Does Medicare Cover Dental Extractions?

Tooth extractions are one of the most common dental procedures in the United States. Whether you need a simple extraction for a decayed tooth or a surgical extraction for an impacted wisdom tooth, the cost can be significant, especially if you are paying out of pocket. Many people approaching age 65 assume that Medicare will cover the procedure, only to learn that Original Medicare excludes most dental services, including extractions.

This article explains when Medicare does and does not cover dental extractions, the narrow medical exceptions that exist, and how you can get coverage through other options. Understanding your choices can help you plan ahead and avoid unexpected bills.

Why Original Medicare Does Not Cover Dental Extractions

Original Medicare is made up of Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance). Since Medicare was established in 1965, the law has excluded most dental services from coverage. The statute specifically says Medicare does not pay for services "in connection with the care, treatment, filling, removal, or replacement of teeth."

This means that routine tooth extractions, whether simple or surgical, are not covered under Original Medicare. It does not matter whether the extraction is medically recommended by your dentist or whether the tooth is causing you pain. If the procedure is classified as a dental service, Original Medicare will not pay for it.

This exclusion applies to all types of routine dental extractions, including:

• Simple extractions: Removal of a visible tooth that is above the gumline, typically costing $150 to $300 per tooth
• Surgical extractions: Removal of a tooth that is broken at the gumline or has not fully erupted, usually ranging from $200 to $600 per tooth
• Wisdom tooth removal: Extraction of third molars, which can cost $200 to $700 per tooth depending on the complexity

When Medicare Part A Does Cover Dental Extractions

There are limited medical situations where Medicare Part A may cover a dental extraction. These exceptions apply only when the extraction is medically necessary as part of a covered inpatient hospital procedure. In these cases, the dental work is considered part of the overall medical treatment, not a standalone dental service.

Medicare Part A may cover extractions in the following situations:

• Before radiation treatment for cancer: If you are scheduled to receive radiation therapy to the jaw or surrounding area, your doctor may require that damaged or infected teeth be extracted beforehand. Radiation can weaken the jawbone and make future extractions extremely risky, so removing problem teeth before treatment begins is considered medically necessary. Medicare Part A may cover these extractions as part of the cancer treatment plan.
• Before an organ transplant: Dental infections can be dangerous for transplant patients because they will be on immunosuppressive medications after surgery. If you need a kidney transplant or other organ transplant, your medical team may require that infected teeth be extracted first. Medicare Part A may cover these extractions as part of the transplant preparation.
• End-stage renal disease (ESRD): People with ESRD who are on dialysis or awaiting a kidney transplant may need dental extractions as part of their overall treatment plan. Medicare may cover these when they are directly tied to the kidney disease treatment.
• Inpatient hospital emergencies: If you are admitted to the hospital and a dental extraction is needed to treat a life-threatening condition, such as a severe jaw infection that has spread, Medicare Part A may cover the procedure as part of your hospital stay.

These exceptions are narrow. Medicare only covers the extraction when it is directly connected to the medical procedure. It does not cover follow-up dental care, replacement teeth, or any unrelated dental work performed at the same time.

When Medicare Does NOT Cover Extractions

To avoid confusion, here are common extraction situations that Original Medicare will not cover, regardless of the circumstances:

• Extracting a tooth because of decay, even if the decay is severe
• Removing a tooth to prepare for dentures or a dental bridge
• Pulling a tooth due to gum disease or periodontal disease
• Wisdom tooth removal for preventive or cosmetic reasons
• Extractions performed in a dentist's office, even if a dentist says the procedure is medically necessary

Even if you visit the emergency room for dental pain, Medicare Part B will cover only the ER visit itself (such as evaluation and pain management), not the extraction. You would still need to arrange and pay for the extraction separately.

Medicare Advantage Plans and Extraction Coverage

Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans are the most common way for Medicare beneficiaries to get dental coverage that includes extractions. These plans are offered by private insurance companies and must cover everything Original Medicare covers, plus many include additional benefits like dental, vision, and hearing. About 98% of Medicare Advantage plans in 2026 offer some form of dental benefit. For a comparison of options, see our guide to Medicare Advantage plans with the best dental coverage.

Most Medicare Advantage plans that include comprehensive dental benefits classify tooth extractions as a basic dental service. This means they are typically covered at a higher rate than major services like crowns or implants. Here is what you can generally expect:

• Coverage level: Many plans cover extractions at approximately 80% of the allowed amount after you meet any applicable deductible
• No waiting period: Unlike standalone dental plans, Medicare Advantage dental benefits typically have no waiting periods, meaning extraction coverage begins as soon as your plan takes effect
• Annual maximum: Most plans have an annual dental benefit maximum, often between $1,000 and $3,000, which limits the total amount the plan will pay for dental care in a year
• Network requirements: You may need to use a dentist within the plan's network to receive full benefits

Plans and coverage details vary by location and carrier, so it is important to compare what is available in your area. Review the plan's evidence of coverage document to confirm how extractions are classified and what your out-of-pocket costs will be.

Standalone Dental Plans for Extraction Coverage

If you prefer to stay with Original Medicare rather than switching to a Medicare Advantage plan, you can purchase a standalone dental insurance plan. These plans are sold by private insurance companies and are not part of Medicare. For more details, see our guide on how to add dental coverage to Medicare.

When shopping for a standalone dental plan that covers extractions, keep these factors in mind:

• Waiting periods: Most standalone plans require a waiting period for extractions. Simple extractions may have a 3- to 6-month wait as a basic service, while surgical extractions could have a 6- to 12-month wait if classified as major. Some plans have no waiting period, but they typically charge higher premiums.
• Coverage percentage: PPO dental plans typically cover basic services at 80% and major services at 50% after the deductible. How your extraction is classified affects how much the plan pays.
• Annual maximum: Standalone dental plans typically have annual maximums between $1,000 and $2,000. If you need multiple extractions or other dental work in the same year, you could reach this limit quickly.
• DHMO plans: These plans charge a flat copay for each procedure rather than a percentage. Extraction copays on DHMO plans are often lower than what you would pay out of pocket, and DHMO plans typically have no annual maximum.

How Much Do Dental Extractions Cost Without Insurance?

If you do not have dental coverage, you will pay the full cost of the extraction out of pocket. Costs vary depending on the type of extraction, your geographic location, and whether you need sedation or anesthesia. Here is a breakdown of typical costs:

• Simple extraction: $150 to $300 per tooth. This involves removing a tooth that is fully visible above the gumline.
• Surgical extraction: $200 to $600 per tooth. This is needed when a tooth is broken at the gumline, impacted, or requires cutting into the gum tissue.
• Wisdom tooth removal: $200 to $700 per tooth. Impacted wisdom teeth on the higher end of that range can cost significantly more if they require bone removal or complex surgical techniques.
• Sedation or anesthesia: If general anesthesia or IV sedation is needed, add $200 to $600 to the total cost. Local anesthesia is usually included in the extraction fee.
• Exam and X-rays: The initial consultation typically costs $50 to $200, and X-rays can add $25 to $250 depending on the type.

If you need multiple teeth extracted, the total bill can add up quickly. For example, having all four wisdom teeth removed surgically could cost $800 to $2,800 or more without insurance. Dental costs have been rising by approximately 3% per year according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, so these figures may continue to increase.

Ways to Reduce the Cost of Dental Extractions

If you do not have dental coverage through Medicare Advantage or a standalone plan, there are several ways to lower the cost of an extraction:

• Dental discount plans: These are not insurance, but they offer discounted rates at participating dentists. You pay an annual or monthly membership fee and receive 10% to 60% off dental services. Discount plans have no waiting periods, making them useful if you need an extraction soon.
• Dental schools: Dental schools affiliated with universities offer extractions and other procedures at reduced rates, often 30% to 50% less than private practice fees. Students perform the work under the direct supervision of licensed faculty.
• Community health centers: Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) provide dental services on a sliding fee scale based on your income. You can find one near you through HRSA.gov.
• Negotiating with your dentist: Some dentists offer discounts for paying in full at the time of service, especially for uninsured patients. It does not hurt to ask about cash-pay pricing or payment plans.
• Medicaid: If you qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid (dual eligible), your state's Medicaid program may cover dental extractions. Dental benefits under Medicaid vary by state.

What to Do If You Need an Extraction Now

If you need a tooth extracted and you do not currently have dental coverage, here is a practical plan of action:

1. Check if the extraction qualifies as a medical exception. If you are undergoing cancer treatment, preparing for an organ transplant, or being treated for ESRD, ask your doctor whether the extraction can be billed through Medicare Part A.
2. Look into Medicare Advantage enrollment. If you are within an enrollment period, switching to a Medicare Advantage plan with dental coverage can give you extraction benefits with no waiting period. The Annual Enrollment Period runs October 15 through December 7 each year.
3. Compare standalone dental plans. If you want to keep Original Medicare, compare standalone dental plans that cover extractions. Be aware of waiting periods and plan accordingly.
4. Get quotes from multiple providers. If you are paying out of pocket, call several dentists in your area to compare prices. You may find significant differences in what different offices charge for the same procedure.

The Bottom Line

Original Medicare does not cover routine dental extractions. The only exceptions are when an extraction is medically necessary as part of a covered inpatient hospital procedure, such as preparation for cancer radiation, organ transplant, or ESRD treatment. For routine extractions, you will need to find coverage through a Medicare Advantage plan with dental benefits, a standalone dental plan, or pay out of pocket. For a broader look at the dental coverage gap, see our article on whether Medicare covers dental care.

A simple extraction can cost $150 to $300 per tooth without coverage, while surgical extractions and wisdom teeth can cost significantly more. Planning ahead by enrolling in a dental plan before you need an extraction can help you avoid these costs. Medicare Advantage plans are often the most practical option because they offer extraction coverage with no waiting period.

Plans and coverage vary by location. This article is for educational purposes and does not constitute individual advice. Contact a licensed insurance agent or visit Medicare.gov to explore the specific plans available to you.