The ability to smile is one of life’s precious gifts. We can use our smiles to say hello, welcome a new friend, and brighten a stranger’s day. Preventative oral is really important for your overall health and wellness. Regular checkups (every six months) help prevent serious oral illnesses and keep your smile healthy. Some people may shy away from visiting the dentist because they are concerned about how much it will cost. How much does a dental exam cost? The answer might surprise you.
A dental check-up is an important part of maintaining the health and well-being of your teeth. Regular check-ups can help detect any potential issues with your oral health and provide preventative care that can save you money in the long run. But how much does a dental check-up cost? Let’s take a look.
The Cost of a Standard Exam
The cost of a standard dental exam will vary depending on where you live, your insurance coverage, and the type of dentist you visit. However, generally speaking, most people can expect to pay anywhere from $50 – $200 for a basic exam. On average, an examination without insurance coverage should cost in the region of around $100 – $150.
How much does an emergency dentist check-up cost?
A regular dental exam is surprisingly inexpensive, especially considering how invaluable it is for your oral health. During a routine visit, your dentist can catch many dental problems that will be easier to treat (and less expensive) sooner than later. But what if you need to rush to your dentist for an emergency consultation?
If you have good dental health insurance, your emergency exams may be completely covered. Your insurance may also cover dental x-rays yearly and other care procedures. On the other hand, if you don’t have dental insurance, you’ll have to pay for your visit out of pocket. Most dentists charge between $80 and $120 for a routine exam. In reality, it’s a small price to pay for gorgeous, healthy chompers.
Why do I need to see a dentist regularly?
Even people who brush and floss carefully will still get plaque build-up. Plaque hardens into tartar which can lead to cavities and gum disease. Your dentist or dental hygienist can more thoroughly clean your teeth and prevent dangerous tartar.
Dentists can also spot potential problems you may not have noticed yet. Not all dental issues cause pain right away, and not treating a problem early on makes it more challenging to fix in the future. Your mouth can also show signs of various medical conditions, such as anemia, diabetes, and oral cancer.
The American Cancer Society states that a dentist can detect many pre-cancer and oral cancers early during routine exams. Regular dental check-ups involve examining your entire mouth. When dentists notice medical signs in your mouth, they can refer you to a specialist who can further analyse the situation.
Oral exam
A targeted exam is used when visiting the dentist for a particular problem. This is usually used during emergency visits or if a problem has shown up on your x-rays.
If you haven’t been to the dentist in a while or are visiting a dentist as a new patient, your dentist may give you a comprehensive exam. This in-depth oral exam includes the same procedure as a periodic exam, but your dentist will also discuss previous dental work and your goals for your smile.
Costs for Additional Services
In addition to the standard exam fee, there may be costs for additional services such as x-rays or other treatments such as cleaning or fillings. Generally speaking, these extra charges will range from around $50 – $300, depending on what’s required. For example, if you need an x-ray taken, this could add another $50 -$100 to your bill for every x-ray taken.
Teeth cleaning
Some dentists include the cost of a dental cleaning in their oral exam price, but others charge separately. If you are shopping around to find a dentist, be sure to ask what the base price includes to ensure you’re comparing prices fairly. Teeth cleaning charged separately can cost between $70 and $200! If you are presenting signs of gum disease, you might need a deep cleaning, which will be on the more expensive end.
X-rays
X-rays are not typically included in the cost of a routine dental exam. Full-mouth x-rays cost about $200 on average. You can choose to have partial x-rays taken to bring the cost down.
Full-mouth x-rays will likely be covered if you have insurance, but less frequently than your exams. For example, you may have two covered oral exams yearly but only one set of x-rays every other year.
Location
Insurance Coverage
If you have insurance coverage, then your out-of-pocket expenses may be significantly lower than those listed above. However, it is important to note that different types of insurance plans cover different types of services and treatments, so it is always best to check with your provider before booking an appointment to ensure that they will cover all (or at least some) of the costs associated with your treatment plan.
Understanding the cost associated with dental care can help you make informed decisions about your oral health needs. Generally speaking, most people can expect to pay between $50 and $200 for a standard dental exam without insurance coverage; however, this figure may be higher if additional services are required, such as x-rays or fillings. It is always best to check with your dentist and insurer before booking an appointment to ensure that you are aware of all costs associated with any treatment plan recommended by your dentist. Taking these steps now can help save money in the long run!
References:
https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-teeth-and-gums/dental-check-ups/
https://www.smile.com.au/dental-treatments/check-ups
https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/dental-care/manage-dental-costs-without-insurance
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