Last updated: January 2026. This guide covers tooth extraction costs in the UK, including NHS Band 2 pricing, private fees, wisdom teeth removal, sedation options, recovery timeline, and what to expect.
Whether you're facing an emergency extraction or planning to have a problematic tooth removed, understanding the costs involved helps you make informed decisions. This comprehensive guide covers everything from NHS pricing to private fees, plus what to expect during recovery.
How Much Does a Tooth Extraction Cost?
The cost of tooth extraction in the UK varies significantly depending on whether you choose NHS or private treatment, the complexity of the extraction, and where you live.
Quick Cost Summary
| Treatment Type | NHS Cost | Private Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Simple extraction | £75.30 (Band 2) | £95–£300 |
| Surgical extraction | £75.30–£326.70 | £200–£650 |
| Wisdom tooth (simple) | £75.30 | £150–£250 |
| Wisdom tooth (surgical) | £75.30–£326.70 | £250–£600 |
| With IV sedation | Limited availability | Add £200–£600 |
NHS prices for England effective April 2025. Private prices vary by region and complexity.
NHS Tooth Extraction Costs
NHS dental treatment in England uses a banding system. Most tooth extractions fall under Band 2, which costs £75.30.
What's Included in Band 2
Your £75.30 covers everything needed for the extraction:
- Initial examination and diagnosis
- X-rays
- Local anaesthetic
- The extraction procedure itself
- Basic follow-up care
- Any fillings needed as part of the same treatment course
"Band 2 covers treatments such as fillings, root canal treatment and tooth removal." — NHS
When Extraction Falls Under Different Bands
Band 1 (£27.40): Emergency pain relief only—temporary measures, not a full extraction.
Band 2 (£75.30): Most extractions, including simple and straightforward surgical extractions.
Band 3 (£326.70): Complex surgical extractions requiring specialist techniques, such as impacted wisdom teeth needing significant bone removal.
NHS Costs Across the UK
| Nation | Extraction Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| England | £75.30 (Band 2) | Effective April 2025 |
| Wales | £60.00 (Band 2) | Free check-ups for under-25s and over-60s |
| Scotland | 80% of cost, max £384 | Free examinations for all |
| Northern Ireland | 80% of cost, max £384 | Same system as Scotland |
The NHS Access Challenge
Finding an NHS dentist accepting new patients can be difficult. According to recent data, 90% of UK dental practices are not accepting new NHS patients. If you cannot find an NHS dentist:
- Call NHS 111 for urgent dental care
- Check the NHS Find a Dentist service regularly
- Consider private treatment as an alternative
- Ask practices to put you on their waiting list
Private Tooth Extraction Costs
Private extraction costs vary considerably based on the procedure complexity, your location, and the dental practice.
Simple Extraction Prices
A simple extraction is performed when the tooth is visible above the gumline and can be removed without surgical incision.
| Region | Price Range |
|---|---|
| London | £120–£200 |
| South East/South West | £150–£250 |
| Manchester | £95–£130 |
| Edinburgh | £70–£140 |
| Glasgow | £65–£130 |
| Dundee | £75–£95 |
UK Average: £95–£300
Surgical Extraction Prices
A surgical extraction is needed when the tooth is broken below the gumline, impacted, or requires an incision to access.
| Complexity | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Simple surgical | £150–£350 |
| Complex surgical | £300–£650 |
| With bone removal | £400–£650+ |
UK Average: £200–£650
"Surgical tooth extractions involve removing teeth that aren't easily accessible, such as impacted teeth or broken teeth below the gumline." — American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
Regional Price Variations
Private dental prices vary significantly across the UK:
Most Expensive Areas:
- Milton Keynes: Up to £242 for simple extraction
- South West England: Consistently high across treatments
- East of England: Often exceeds London prices
Most Affordable Areas:
- Scotland: 20–30% below UK median
- Northern Ireland: Similar savings to Scotland
- Wales: Typically 20–30% less than England
Wisdom Tooth Extraction Costs
Wisdom teeth often require removal due to impaction, crowding, or recurrent infections. Costs depend on whether the tooth is erupted or impacted.
NHS Wisdom Tooth Removal
| Nation | Cost |
|---|---|
| England | £75.30–£326.70 |
| Wales | £60.00–£260.00 |
| Scotland | 80% of cost, max £384 |
| Northern Ireland | 80% of cost, max £384 |
Important: NHS wisdom tooth removal is only available when clinically necessary. NICE guidelines state that disease-free wisdom teeth should not be removed prophylactically.
"Third molars (wisdom teeth) that are free from disease should not be removed in the NHS." — NICE Guidance
Private Wisdom Tooth Removal
| Type | Price Per Tooth |
|---|---|
| Simple extraction (erupted) | £150–£250 |
| Surgical extraction (partially impacted) | £250–£400 |
| Complex surgical (fully impacted) | £350–£600 |
| All four wisdom teeth | £800–£2,400 |
When Wisdom Teeth Need Removing
NICE guidelines recommend removal only when there's:
- Unrestorable decay
- Abscess or spreading infection (cellulitis)
- Severe or recurrent pericoronitis (gum inflammation)
- Cyst or tumour formation
- Damage to adjacent teeth
- Tooth in fracture line
Sedation and Anaesthesia Costs
If you're anxious about extraction or need complex surgery, sedation options are available—though they add significant cost.
Sedation Options and Prices
| Type | Private Cost | What It Does |
|---|---|---|
| Local anaesthetic | Included | Numbs the area only |
| Inhalation sedation (gas and air) | £70–£150 | Mild relaxation |
| Oral sedation (tablet) | £100–£200 | Moderate relaxation |
| IV sedation | £200–£600/hour | Deep relaxation, awake but unaware |
| General anaesthetic | £500–£2,600+ | Completely unconscious |
NHS sedation: Conscious sedation is available on NHS referral but has very limited availability and long waiting lists.
When Sedation Is Recommended
- Severe dental anxiety or phobia
- Complex or lengthy extractions
- Multiple extractions in one sitting
- Medical conditions affecting local anaesthesia
- Strong gag reflex
Types of Tooth Extraction
Understanding the type of extraction you need helps predict costs and recovery time.
Simple Extraction
What it is: Removal of a visible tooth using specialised instruments to loosen and lift it from the socket.
When used:
- Tooth fully visible above gumline
- Sufficient tooth structure to grasp
- No complications expected
Procedure:
- Local anaesthetic numbs the area
- Dentist loosens the tooth with an elevator
- Forceps grip and remove the tooth
- Gauze placed to control bleeding
Recovery: 3–4 days typically
Surgical Extraction
What it is: A minor surgical procedure involving an incision in the gum to access the tooth.
When needed:
- Tooth broken below the gumline
- Impacted tooth (especially wisdom teeth)
- Complex root structure
- Bone removal required
Procedure:
- Local anaesthetic (or sedation)
- Incision in gum tissue
- Bone removal if necessary
- Tooth sectioned and removed in pieces
- Stitches to close incision
Recovery: 7–14 days typically
Recovery Timeline: What to Expect
Recovery varies based on extraction complexity, but here's what to expect day by day.
Day-by-Day Recovery
Day 1 (Day of Extraction):
- Blood clot forms in socket (essential for healing)
- Some bleeding and oozing normal
- Do NOT rinse, spit, or use straws
- Avoid eating for 3 hours post-procedure
Days 2–3:
- Pain and swelling peak
- Take painkillers regularly (paracetamol or ibuprofen)
- Begin gentle saltwater rinses (after 24 hours)
- Swelling worst on day 2
Days 4–7:
- Pain and swelling decrease significantly
- Can gradually return to normal eating
- Continue gentle oral hygiene
- Most simple extractions healed
Week 2:
- Wisdom teeth extractions may still be healing
- Swelling should be completely gone
- Can return to normal diet
- Stitches dissolve or are removed
Months 1–4:
- Socket continues healing internally
- Complete closure takes 3–4 months
"Pain is usually worse in the first 2 to 3 days and then starts to get better." — Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust
Aftercare Instructions
First 24 Hours:
- Do NOT rinse your mouth
- Do NOT drink through straws
- Do NOT smoke or drink alcohol
- Avoid hot foods and drinks
- Bite on gauze if bleeding continues
After 24 Hours:
- Begin saltwater rinses (teaspoon of salt in warm water)
- Brush teeth normally, avoiding the socket
- Rinse gently 2–3 times daily for 3 days
Pain Management:
- Paracetamol and/or ibuprofen as directed
- Avoid aspirin (increases bleeding risk)
- Take painkillers regularly for first 2–3 days
"24 hours after your extraction you may rinse your mouth with a salt water wash. Add a teaspoon of salt to a cup of warm water and rinse gently two to three times a day for three days." — Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust
Foods to Eat After Extraction
Safe to Eat:
- Soups and broths (not too hot)
- Yoghurt and ice cream
- Mashed potatoes
- Scrambled eggs
- Smoothies (no straw)
- Soft pasta
Avoid:
- Crunchy foods (crisps, nuts, toast)
- Spicy foods
- Very hot foods and drinks
- Acidic foods (citrus, tomatoes)
- Alcohol
Complications and Risks
Most extractions heal without problems, but complications can occur.
Dry Socket
What it is: The blood clot dislodges or fails to form, exposing bone and nerves.
Incidence: 2–5% of extractions (higher for wisdom teeth)
Symptoms:
- Severe pain 3–5 days after extraction
- Pain radiating to ear or temple
- Bad breath and foul taste
- Visible bone in socket
Treatment: Dentist cleans and dresses the socket. Heals within 7–10 days with treatment.
Prevention:
- Do NOT smoke for at least 48 hours (ideally 7 days)
- Avoid straws for 7 days
- Don't rinse vigorously
- Follow all aftercare instructions
"Dry socket occurs when a blood clot fails to develop in the tooth socket, or if the blood clot becomes dislodged or disappears." — NHS
Infection
Symptoms:
- Pus or discharge from socket
- Fever that persists
- Pain getting worse (not better)
- Bad taste despite rinses
- Increasing redness and swelling
Treatment: Antibiotics and socket cleaning by dentist.
Nerve Damage
Risk: Less than 1% permanent damage
Affects: Lower lip, chin, or tongue sensation
Recovery: Most temporary numbness resolves within 6–8 weeks. Permanent damage is rare.
"The risk of permanent damage is considerably lower. One study found that 0.7% of patients sustained permanent sensory loss." — PMC Medical Research
When to Seek Urgent Help
Contact your dentist or NHS 111 immediately if you experience:
- Bleeding that won't stop after 30 minutes of pressure
- Severe pain not helped by painkillers
- Swelling spreading toward neck or eye
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Fever over 38.3°C that won't come down
- Numbness that appears suddenly after pain
Alternatives to Tooth Extraction
Before agreeing to extraction, ask your dentist about alternatives. Extraction is permanent—once a tooth is removed, it's gone.
Root Canal Treatment
When suitable: Infected or damaged pulp but adequate tooth structure remains.
Cost: £300–£1,000 private, £75.30 NHS (Band 2)
Advantages:
- Preserves natural tooth
- Prevents bone loss
- More cost-effective long-term than extraction plus replacement
"Root canal treatment is often more cost-effective than extraction followed by tooth replacement. Over 10–15 years, preserving the natural tooth is usually the most cost-effective path." — London Specialist Dentists
Crowns
When suitable: Damaged tooth with enough remaining structure.
Cost: £350–£1,000 private, £326.70 NHS (Band 3)
When Extraction Is the Only Option
Sometimes extraction is necessary:
- Tooth structure too damaged to restore
- Vertical root fracture
- Severe periodontal disease with bone loss
- Failed root canal treatment
- Orthodontic treatment requirements
Replacing Extracted Teeth
If you do need extraction, consider replacement options:
| Option | Cost | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|
| Dental implant | £2,000–£3,000+ | 20+ years |
| Bridge | £500–£2,500 | 10–15 years |
| Partial denture | £300–£2,000 | 5–10 years |
Who Gets Free NHS Dental Treatment?
You may qualify for free NHS dental treatment if you:
- Are under 18 (or under 19 in full-time education)
- Are pregnant or have had a baby in the last 12 months
- Receive Income Support or income-based JSA
- Receive Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
- Receive Universal Credit with earnings under £435 (or £935 with qualifying circumstances)
- Hold a valid HC2 certificate (NHS Low Income Scheme)
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a tooth extraction cost on the NHS?
NHS tooth extraction costs £75.30 in England (Band 2), which includes examination, X-rays, and the extraction. In Wales it's £60, while Scotland and Northern Ireland charge 80% of the treatment cost up to £384 maximum.
Is it cheaper to have a tooth pulled or root canal?
Initially, extraction is cheaper (£75.30 NHS vs same for root canal). However, you'll likely need to replace the extracted tooth—implants cost £2,000–£3,000. Long-term, root canal plus crown is often more cost-effective.
How long does tooth extraction take to heal?
Simple extractions typically heal in 3–4 days. Surgical extractions and wisdom teeth take 1–2 weeks. Complete socket closure takes 3–4 months, but you'll feel normal much sooner.
Can I drive after tooth extraction?
Yes, if you only had local anaesthetic. If you had sedation or general anaesthetic, do NOT drive for 24–48 hours. Arrange someone to take you home.
How painful is tooth extraction?
During the procedure, you shouldn't feel pain—only pressure. Local anaesthetic numbs the area completely. Post-extraction pain peaks on days 2–3 and is manageable with over-the-counter painkillers.
What's the difference between simple and surgical extraction?
Simple extraction removes a visible tooth using instruments to loosen and lift it. Surgical extraction requires an incision and may involve bone removal—needed for impacted or broken teeth.
When can I eat normally after extraction?
Soft foods only for 3–5 days. Avoid the extraction side when chewing. Most people return to normal eating within 1–2 weeks, though you should avoid very hard foods until fully healed.
How do I avoid dry socket?
Don't smoke for at least 48 hours (ideally 7 days). Avoid straws, vigorous rinsing, and spitting. Follow all aftercare instructions carefully. Smokers are three times more likely to develop dry socket.
Find a Dentist for Tooth Extraction
Whether you need emergency extraction or planned removal, the right dentist makes all the difference. Get quotes from multiple practices, ask about their experience with your type of extraction, and ensure you understand exactly what's included in the price.
Use our search to find dentists offering tooth extraction services in your area, compare options, and book a consultation.
