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Getting dental care is a great way to boost your confidence by taking your smile to new heights. However, taking a look at dental costs can be a hard pill to swallow. While dental insurance can help alleviate some of the pressure, many Americans are without dental coverage to begin with.
Let’s take a look at some of the most common dental procedures, as well as their average cost, so you can get a better idea of what to expect before your next treatment.
Dental care without insurance can be almost impossible to afford. The out-of-pocket costs associated with certain treatments can be super challenging to overcome, leaving many people without the treatments they need.
Even with dental insurance, costs are not typically fully covered. Costs with insurance for major dental procedures like bridges, bonds, and more can be significantly high.
Common dental treatments and their cost include:
You don’t need to let these costs prevent you from getting the care you need. You can leverage options for uninsured care like dental clinics, discount plans, or dental schools that accept patients.
Without insurance, dental costs can vary depending on your unique needs and factors such as the type of materials used and the complexity of the treatment needed. Consulting with a dental professional is best for the most up-to-date and detailed pricing. Here are some dental cost averages that reflect the full price without insurance coverage.
Dental implants are dental procedures done to replace missing teeth and are considered a permanent solution for tooth loss.
A dental implant procedure has multiple benefits, including improved tooth appearance, speech, and chewing ability. It also helps prevent bone loss in the jaw and doesn’t require alteration of adjacent teeth, as with dental bridges. However, it’s important to note that this procedure can be very lengthy and typically requires several months to complete.
Typically made of titanium, dental implants substitute for the root of the tooth. An abutment, the connector, is put on (or built into) the top of the dental implant, connecting it to the replacement tooth. Lastly, a crown is custom-fabricated to match your natural teeth.
For this complex and tedious procedure, costs for dental implants can be anywhere from $3,000-$4,500.
A dental bridge is a lot like it sounds: a bridge between existing and new teeth. Dental bridges fill the gap with one or more artificial teeth that look and feel just like your natural teeth. Bridges are usually made of dental crowns that fit on either side of the missing tooth, and then the pontic (false) tooth is cemented in place.
There are four major bridge types: Traditional, Maryland, Cantilever, and Implant-supported bridges. The average cost for the traditional dental bridge, with a pontic and a crown for each abutment tooth, is around $2,000 - $5,000. Dental bridges are one of the most expensive dental procedures, with an average cost of around $4,313.
Sometimes, after a root canal, a dental crown is necessary. Crowns are sort of like tiny hats for your tooth that go over the top to prevent damage and infection. This is especially important after a root canal because the inside of the tooth is sensitive and susceptible to damage.
With a dental crown, your tooth is filed down to make room for the crown. The crown is then cemented over the top of the tooth to restore the look and function of your original teeth. It’s a common procedure that can help fix severe cases of tooth decay.
Crowns cost anywhere from $1,100 to $1,500, but that’s a loose estimate. This number can range, especially when including the cost of the root canal you might need to get beforehand. This means that a root canal and a crown can reach prices of upwards of $3,000.
Veneers are another cosmetic treatment that seeks to improve the appearance of your teeth. They are meant to conceal a wide range of aesthetic imperfections, like cracks, discoloration, gaps, and more.
Veneers are coverings that go over the front teeth. They’re made out of high-quality materials that match the color of your natural teeth and restore their appearance.
Typically, porcelain veneers cost anywhere from $950 up to $2,200, depending on the specialist you go to. Since these are cosmetic, most insurance plans usually won’t cover the cost of this dental cost even if you do have coverage.
Dental bleaching and whitening are similar but not quite the same thing. Whitening your teeth can be done with bleaching or non-bleaching agents. The cost of in-office bleaching varies, but it can range from $500 to $1,000.
The dental bleaching process consists of bleaching containing peroxide, done at your local dentist's office. This process not only whitens the surface but also cleans deep surface stains. It can help to make your teeth whiter than your natural shade.
Getting a routine cleaning is one of the most important ways to prevent some of these more expensive procedures. While brushing your teeth at home is important, a routine oral exam with deep cleaning can keep your oral health in top shape — and reduce treatment costs in the future. Preventative care, like checkups and sealants, can make a big difference.
Dentists use a special polishing toothpaste during your visits that cleans your teeth (removing tartar and plaque) and buffs them up to make them look extra shiny. During this visit, they will also offer to do X-rays and other examinations to ensure you’re not at risk for more complicated oral health issues.
Teeth cleaning costs are generally low when compared to other procedures on the list. On average, a routine exam and cleaning will run you about $75 to $200 out-of-pocket. Of course, when you need to visit your local dental office twice a year, that “low-cost” cost can stack up fast.
Cavities are one of the most common diseases in the entire country. In fact, about 90% of adults 20 and older have had at least one cavity. Since they’re so common, it also means that dentists are well-equipped to fix them.
Fillings are the most common way to correct a cavity. If you experience a cavity, a dentist will first drill out the infected part of your tooth. From there, an amalgam filling will fill in the hole where the cavity once was. This should restore the structure and function of your tooth.
Fillings can also correct cracks, chips, and more. The out-of-pocket cost of a filling can range anywhere from $200 to $600. Factors that affect the cost are the extent of damage and the location of the filling in your mouth.
Teeth whitening is a cosmetic procedure that doesn’t necessarily prevent or treat disease. However, having white teeth can boost your confidence and your self-esteem. You can do teeth whitening from home by getting over-the-counter treatments, but nothing beats professional whitening in a dentist’s office.
In-office bleaching involves the use of special chemicals that coat your teeth. These chemicals negate the color of the stains on your teeth, making your smile look more pristine and perfect. Whitening is a temporary solution, but many people love to get it done.
Insurance coverage doesn’t typically take care of teeth whitening regardless because it is purely cosmetic. So, you can expect to pay around $500 to $1,000 for your in-office whitening solutions.
If a cavity becomes so severe that the external structure of a tooth cannot be saved, then a tooth extraction will be necessary. An extraction is the process of physically pulling the tooth out of the gum socket.
A simple extraction without insurance is relatively inexpensive, usually falling between $75 to $400 per tooth. For wisdom teeth extraction where the teeth are still below the gum line, a surgical extraction can reach upwards of $300 per tooth. That’s over $1,000 for all four wisdom tooth removals.
A surgical tooth extraction requires the oral surgeon to make an incision on the gumline, break the tooth apart, and remove it from the jawbone. This procedure is important if your wisdom teeth are growing in and impacting the rest of your teeth due to overcrowding.
While the cost of wisdom teeth extraction might seem high, it’s usually a small price to pay to avoid the pain and discomfort that they can cause. So, the investment is usually a good one to make.
A dental bone graft is usually done if someone has lost one or more adult teeth or has gum disease. Both of these conditions can cause bone loss in the jaw. The preferred approach for dental bone grafting is to use your own bone from the hip, tibia, or back of the jaw. This is known as an autograft. Autografts are usually the “gold standard,” since they increase bony support in the jaw and promote faster healing and new bone formation.
When bone graft material comes from a cadaver, animal, or synthetic substance, the cost can vary between $400 and $1,200. If bone material is harvested from your own body, the cost may jump to $2,000 or more.
If a cavity becomes so severe that it starts to affect the inner portion of a tooth, known as the pulp, then a root canal might be in order. With a root canal, the inner, infected portion of a tooth is drilled away. Then, a dental filling is used to fill in the hole and restore the look and function of your tooth to make it as good as new.
On average, a root canal costs anywhere between $700 and $1,500. The final number will depend on the part of the country where you need to get this procedure done. It is a fairly complex procedure, which explains the hefty price tag.
If you get a tooth extracted, you might want to replace the tooth with an artificial one so you can chew food more easily and restore your smile. There are a few options to do this, all with varying price tags.
One option is a dental bridge. Bridges fill in a gap by placing crowns on opposing teeth with an artificial tooth in the middle — sort of like a bridge filling in the gap. Dental bridges are long-lasting procedures that effectively replace missing teeth. They can be expensive, costing anywhere from $500 to $2,300, depending on the type.
If you’re looking for something more permanent, then you might want dental implants. Implants are titanium posts that are placed directly into your jawbone. Over time, the bone fuses to the implant in a process called osseointegration, making this a permanent fixture that is even stronger than your natural teeth. An abutment or false tooth is then placed over the post to give it the right look.
Dental implants can be one of the more expensive options for replacing your teeth, averaging about $4,800 for a porcelain crown. However, some options can be even more expensive.
Finally, for something more temporary, dentures are a removable option that replaces full sets of teeth or just a few missing teeth. Dentures adhere to your gums with glue, but they can be easily removable.
This means they aren’t nearly as strong for chewing as an implant, but they do make your smile look great. They’re also more affordable; dentures cost around $600 to $1,500 for a basic, full-mouth set.
You have more than one option for paying for dental procedures. If you’re looking to save on certain dental procedures, dental insurance is another option that can save you money in the long run. Lastly, if you can’t afford dental insurance, finding an alternative, like a low-cost dental clinic, is something to explore.
Are you wondering if dental insurance is really worth it? Health insurance can help you afford necessary health and wellness procedures. However, since health insurance is typically offered through employment or other programs, it may not cover the cost of some dental procedures.
You can get an insurance policy on your own through a provider. The cost of deductibles and dental insurance premiums will likely be higher than they would be if you were getting insured through your work.
The average cost ranges from $300 to $1,000 a year for dental insurance. Many Americans can't afford dental insurance and the out-of-pocket costs for basic procedures. In fact, only about half of the country has had dental coverage in the past year.
These days, low-cost dental insurance is difficult to come by. As an alternative, you may be able to find a lower-cost dental clinic near you.
Since dental school students have not yet graduated and cannot be paid for their work, patients often only need to pay for the cost of materials. This low-cost dental clinic option can be an inexpensive option, but the quality of these dental clinics isn’t usually as high as a standard dentist.
Don’t let dental costs keep you from the care you need. While major procedures can be costly, low-cost clinics, discount plans, and preventative care like cleanings and fillings can help manage expenses. Explore payment options with your provider to make dental health more affordable—because investing in your smile is investing in your confidence and well-being.
Sources:
Wisdom tooth extraction | Mayo Clinic
What Are Dental Veneers? Cost, Procedure & Advantages | Veneers
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