major dental if it’s a surgical extraction (e.g. wisdom teeth removal).

Dental services aren’t generally covered by Medicare, and this includes teeth extraction. However, there are a few exceptions where a tooth extraction may be covered by Medicare, which are:

• Through public dental services (has to be performed in an Australian hospital and be considered a medically necessary inpatient service).
• For children aged 0-17 years old (through the Child Dental Benefits Schedule [CDBS]).

The waiting period you’ll need to serve before you can make a claim will depend on several things, including your health fund, your policy, the procedure you’re making a claim on and whether it’s considered general dental or major dental. For general dental, there’s only a 2month waiting period, whereas major dental has a 12-month waiting period.

If you need to be admitted to the hospital for your procedure, there is a 12-month waiting period for pre-existing conditions and a 2-month for new services before your hospital insurance will provide cover.

If you’re changing over from one fund to another and you’ve already served a waiting period for dental services, chances are you won’t have to serve them again if you’re switching over to a policy that provides the same or lower cover. However, if you’re upgrading your level of cover and want to claim for a treatment you weren’t previously covered for, you’ll need to serve a waiting period.