| Is Dental Care Affordable?
Seventy seven million adults in the United States do not have dental insurance. Even though nationwide oral health has improved dramatically, not all Americans can afford to pay for their dental care. Others do not have public or private dental insurance, and many other people cannot take the time out of their busy schedules to receive dental care. On the other hand, inflation has increased dental costs more than ever over the past year. Dentists easily charge $200 to $300 for regular dental cleanings or examinations, and other procedures like dental fillings, dentures, and braces can cost several hundred dollars, not to mention the price of dental implants, which are nearly unaffordable for most people. There are many reasons why people cannot afford dental care. Either they are retired, lack dental coverage, or avoid expensive dental services. Whatever the reasons, there are still many options to find low-cost and affordable dental care even when you do not have dental insurance. Cost of Dental Procedures Without InsuranceDental care can range from simple restorative dentistry like dental fillings and crowns, and complex surgical procedures like root canals or dental implants. Here are the average costs of the most common dental procedures. DenturesThe average cost of a traditional and full set of dentures can be around $1,800. However, the price range varies according to low-cost, medium-priced, and premium dentures. Low-cost dentures can cost you $600 to $1,000 for a traditional complete set of dentures and between $300 and $500 per denture. Medium-priced dentures can range from $1,000 to $3,000 for a complete set. Premium or high-cost dentures can range from $4,000 to $8,000 for a complete set and $2,000 to $4,000 per denture. Dental ImplantsThe total cost of a single tooth implant, from early dental consultation to the final steps of the procedure, can range from $3,000 to $4,500. Dental implants are by far the most expensive tooth replacement option, and if a person intends to replace a full mouth of teeth with implants, the final price can run between $60,000 and $90,000. An alternative and low-cost option to replace multiple teeth with dental implants is an implant-supported bridge. The total price range of this replacement option can be anywhere between $6,000 and $10,000 since two implants are necessary to hold the bridge in place. It is far less expensive than getting four individual dental implants in place of two. Dental BridgesThe price range of a dental bridge depends on many factors:
The cost of traditional dental bridges can range from $2,000 to $5,000 for a single pontic crown and two adjacent abutment teeth. Maryland bridges can cost anywhere between $1,500 and $2,500 for a single pontic crown with the framework and two metal wings on the side. Implant-supported bridges are costly as they use two dental implants to hold the bridge in place. They can cost anywhere between $6,000 to $15,000 for a bridge with two dental implants and three to four dental crowns. Dental CrownsDental crowns are available in different types and different materials. They can be either made completely from ceramic or porcelain fused to metal, metal alloys, or gold alloys. The average cost of dental crowns can cost anywhere between $1,000 and $3,500. However, different factors like the location of the dentist, their expertise and training, and coverage from dental insurance can alter the price range of this restorative dentistry procedure. The most commonly used crowns are made from ceramic and porcelain, and their average cost can be almost $1,300. Dental ExamA dental checkup typically consists of an oral examination, along with an x-ray and teeth cleaning. General dental examinations have an average price range of around $58. Routine teeth cleaning done by a professional without insurance can cost anywhere between $75 and $210. However, you must know that deep cleaning and complexities like tooth decay and serious buildup of tartar can increase this cost range. What Does Dental Insurance Cover?Dental insurance typically doesn't cover all dental care procedures except for the following three categories. Preventative CarePreventative dentistry helps patients maintain good oral health and combines regular dental checkups with encouraging good dental hygiene practices. Dental care services like regular dental cleanings, dental checkups, and x-rays are covered under preventative care. Basic Dental Care ServicesBasic dental treatments involve seeing the dentist regularly for oral checkups and dental cleanings. Dental services like fillings and simple extractions are covered by insurance as they are included in basic dental services. However, a dental insurance policy usually covers only 80% of the total cost of these procedures. Major Dental Care ServicesMajor restorative dental services cover complex and extensive procedures that involve a combination of different materials and techniques to restore, replace, or repair damaged or broken teeth. These services include root canals, dental bridges, dental crowns, dentures, and dental implants. Dental insurance typically covers only 50% of the total cost of these procedures, which is still generous coverage considering how expensive these procedures can be. Why Are Dental Procedures So Expensive?Dental practitioners usually have to pay for their laboratories and the technical work that goes into providing dental care, like creating dentures and crowns. However, there are some states that offer lower costs of dental treatment. These states include:
Our team at Florida Smiles Dental understands that everyone deserves the best oral health, but the expensive costs of dental services withhold many people from getting the treatments they deserve. However, our dental professionals, including Our doctors and our doctors, can help our patients decide on an affordable payment plan by discussing which procedures are necessary and which procedures are only cosmetically important. Some cosmetic procedures like teeth whitening may not be necessary to include in your dental services. In such conditions, our dentists can offer a negotiable price that suits our dental practitioners as well as our patients. Call us at 754-354-0363 to schedule your appointment. |
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