How Much Does Dental Care Cost?
Tulsa, OK
 The cost of dental care depends on the procedure, with several factors that decide the price.
Let’s take a look at the average cost list of a few dental care procedures:| • |
Dental implants start may start at $4,000 per implant
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Dental veneers may cost anywhere from $1,000 to $2,000 per tooth
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Tooth extraction costs anywhere from $300 to $3,000
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Scaling and root planing is approximately $150
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Root canal costs about $1,000
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Dentures cost about $700 to $3,500, depending on the material used
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Periodontal surgery starts at $5,000
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Full mouth dental reconstruction can start at $35,000 |
Other factors may also affect the cost of dental care, including:
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The equipment used
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The materials used
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The procedure’s overall complexity
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The specific dental office and its location
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The time it takes to complete the procedure
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The total number of materials that are used
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Number of examinations required before performing the dental procedure |
Dental Procedures are Performed by Experts
It is also worth mentioning that dental care is performed by trained professionals. Dentists go through several years of dental school as well as specialized training that takes a lot of time (and money).
The tools for dental care are not inexpensive. Not only does a dental practice spend hundreds of thousands on specialized equipment, but it also has to spend money on maintaining the equipment. The cost of x-ray machines can be upwards of $15,000, and newer models could be $30,000 or more. Even something as simple as a dental chair with all the necessary trays, and attachments will cost about $20,000. This doesn't take into account the use of surgical tools, anesthetics, and medications used in procedures such as fillings and root canals. In addition, dentists also have to rely on third-party labs and businesses to provide materials and tests such as dentures, crowns, and materials. All of these can significantly drive up the cost of dental care.
Number of Appointments
Most dental care procedures can take several appointments to complete, usually with a healing time required in between appointments. A higher number of appointments are made to ensure that the patient receives the best possible care so that their quality of life is improved.
Materials Used
Dentists use materials that have been well-researched in order to withstand a constantly humid environment, a harsh, biting force, as well as bacterial invasion. In addition, the material must be resistant to highly acidic foods such as energy drinks. Filing material must be able to handle all of these foods regularly and for a long period of time.
Manufacturing these materials is no easy task and requires a lot of expertise and specialized equipment. The materials can add to the overall cost of dental care.
Insurance
Dentists are quired to carry professional insurance, depending on where they live. Insurance includes workers' compensation, overhead costs, equipment, and others. All of these policies can be expensive to dentists and often require to be renewed.
Number of Examinations
Some dental care procedures, such as bone grafts and dental implants, require several tests to see if patients are eligible to receive treatments. Dentists often require a complete 3D image of the feature to reveal information such as teeth placement, bone structure, and other aspects. This is done with the help of tests such as CT scans, digital x-rays, as well as cleanings, exams, and oral cancer screenings, all of which can increase the overall cost.
What’s more, dental practices will always work with approved and recognized laboratories for quality assurance purposes. They will not use cheaper dental laboratories just to save money. As the old saying goes, quality over quantity.
The Patient’s Overall Health
It is recommended for patients to visit their dentists routinely in order to identify issues when they’re still at an early stage. Some patients may only visit their doctor until after they notice that something is wrong, and by then, they may require a more costly procedure. Making routine appointments to see the dentist is more cost-effective than waiting and going to the dentist in a state of emergency. It is highly recommended to make dental appointments once every six months. This isn't very expensive when you think about the overall health implications in the long run.
In fact, the dental care costs depend on the patient's overall health. The best way to keep dental care costs down is to stay on top of oral hygiene, such as brushing and flossing regularly. Brushing and flossing are highly underrated when it comes to oral care because they prevent plaque buildup and cavities. Any problems that do arise can be easily dealt with by your dentist.
Business Overhead Costs
Every business has overhead costs that must be met, and dental practices are no exception to this rule. Examples of overhead costs include loans, utility bills, and upgrade costs for providing patients with a safe and fully equipped environment, like the ones at Smiles of Tulsa.
Other costs include software subscriptions, computer equipment, insurance, cleaning and laundry, professional subscriptions, accounting changes, managing clinical waste, and uniforms, all of which can cost a lot to dental practices. Examples of variable costs include laboratory costs, material fees, staff salaries, and materials. In other words, only a small amount of the patient’s fees go into the commodity that is often undervalued: the dentist’s time, skill, and expertise.
Let’s take a look at a few dental FAQs for kids.
Is Dental Care Painful?
Dental care is usually not painful. However, other factors, such as tooth decay and inflammation, could lead to pain.
Do Dentists Numb Patients for Dental Care?
A routine cleaning does not require numbing. However, a more intensive procedure, such as deep cleaning, may require the use of an anesthetic to keep the patient feeling comfortable.
Don’t Avoid Dental Care Due to Financial Reasons
It is not recommended to put off dental care because of financial reasons. Dental problems should be taken care of right away when they’re still easily treatable. For example, waiting to replace a missing tooth can shift the surrounding teeth. It can also cause difficulty in speaking and chewing. There is no way to tell exactly how much dental care will cost for you because of the large variability in factors, as discussed earlier. Contact our professionals, Corbyn VanBrunt, DDS and by dialing (918) 891-3059 to learn more. |
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