How Much Does Emergency Dental Care Cost in Tucson?
One of the first things people ask when they call with a dental emergency is "how much is this going to cost?" It is a fair question, and one we answer honestly. Here is a realistic breakdown of what emergency dental care costs in Tucson as of 2026.
Emergency exam and X-rays: $75 to $200. This is your starting point for any visit. The exam includes a clinical evaluation by Dr. Torres, digital X-rays to diagnose the problem, and a discussion of treatment options. Some offices charge more for "emergency" appointments. We do not.
Dental filling: $150 to $350 per tooth. The cost depends on the size of the cavity and the filling material (composite resin is the standard for most teeth). Fillings are typically the treatment for moderate decay.
Root canal: $500 to $1,000. A root canal removes the infected nerve inside the tooth and seals it. Front teeth are on the lower end, molars are on the higher end because they have more root canals. A crown is usually recommended after a root canal, which adds $800 to $1,500.
Tooth extraction, simple: $150 to $300. A simple extraction is when the tooth is fully erupted and can be removed in one piece. This is the most common type of emergency extraction.
Tooth extraction, surgical: $200 to $500. Surgical extractions are needed when the tooth is broken below the gum line, impacted, or has curved roots. It requires a small incision and sometimes bone removal.
Dental crown: $800 to $1,500. Crowns are porcelain or ceramic caps that cover a damaged tooth. A temporary crown may be placed the same day, with the permanent crown fabricated within 2 to 3 weeks.
Dental implant: $1,500 to $3,000 for the implant post. A dental implant is a titanium post placed in the jawbone to replace a missing tooth. The abutment and crown add another $1,000 to $2,000. Implants are the most durable long-term replacement option.
Abscess drainage and treatment: The drainage itself is usually included with the root canal or extraction cost. If antibiotics are prescribed, expect $10 to $50 at the pharmacy.
With dental insurance, your out-of-pocket costs are typically 20% to 50% of these amounts, depending on your plan. Most plans cover emergency exams, X-rays, and basic procedures at 80%. Major procedures like crowns and implants are often covered at 50%.
Without insurance, we discuss costs upfront before starting any treatment. We accept major credit cards and can discuss payment arrangements for larger treatments. We will never start work you have not agreed to.
One thing to keep in mind: delaying treatment almost always costs more in the long run. A toothache caused by a small cavity might cost $200 to fix today. Wait three months, and that same tooth might need a $900 root canal and a $1,200 crown. Wait six months and you might need a $2,500 implant. Early treatment saves money.
If you have a dental emergency in Tucson and are worried about cost, call 520-317-6362. We will give you an honest assessment and tell you what your options are before we do anything. No surprises.