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:
Let’s get started.
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:
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.
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:
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:
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.
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:
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.
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:
80–100% coverage for replacing missing teeth (on the Advanced plan only).
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:
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.
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:
In urgent cases, immediate extraction helps prevent further pain, infection, or complications.
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:
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