dental cost is a major concern for many patients. Fortunately, there are ways to make it more manageable.
Investing in dental insurance is one option. These plans typically cover 100% of annual routine care costs, 80% of basic procedures like fillings and 50% of major procedures like crowns. Dental insurance plans also have deductibles and copayments.
Preventive care
Dental insurance can help reduce costs for many procedures, but not all procedures are covered. For example, some plans require a copay or deductible before coverage kicks in. Additionally, dental insurance may have yearly maximums, so it is important to consider when scheduling visits.
Preventive care includes dental exams, teeth cleanings, and routine X-rays. These services are typically covered at 100% by most dental insurance plans, but if you do not schedule visits regularly, you may end up paying for costly non-preventive procedures down the road.
While cost sharing varies across Medicare Advantage plans and by service categories, most offer coinsurance in the more extensive service areas (such as restorative services) with annual maximums. Some plans also offer a flat copayment for preventive services.
Fillings
Fillings are an important part of preventing and treating tooth decay, but they can be expensive. Fortunately, there are ways to save money on dental fillings. One of the most effective methods is to take good care of your teeth and visit your dentist regularly for a checkup. This will help you catch cavities in their early stages and stop them from getting worse.
Another way to reduce dental costs is by taking advantage of insurance programs such as Medicaid and TRICARE. These programs can cover up to 90% of your treatment costs. Additionally, you can also find out if your dentist offers a payment plan that makes it easier to afford dental work.
The cost of a filling will vary depending on the material used and how many surfaces are being repaired. Silver amalgam fillings are the cheapest, while composite resin and porcelain inlays can cost more than $50 to $150 per surface. If the affected tooth is a molar, it will require more work and material to repair, which can significantly increase the cost.
Crowns
Dental crowns are used to protect damaged teeth and restore the appearance of missing ones. The cost of crowns varies depending on the type of material used, as well as whether the procedure is covered by insurance. Dental insurance generally covers most of the cost of a crown. You can also save on the cost of crowns by choosing a dentist that is in-network with your insurer.
There are several types of crowns, including porcelain, porcelain fused to metal, base metal alloys and gold alloys. The most common type is the metal crown, which is usually used on back molars because they are less visible. Porcelain crowns are a more expensive option, but they look more natural and can be used on front teeth.
You can also save on the cost of dental crowns by opting for a dentist that offers affordable financing options. However, you should always select your dentist based on more than just the price of his or her services. Choosing the cheapest dentist may result in poor quality work and lead to further dental problems down the road.
Root canals
A root canal is an endodontic treatment that is used to treat a painful tooth infection and restore the health of your mouth. The procedure is performed in a dental office, typically by an endodontist, and consists of one to five visits. A dentist will administer a local anesthetic and then drill into the infected area of your tooth. Once the abscess has been drilled and cleaned, gutta percha is inserted into the hole and sealed with a filling material. The tooth is then restored with a crown or other restoration.
The cost of a root canal depends on the type of tooth and the severity of the infection. Front teeth generally cost less to treat than molars, as they have fewer roots and are easier to access with a root canal.
Many dental insurance policies cover the cost of a root canal, although the coverage amount can vary by policy. Without dental insurance, the average cost of a root canal is around $1000. Some dental practices offer financing options that can make the procedure more affordable.
Orthodontics
The cost of orthodontics can vary depending on the procedure, as well as where you get it done. Some dental insurance policies exclude orthodontics or have annual maximums that don’t cover it completely, while others require a copay for these services.
You can try to find lower-cost care through community health centers, medical insurance programs, the Veterans Affairs and dental schools. You can also look for clinical trials that offer low-cost procedures.
If you have dental insurance, make sure you are using a dentist in your network to get the best value. Dental plans that include an orthodontist may have special discounts.
Dental insurance is a good idea to help you save on the costs of dental care, as it covers many common procedures. But it’s important to understand how much each type of procedure costs, so you can budget accordingly. If you don’t have dental insurance, you can find affordable options through online comparison sites and by shopping around. You can even join a dental savings plan, like the Aspen Dental Savings Plan, to help you pay for routine and cosmetic dentistry procedures.