DATA-BACKED GUIDE · UPDATED JULY 2026
Tooth extraction cost in the UK: simple vs surgical
The price of having a tooth out depends mostly on how the tooth comes out, not just which tooth it is. A simple extraction with forceps is quick, while a surgical removal that involves cutting the gum or sectioning the tooth costs more. The real prices below cover both routes on the NHS and privately.
The quick version
- A tooth extraction on the NHS in England is a Band 2 charge at £76.60 from 1 April 2026, whether one tooth comes out or several in the same course.
- A private dentist charges per tooth and separates simple removals from surgical ones, which are notably dearer.
- Surgical extractions cost more because they take longer, may need a gum incision, and sometimes a referral to an oral surgeon.
- An urgent NHS appointment for a painful tooth is £27.90, even if an extraction is needed on the day.
Published and surveyed prices
Why the price varies so much
A simple extraction on a tooth with a healthy root and good access is fast, so it sits at the lower end privately. Once the tooth is broken down, buried under gum, or has awkward roots, the dentist may need to raise a flap and remove bone, which turns it into a surgical case with a higher fee. The number of teeth matters privately because each one is priced on its own, whereas on the NHS a whole course is one band charge. Sedation, if you want it for anxiety, adds to a private bill as well.
How to pay less
- Check whether you can be seen by an NHS dentist, where the extraction is a Band 2 charge regardless of how many teeth are removed in that course.
- If you are in pain, an urgent NHS appointment is only £27.90 and can include the extraction itself.
- Ask whether the tooth needs a simple or surgical removal before agreeing, as the difference in a private quote is large.
- See if you are exempt from NHS charges through pregnancy, being under 18, or receiving qualifying benefits.
Common questions
What is the difference between a simple and surgical extraction?
A simple extraction lifts out a tooth that is fully visible and has a normal root, using forceps. A surgical extraction is needed when the tooth is broken at the gum line, impacted, or has curved roots, so the dentist cuts the gum and sometimes removes a little bone. Surgical cases take longer and cost more privately.
Does the NHS charge per tooth for extractions?
No. On the NHS in England the whole course of treatment sits in one band, so removing one tooth or several in the same course is still a single Band 2 charge of £76.60. A private dentist prices each tooth separately, so multiple removals add up faster there.
Can I get a tooth taken out urgently on the NHS?
Yes. If you have pain or swelling, an urgent NHS course of treatment costs £27.90 and can include an extraction if that is what you need that day. Getting through to an emergency NHS slot can still be tricky depending on where you live, so it is worth calling early.