How much does a dentist cost without insurance?

The short answer

Without insurance, a standard cleaning often costs about $85 to $160. A tooth extraction can run $150 to $460. A crown can cost $1,100 to $2,000, and a root canal about $1,200 to $1,500 before the crown. Prices change by city, office and tooth.

These numbers come from published sources, and they are ranges, not quotes. Your dentist should give you a written price for your own case. Below you will find the ranges and ways to bring your costs down.

Cleanings, exams and fillings

Delta Dental estimates a standard cleaning without dental benefits at $85 to $160. Healthline gives a wider range of $75 to $200, and says the price depends on the dentist and the local cost of living. A visit with an exam and X-rays costs more than a cleaning alone.

A deeper cleaning for gum disease costs more. Delta Dental lists periodontal maintenance at $140 to $220 and a full mouth cleaning to remove heavy buildup at $150 to $260 without benefits. If your gums are healthy, a normal cleaning is the right visit. If not, treating gum disease early costs less than treating it late.

Consumer Reports, using 2018 data, listed a filling at $108 to $246. Prices are higher now in many places. The material, the size of the cavity and the tooth all affect the cost. Tooth-colored fillings may cost more than silver ones.

A filling is one of the best deals in dentistry, because a small cavity is much cheaper to fix than a big one. Waiting often turns a filling into a crown or a root canal.

Extractions

Delta Dental's out-of-network averages are about $150 to $310 for a simple extraction and $260 to $460 for a surgical one. A simple extraction is when the tooth is visible and comes out in one piece. A surgical one means the dentist must cut the gum or remove bone, as with many wisdom teeth.

If you pull a tooth, ask about replacing it. A missing tooth can let neighbors shift, and it can change how you chew. A bridge or an implant may be options for later.

Crowns and root canals

A crown is a cap that covers a damaged tooth. Delta Dental says the out-of-network cost for a permanent crown averages $1,100 to $2,000. Cleveland Clinic, as quoted by Healthline, gives $800 to $1,500 or more. Consumer Reports, based on 2020 dental association data, cited $400 to $1,698 depending on the material.

Why such a wide spread? Material, lab fees, where you live and how much work is needed first. A tooth may need a build-up or a root canal before it gets a crown, and those cost extra.

Delta Dental lists out-of-network averages of about $1,200 for a front tooth, $1,300 for a premolar and $1,500 for a molar. Consumer Reports, citing 2020 survey data, gave a range of $620 to $1,472. A root canal is often followed by a crown, which is billed separately.

Root canals have a bad reputation, but they relieve pain by removing an infected nerve. They also save the tooth, which can be cheaper over time than pulling it and replacing it.

Why prices differ, and what to ask when you get a quote

Two offices can charge different prices for the same crown, and both can be fair. Rent and staff costs vary by city. Some offices use a lab down the street, and others use one far away. The material you pick changes the price. So does the time the work takes.

The experience of your dentist and the tools in the office play a part too. For example, scans and digital X-rays cost money to buy and run, but they can show your dentist more detail. The lowest price is not always the best value. Ask what is included, such as the exam, X-rays, follow-up visits and any temporary tooth.

Also keep in mind that the prices in this article are averages and published ranges. Some are from out-of-network claims data, which reflects what dentists bill, and some come from older surveys. Use them to get a feel for the scale, and then get a quote.

A good estimate has no surprises. Before you say yes to a big treatment, ask these questions:

• What exactly is included in this price?
• Will I need other work first, such as a build-up or a root canal?
• What is the price of each step if we do it in stages?
• What happens if I wait three months or six months?
• Is there a cash discount, a payment plan or a membership plan?
• How long does the work last, and what care does it need?

Seven ways to pay less

Paying cash does not have to mean paying full price. Try these steps:

• Ask for the cash or self-pay price. Some offices offer a lower fee when you pay at the visit.
• Ask about in-office membership plans or a dental savings plan.
• Get a written estimate with each step and fee, and ask which work is urgent and which can wait.
• Ask if treatment can be done in stages.
• Check dental schools. Consumer Reports says they can cost about 30% to 40% less, with students supervised by licensed dentists.
• Look at community health centers that charge on a sliding scale.
• Ask about financing, and read the terms with care.

Do not wait when something hurts, and how KDA can help

Cost is the reason many people delay care. But waiting often makes things more expensive. A cavity grows. A cracked tooth gets infected. See a dentist soon if you have swelling in your face, a fever, a bad toothache or a tooth knocked out. These can be signs of infection or injury that needs quick care. If swelling makes it hard to breathe or swallow, go to the emergency room.

Regular checkups are the best money saver. Your dentist can catch small problems when they are still small. Many dentists suggest visits about every six months, but your dentist may pick a different schedule for you based on your health and your risks. Ask what is right for you, and keep the plan in writing.

At Kendall Dental Associates (KDA), we give you a clear plan before treatment, and we explain each step. We accept most dental insurance plans, credit cards, debit cards and NFC mobile payments, and financing is available. Prices depend on your case, so please call us for an exact number after an exam.

You will find us at 8833 SW 107th Ave, Miami, in the Kendall Mall, open Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Our phone is 305-271-1421. For emergencies, we offer care 24/7.

Common questions

This article is general information, not medical advice. Your dentist will confirm what is right for you at your exam. General information checked against: deltadental.com, deltadental.com, deltadental.com, deltadental.com, consumerreports.org, healthline.com.