Costs for Common Dental Procedures
Maintaining good oral hygiene involves various procedures — from routine cleanings and x-rays to more complex treatments like fillings, extractions and orthodontics.
Whether you’re in need of immediate care or foresee a need in the future, this guide will help you prepare for the expense and keep your smile healthy.
Dental work costs
Below are the average out-of-pocket costs for common dental procedures.*
Cleanings
Professional dental cleanings are a critical part of general oral hygiene. During a cleaning, your dentist will remove plaque and tartar that builds up over time, floss and apply fluoride to your teeth to help prevent cavities.
Most dental insurance plans cover two cleanings per year in full. Without coverage, you can expect to pay between $110 and $130 on average for an adult cleaning and $80-$100 for a child.
X-rays
Dental x-rays are recommended every two to three years, though your dentist may suggest these more frequently if you have a history of oral complications. X-rays help your dentist note any changes to tooth alignment and detect gum disease and other issues. Routine x-rays are typically covered by insurance, but if you’re left to pay out of pocket, the cost can be anywhere from $100-$200.
Fillings
If your dentist finds a cavity during an exam, it will need to be treated with a filling. The cost of filling a dental cavity will depend on various factors, including the filling material, the location of the tooth and the size of the cavity — but here’s an estimate of cost (per tooth):
- Amalgam: $185-$205
- Composite: $215-$270
- Gold: $200-$650
Tooth extractions
If a tooth is severely decayed, or if you’ve got periodontal disease or alignment issues, an extraction might be required. Some teeth are easy to pull, while others require more extensive work. This, along with the size and location of the tooth, may factor into how much you can expect to pay. For a simple extraction, you may pay as little as $160, while more complex extractions can cost up to $900 on average.
Crowns
Dental crowns are tooth-shaped caps that are placed over weak, broken or decayed teeth to restore their health and appearance. Like fillings, dental crowns are available in multiple materials that affect the price per tooth. The cost typically falls between $1,000 and $3,000.
Bridges
Dental bridges consist of crowns and artificial teeth that fill in gaps in your smile. Just like other procedures, pricing for bridges will depend on:
- Number of teeth being replaced
- Type of bridge
- Material used for the false tooth/teeth
- Any treatments required for the supporting teeth
Traditional bridges can run anywhere from $2,000 to $5,000 per tooth, while implant-supported can be up to $16,000.
Root canals
If a tooth is infected or has significant pulp or nerve damage, your dentist may recommend a root canal to prevent bone loss. The price for a root canal procedure is influenced by what tooth is affected and the severity of the condition. On average, root canals can cost anywhere between $600 and $1,600.
Dentures
Dentures are removable appliances that replace missing teeth. Costs can vary significantly based on:
- Material: acrylic, resin, nylon, metal, porcelain
- Type: conventional, immediate, overdenture
- Other procedures: one or more teeth may need to be pulled
Depending on what you and your dentist choose to best meet your needs, you may pay anywhere from $600 to $8,000+.
Implants
Dental implants are a longer-term solution for restoring injured, decaying or missing teeth. Because the procedure involves multiple steps that can take several months, it can cost as much as $2,000 for a single implant when paying out of pocket.
Orthodontics
Orthodontics is a specialty that focuses on the alignment of the teeth and jaw—and includes a number of treatments, most commonly braces and clear aligners. Costs are as follows:
- Metal braces: $3,000 - $7,000
- Ceramic braces: $4,000 - $8,000
- Lingual braces: $5,000 - $13,000
- Clear aligners: $1,500 - $10,000
*Please keep in mind that the costs given above were gathered from various sources, and are averages across the United States. Actual prices will vary based on your location, provider and specific condition. Always consult with your dentist or orthodontist about costs before committing to any treatment.
Reduce Your Costs for Dental Treatments
Don’t put off important care due to costs. You wouldn’t delay treatment for a broken leg or a bacterial infection — wo why would you do it for your teeth?
Dental insurance provides peace of mind knowing you’re covered in the event of an oral health issue or tooth injury. Browse Spirit Dental policies to save on care that fits your needs and budget.
Sources:
https://dentalnetwork.ameritas.com/dceoutofnetwork
https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/dental-care/tooth-extraction-cost
https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/dental-care/dental-crown-cost
https://www.goodrx.com/health-topic/procedures/dental-bridge-cost