Updated fee ranges from partner clinics

Emergency Dental Cost Guide: What You Will Pay, With or Without Insurance

National ranges for every common emergency treatment, how city size changes the price, and what insurance typically covers.

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How much does an emergency dentist cost?

Expect $100 to $250 for the emergency exam and X-ray, then a separate treatment fee: roughly $150 to $400 for a simple extraction, $200 to $500 to drain an abscess, and $700 to $1,500 for a root canal. Prices run higher in large metro areas and lower in small towns. Call 1-855-219-4656 for a specific clinic's fee before you book.

Cost by treatment

Emergency dental costs by treatment
Treatment	Without insurance	With insurance (typical)
Emergency exam + X-ray	$100–$250	$0–$50 copay
Simple extraction	$150–$400	20–50% of fee
Surgical extraction	$250–$700	20–50% of fee
Abscess drainage + antibiotics	$200–$500	20–50% of fee
Root canal	$700–$1,500	30–50% of fee
Crown	$800–$2,000	50% of fee
Temporary crown or filling	$90–$300	50% of fee
Composite bonding (chipped tooth)	$150–$500	20–50% of fee
Denture repair	$100–$400	Varies
Sedation (nitrous or oral)	$50–$300	Usually not covered

Estimates from partner clinic fee schedules. Your dentist quotes the exact fee before treatment. Insurance figures assume a typical PPO plan after the deductible; check your own plan's schedule.

How city size changes the price

Rent, wages and demand push fees up in large metro areas. The same extraction that costs $180 in a small community can cost $450 in a big city. Each city page on this site shows the tier that applies locally.

Emergency dental costs by city size
Treatment	Large metro	Mid-sized city	Smaller community
Emergency exam + X-ray	$120–$280	$100–$230	$90–$200
Simple extraction	$180–$450	$150–$400	$130–$350
Abscess drainage	$250–$600	$200–$500	$180–$450
Root canal	$900–$1,700	$750–$1,500	$700–$1,300
Temporary crown	$120–$350	$100–$300	$90–$260

Estimates from partner clinic fee schedules. Your dentist quotes the exact fee before treatment.

What drives the final bill

Complexity. A tooth that breaks during removal becomes a surgical extraction at a higher fee.
Which tooth. Molars have more roots, so root canals on them cost more than on front teeth.
Sedation. Nitrous oxide or oral sedation adds $50 to $300 and is rarely covered.
Follow-up work. A root canal needs a crown within weeks. An extraction may lead to an implant or bridge later, by choice.
Timing. A minority of clinics add an after-hours surcharge. It is disclosed before booking.

Cost details by service

Local prices in major cities

Cost FAQ

Need help right now? Call 1-855-219-4656, free, 24 hours a day.

Why is there a separate exam fee?

The exam and X-ray are how the dentist finds the cause. They are charged whether or not you go ahead with treatment, which is why partner clinics state the exam fee on the phone before you book.

Do emergency dentists charge more after hours?

Some add a modest evening or weekend surcharge. Most in the network charge their normal fee. Ask the operator; the surcharge, if any, is stated before you book.

Is a root canal always more expensive than an extraction?

Yes, and the crown that follows adds more. The trade-off is keeping your tooth. If cost is the priority, an extraction ends the pain for much less, and a replacement can be discussed later.

What does insurance usually cover in an emergency?

Most plans cover the exam and X-ray at little or no cost, and a percentage of extractions, drainage and root canals after the deductible. Annual maximums are often $1,000 to $2,000, so a large treatment may exceed the cap.

How do I get an exact price?

Only the dentist can give one, after the exam. What the operator can do is tell you a specific clinic's exam fee and typical range for your problem before you go.

Portrait of Dr. FULL NAME, DDS, reviewing dentist

Medically reviewed by Dr. FULL NAME, DDS. Last reviewed September 13, 2026. Sources: ADA MouthHealthy, Dental Emergencies, CDC Oral Health. Editorial policy.

Want a price before you go?

The operator tells you the clinic's exam fee and typical range for your problem.

Call 1-855-219-4656