It is no secret that modern dentistry can be expensive. Often, the cost of dental treatments is one of the main obstacles preventing people form seeking the dental care they need. However, it is possible to visit the dentist without having to worry about paying off a large bill.
The best way to accomplish this is to not put off going to the dentist. In most cases, dental issues that are detected earlier can be treated easier and require less-invasive and more affordable treatments. Another way to keep your dental costs down is to keep up with preventative dental visits and daily oral hygiene. Both will minimize the occurrence and severity of dental issues.
Eventually, however, a trip to the dentist will be required at some point. While the treatment best for you can only be determined by a dentist, here are some cheap dental treatments that can help to maintain or restore your oral health:
#1: Teeth Cleanings
Teeth cleaning procedures remove plaque and tartar from the surface of your teeth in order to reduce bacteria populations in your mouth. Reduced levels of bacteria mean a reduced chance of developing both tooth decay and gum disease. Both tooth decay and gum disease are commonly associated with required restorative care, so preventing these things will help you avoid the cost associated with restorative procedures. For more information on how to prevent tooth decay, see “Everything You’ve Ever Wanted to Know About Cavities”. If you have dental insurance, your teeth cleanings should be covered and should not cost you anything. Even if you don’t have dental insurance, dental cleanings only cost an average of $75-$200 (source: Authority Dental).
#2: Dental Sealants
Dental sealants are a thin coating that is applied to the highly textured chewing surface of molars. They “seal” the tooth and prevent bacteria from coming in contact with the tooth’s enamel. They are applied to the molars because the various pits and fissures on molars are common locations for bacteria to accumulate and cause tooth decay. Sealants are especially beneficial for children who are still learning proper oral hygiene. They are also ideal for individuals that struggle brushing their back teeth or maintaining a daily dental routine. Dental sealants are highly affordable and can help to prevent tooth decay entirely. On average, dental sealants cost about $30-$60 per tooth (source: Healthline)
#3: Dental Fillings
Despite preventative efforts, there may still be cases that require restorative dental procedures. With restorative dentistry, generally the earlier the problem is detected, the more affordable the treatment is. When tooth decay occurs, one of the first steps is to have the cavity filled. Compared to other restorative dental treatments, dental fillings are more affordable. They can also be made more affordable by the type of dental material used. For example, the average cost of an amalgam (metal) filling is about $110-$275, while the average cost of a composite resin filling is about $135-$325 per filling (Source: Consumer Guide to Dentistry).
As you can see, not all dental treatments have to cost you a large amount of money. Preventative treatments are especially affordable and have the benefit of reducing the risk for more extensive and expensive procedures later down the line. Even if restorative treatment is required, catching it early leads to lower costs for basic restorative treatments, such as dental fillings. Dental treatment can be made even more affordable through the use of certain dental materials and dental insurance. With these dental treatments, you can be sure to save both your teeth and your wallet.