What To Know Before Going To The Dentist

Dentist Blog

When it comes to healthy teeth and gums, there's more to it than just daily brushing and flossing. While proper oral hygiene habits are key, visits to the dentist are also an essential part of keeping your teeth and gums healthy. Nearly 91 percent of Americans between the ages of 20 and 64 have dental decay. Regular checkups and cleanings can help identify the signs of decay and put a stop to it before it leads to major damage. Here's what to know before going to the dentist.

How Frequently You Need To Go

The first thing to consider is how often you need to go in for a checkup or cleaning. The frequency with which cleanings and dental checkups are needed varies from person to person. Most dentists will recommend dental cleanings twice per year for the average person.

However, if you are not cavity prone, annual cleanings and checkups may be sufficient. Those who have certain conditions or risk factors, such as diabetes, smoking, or a genetic predisposition to gum disease and decay, may require more frequent teeth cleanings than others. 

The Cost Of Preventative Care

When it comes to the cost of dental care, preventative care is typically less expensive than treating dental decay and other issues. Without insurance, the cost of a teeth cleaning and checkup is typically between $75 and $200. If x-rays are needed, these services can add an additional $100 to $300 to your total.

If you have dental insurance, your costs will typically be much lower. Dental cleanings and checkups are often free or very low cost once or twice per year. Deep cleanings, or root planing, may also be needed. This costs between $390 and $3,800 without insurance and between $360 and $437 with insurance.

The Cost To Treat Decay

It's also important to consider how much it costs to treat decay. While prevention is very important, taking care of dental decay before it becomes a bigger issue is very important. Costs can vary depending on whether you have insurance and the type of care needed.

On average, it costs between $90 and $450 to fill a cavity. A root canal can cost anywhere from $300 to $2,000, while dental crowns can range between $500 and $3,000 per tooth.

Treating decay can be pricey. Most dental insurance plans have limits to what they will pay for and annual maximum coverage amounts.

There are a few things that you should know before going to the dentist. First, it's important to know how often you should go in for a cleaning and a checkup. Most people require twice yearly visits but some need to go more often and others only once per year. Preventative care is typically less expensive than treating dental decay. It's important to keep these costs in mind when going to the dentist.

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3 May 2019