Modern dental practices can effectively tackle even the hardest tooth-related problems. With quality dental care, you can enjoy great oral health for a lifetime. However, most people tend to ask, what’s the average cost of dental care? Estimating the cost of dental care can be complicated. This is because the prices are not the same across all dental practices. There are numerous factors that affect the cost of dental care. For instance, dental offices located in city centers typically have higher costs when compared to the ones located in rural areas. Moreover, dental care has different categories. Some patients may require tooth extraction, and cleanings, while others may need services such as dental crowns, dental implants, and so on. Each one of them is offered at a different cost and you need to visit your dentist for consultation services. At Ortega Dental, there are several different financing options accessible, which will assist you in getting the dental care you need at a friendly cost.
We offer an in house insurance plan to make your routine care more affordable. Learn more about the Ortega Dental Health Club.
Dental Bridges Cost Estimate
A bridge is a way of filling a missing tooth gap between one or more healthy teeth. If you have lost a tooth, it may likely affect the health, function, and appearance of your smile. Moreover, you may also experience other problems such as difficulty in speaking, eating, and chewing. Also, you can feel embarrassed when you smile because of the gaps. To restore your self-confidence and your smile, our dentist may recommend dental bridges to replace the missing teeth. The cost of dental bridges can range from $500 to $2,000 per tooth. If you have dental insurance, this can help you cover some cost of the expenses. Ideally, the cost of dental bridges is determined by the materials used. Here are four main types of bridges and their estimated prices.
Conventional Bridge
Traditional or conventional dental bridges are usually attached to abutment teeth. It can be used when you have natural teeth on both sides of the gap, and it is the most well-known type of dental bridge. Typically, traditional bridges have an average cost of $1,000 to $2,000.
Cantilever Bridge
These types of dental bridges are usually attached to one natural tooth instead of two, as is the case with traditional dental bridges. They are perfect for individuals who have a gap or missing tooth on one side. The average cost of cantilever dental bridges is around $500 to $1,200.
Maryland Bridge
Maryland bridges are also called resin-bonded or adhesive bridges. These type of bridges do not require abutment teeth. They feature wings on the sides of the artificial teeth, and it is attached by adhesive. These types of bridges are commonly used for front teeth. The cost of Maryland bridges ranges from 1,500 to $2,500 per pontic.
Implant-Supported Bridge
The implant-supported bridge looks the same as a conventional fixed bridge. The only difference is that these types of bridges are normally placed over dental implants and natural teeth. The average cost of an implant-supported bridge ranges from $5,000 to $15,000.
Dental Implants Vs. Crowns Cost
One major difference between dental crowns and dental implants is the way they are attached. When it comes to dental implants, they are surgically placed on the jawbone and permanently fuse with it over time. This process is called osseointegration. This makes implants more durable and stable tooth replacements when compared to other procedures.
On the other hand, dental crowns are not surgically placed. They are usually bonded or cemented with your existing teeth. When your dentist does an oral dental examination on your mouth, they will determine if you are a potential candidate for a dental implant or crown.
Why Are Dental Implants Costly?
The reason why dental implants are costly is because they are an invasive treatment and it’s the only permanent solution if you have a lost tooth. Moreover, dental implants require surgery making them more complex than other dental procedures such as dental crowns. Other than that, patients will require a form of dental sedation and local anesthesia. Dental implants require specialized training, and your dentist must have completed implantology training to perform a full dental implant. This makes the cost significantly higher when compared to other dental procedures. Another reason which makes dental implants higher is that they require several steps and multiple visits to complete. These steps include tooth extraction, implant insertion procedure, abutment placement, as well as permanent crown placement.
Other Factors Can Affect the Dental Checkup Cost
The cost of a dental exam is determined by several factors. These include:
Your Oral Exam
Every time you visit your dentist, they must perform a dental exam. However, the type of exams varies. There is a periodic exam where the dentist will review the health of your gums and teeth. There is also a targeted exam where the dentist will look at a particular issue. If the problem appears on x-rays or you have an emergency visit, there is a likelihood that the cost will be high.
Location
It is also good to note that dental checkup costs depend on geographical location. For instance, a dentist operating in areas with a high cost of living will definitely charge more than a dentist in rural areas.
Teeth Cleaning
Some dentists include dental cleaning costs in with the price of an oral exam, while others charge for it separately. That’s why it is important to know what is included in the base price especially when looking for a dentist.
X-Rays
Typically, a standard dental examination does not involve the use of x-ray scans. You can have a partial x-ray to reduce the cost. If you have insurance coverage, it may cover a full mouth x-ray but might be limited to only two oral exams each year.
Contact Us for Affordable Dental Care Services
Never let the cost of maintaining good oral health prevent you from receiving the necessary dental care. If you do not have insurance coverage and you are worried about the cost, please reach out to so that we can discuss your options. Our general dental checkup cost is affordable, and you will have a great overall experience. Call us at (904) 864-2222 today to book an appointment.