The cost of dental care can feel like a burden, but it doesn’t need to be. Dental care isn’t cheap, and it can be even more expensive for those who don’t take care of their teeth. The high cost of dental care is a consequence of the amount of time and money it takes to keep teeth clean and in tip-top shape. However, learning about the actual cost of dental care makes it easier to understand that it is worth it.
Going to the dentist isn’t something to worry about; it should be something that you look forward to. However, you should know several things before setting foot in the dental office. Keep reading to learn more about dental care to understand what you are getting yourself into.
Root canals
Root canals are often necessary to save the teeth and prevent them from breaking. A root canal is a procedure in which the nerve inside the tooth is removed, and the tooth is filled with a substance that is non-toxic and will prevent decay. Most people who have root canals don’t even know it because the nerve inside the tooth has been removed, and there is no pain associated with the procedure.
A root canal costs between $400-and $700, covered by insurance. There are some exceptions, so it is essential to check with your dentist’s office regarding your coverage.
To ensure that your dentist is skilled enough to perform the procedure, you can ask for recommendations from friends and family who have been to the dentist before. Also, analyzing reviews on Google, ZocDoc and Foursquare can help you identify if there are any complaints about the dentist’s office.
Dentin and crowns
Dentine is the hard tissue below the gum line of a tooth. It is not a tooth itself, but it is connected to the tooth. Dentin is the part that is removed during a dental crown. A dental crown covers the tooth that protects it from decay. The dentist will create the crown based on the shape and size of the tooth. The cost of dentin and crowns varies depending on what part of your mouth the treatment is needed. An extracted tooth with a missing part will cost you around $800-$1,500.
Every dental procedure that you have will require a visit to the dentist. You will have to decide if you need the treatment when this happens. For example, if you are missing teeth or have a cracked or damaged tooth. This should be done very carefully because not every dental treatment needs to be done.
Crowns are one of the most common dental treatments because they can protect your teeth from damage and decay. A dental crown protects a tooth by covering it.
Dental implants
The next dental treatment that people think about is implants. However, implants shouldn’t be your first choice for dental care. Instead, they are often the third or fourth option that people opt for.
A dental implant replaces a missing tooth. The implants are placed into the jawbone, which becomes part of the jawbone. When the person eats, the food is pushed back into the stomach, not the mouth. This is the same way that the teeth in the back of the mouth are used.
Dental implants are covered by insurance at $1,200-$2,000 for a single tooth. The price can go up to $4,000 for a full set of teeth. However, if the insurance company doesn’t cover implants, you will have to pay the $2,000-$4,000.
If you choose to get implants, it is important to choose a dentist you trust. While you should have a trusted dentist that you go to for regular checkups and cleanings, it is also important to have a dentist that you trust to place implants. This can help ensure that the implants are placed in the right place.
Dental veneers
If you want to make a drastic change to your smile, you might consider dental veneers. These thin plastic or porcelain shells are placed on top of teeth to change their shape and color. The appearance of discolored or chipped teeth can be significantly improved by using veneers.
Dental veneers are covered by insurance at $3,200-$6,000. The price can go up to $9,000 if the insurance company doesn’t cover veneers. However, if the insurance company doesn’t cover dental veneers, it can cost $6,000.
It’s essential to remember that dental veneers will drastically change your smile. It can be very noticeable and make you feel self-conscious. Therefore, you need to weigh this decision carefully and think about its ramifications before deciding.
Other Costs of Dental Care
If you have a tooth knocked out, you will have to take time off of work and possibly see a dentist. This will add up to a lot of money. You will also have to see a dentist if your mouth gets infected.
If you choose not to get dental implants or crowns, or if you decide to get dentures instead of veneers, you will also have to see a dentist regularly throughout your life. This is because dentures are fixed and don’t change as your teeth do. So, unfortunately, you will always have to take care of them, and they can break easily.
Finally, if any of your teeth are crooked, it will be necessary to get them fixed. But, again, another consultation must follow any decision you make.
Bottom line
The cost of dental care can feel like a burden, but it doesn’t need to be. Dental care isn’t cheap, and it can be even more expensive for those who don’t take care of their teeth. The high cost of dental care is a consequence of the amount of time and money it takes to keep teeth clean and in tip-top shape. However, learning about the true cost of dental care makes it easier to understand that it is worth it.
Going to the dentist isn’t something to worry about; it should be something that you look forward to. However, you should know several things before setting foot in the dental office. These include the cost of dental care, what it has, and what you need to do to keep your teeth healthy and strong.