Having a tooth removed is never anyone’s first choice, but sometimes, it’s the best option for protecting your dental health.
Extractions are a common dental procedure in Germany, whether it’s due to severe decay, a stubborn wisdom tooth, or overcrowding.
The exact cost can vary depending on the complexity of the case and the type of health insurance you have.
Generally, a “simple” tooth extraction costs between €130 and €220, while surgical removals or added anesthesia can increase the price. Fortunately, public and private health insurance often cover most, if not all, of the cost, especially when the procedure is medically necessary (which it typically is).
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- What a tooth extraction is, and when it is needed
- The average cost in Germany
- What public, private, and supplemental insurance plans cover
- How wisdom teeth removals are handled
- And our tips for preparing for the procedure
Let’s get started.
What are tooth extractions?
Tooth extraction is the removal of a tooth from its socket in the jawbone. Extractions are often the best solution for protecting oral health when other treatments can’t help.
Dentists usually turn to extraction as a last resort—only after options like fillings, crowns, or root canals have been ruled out.
The procedure can involve baby teeth or permanent teeth, including wisdom teeth.
A dentist may recommend a tooth extraction when:
- The tooth is severely decayed or broken beyond repair
- There’s a serious infection that can’t be treated
- The tooth is causing crowding or damaging nearby teeth
- A wisdom tooth is impacted, infected, or growing at an awkward angle
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the most commonly removed. Because they’re the last to come out, there often isn’t enough space in the mouth to fit them properly.
Some stay trapped under the gums or grow in sideways, which can lead to pain, infection, or other issues.
In such cases, surgical removal is usually needed.
How much do tooth extractions cost in Germany?
The average cost of a simple tooth extraction in Germany is around €195, with prices typically ranging from €130 to €220, based on the German Fee Schedule for Dentists (GOZ).
However, the total cost depends on the complexity of the procedure and any additional services, while the cost you pay out of pocket will vary depending on your health insurance.
The total cost will usually include:
- Removing the tooth: A standard extraction falls within the €130–€220 range. If you needs surgical removal (called an osteotomy), the cost is similar but may lean toward the higher end.
- Anesthesia: Basic local anesthesia is often included, but sedation or general anesthesia adds extra costs. The first hour of analgesia is about €350, while general anesthesia can cost up to €500.
- Replacing the tooth: If the extracted tooth needs to be replaced (e.g., with an implant or denture), the cost can rise significantly—sometimes reaching several thousand euros. Wisdom teeth, however, usually do not require replacement.
Does German health insurance cover tooth extractions?
Yes, most health insurance plans in Germany offer some level of coverage for tooth extractions. However, what you pay out of pocket depends on the type of insurance you have and whether the procedure is considered medically necessary.
Let’s break down how each type of health insurance in Germany handles tooth extractions:
What does public health insurance (GKV) cover?
Statutory (ie, public) health insurance (GKV) usually covers 100% of the cost for medically necessary tooth extractions, including local anesthesia. This also includes wisdom tooth removal (if your dentist thinks it necessary).
In these cases, you typically pay nothing.
What’s not fully covered?
- Extra anesthesia options like nitrous oxide or general anesthesia are usually not included, unless there’s a medical reason (such as a fear of dental procedures or an allergy to local anesthetics). If you want “premium” anesthesia, you’ll have to pay:
- €125–€175 for nitrous oxide sedation
- €250–€350 for general anesthesia
- €125–€175 for nitrous oxide sedation
- Tooth replacement isn’t fully covered either. Public health insurance typically pays about 60% for the most basic solution (like a simple crown or bridge). If you opt for implants or premium dentures, coverage may drop to 10%, and you have to pay the rest.
What does supplemental dental insurance cover?
Supplemental dental insurance can reduce your costs, especially for pain management and tooth replacement.
These plans’ terms and conditions vary, but typically offer more coverage than TK or other public health insurance companies.
For example, Feather’s dental insurance provides:
- 100% coverage for a wide range of pain relief methods, including:
- General anesthesia
- Nitrous oxide sedation
- Analgo-sedation
- Hypnosis
- Acupuncture
- General anesthesia
- 80–100% coverage for replacing missing teeth (on the Advanced plan only).
Dental insurance in Germany from €10.90 per month
What does private health insurance cover?
Private health insurance also covers tooth extractions, typically at 100%, including local anesthesia.
Because different companies offer private plans, benefits can vary.
Using Feather’s plans as an example, here’s what your coverage looks like:
- You’re always covered for local anesthesia.
- On the Premium and Plus plans, you may also be covered for general anesthesia or nitrous oxide sedation if:
- The dental clinic offers the desired type of anesthesia.
- A pre-approval request has been submitted to and accepted by our team.
What does expat (incoming) insurance cover?
Expat insurance’s benefits varies depending on the plan and company.
To give you a better idea of what you can expect, here’s what Feather covers:
Our short-term expat insurance covers tooth extractions under the €500 (Standard) or €1,000 (Premium) annual limit for pain-relieving and restorative dental care.
Our long-term expat insurance (for stays over 5 years), covers tooth extractions under the €750 (Standard) or €1,1125 (Premium) general allowance for routine dental treatment. This benefits becomes active after a 6-month waiting period.
Important Note: These benefits apply only to new dental issues that start after your policy begins. Pre-existing conditions—anything diagnosed, treated, or known before coverage started—are excluded.
When should you get a tooth extraction?
Tooth extraction is typically a last resort, but it may be necessary when a tooth is too damaged to repair. Your dentist might recommend removal if you have:
- Severe decay that can’t be restored
- A tooth that’s fractured, broken, or has a damaged root
- An impacted tooth, like a wisdom tooth that can’t emerge properly
- Overcrowding, especially before orthodontic treatment
- Advanced gum disease that harms the bone or tissues
- A loose tooth from injury (tooth luxation) or trauma
- A serious infection in the tooth nerve or surrounding bone
- Inflammation of the periodontal ligament that can’t be treated
In urgent cases, immediate extraction helps prevent further pain, infection, or complications.
How to prepare for teeth removals
Removing a tooth might sound scary, but it’s usually easier than expected. With the proper prep, you’ll be just fine, and heal in no time.
Here are our top tips for a successful tooth extraction:
Before the procedure:
- Stay calm: It’s not as bad as it sounds. Most people are surprised by how quick and painless it feels once the numbing kicks in.
- Know the anesthesia rules:
- General anesthesia: Do not eat or drink anything for 12 hours before the procedure to avoid nausea or complications.
- Local anesthetic: Fasting may not be required, but always check with your dentist.
- Take the day off: Plan for rest. If you can, schedule your extraction on a Friday so you have the weekend to recover.
- Prep your meals in advance: You won’t feel like cooking afterward.
- Prepare soft, easy-to-eat foods: A non-exhaustive list might include: Broths, yogurt, pudding, applesauce, or protein shakes.
- Ice packs are essential: Get soft, gel-based ice packs or a jaw strap wrap. Use them regularly to reduce swelling. Always wrap them in a towel—do not apply ice directly to your skin.
After the procedure
- Plan a ride home: Ask a friend or family member to drive you home, or take a cab. You may feel groggy or dizzy after the procedure, especially with sedation.
- Take it easy: Rest for at least 48 to 72 hours. Avoid exercise or anything that raises your heart rate—this can increase bleeding and slow healing. Ask your dentist when it’s safe to return to normal activity.
- Stick to soft, cold foods: Gradually move on to mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, and soft pasta. Avoid anything hot, spicy, or hard at first.
- Don’t use straws: Avoid using straws for at least 24 hours. The suction can dislodge the blood clot and cause a painful condition called dry socket.
- No smoking: Smoking slows healing and increases the risk of dry socket. Try nicotine patches if needed, but avoid cigarettes completely during recovery.
- Avoid rinsing (too hard): Rinse your mouth gently, if at all, for the first day. Follow your dentist’s instructions on how and when to start rinsing.
Dental insurance in Germany from €10.90 per month
