Cost of common dental procedures

Some dentist offices may not provide a price list for their services. While your total out-of-pocket costs can depend on your dental insurance coverage, here are average costs for some common dental procedures.

Dental cleaning costs

If you have dental insurance, preventive dental care services like exams and cleanings may be 100% covered. 

If your plan doesn’t cover these services, average prices are:

• Basic cleaning and polish: $75–$200¹
• Panoramic X-rays: $100–$200⁴

Dental filling costs   

The price for filling a cavity can depend on the tooth filling material, the size of the cavity being filled and the location of the tooth. Here are some dental filling costs based on different materials:²

• Amalgam: $50–$150 for 1–2 teeth 
• Composite or ionomer: $90–$250 for 1–2 teeth 
• Gold: $250–$4,500 for 1–2 teeth  

Dental crown costs 

Like a filling, the cost of a crown is based on the material used. Here are typical prices for a dental crown:⁵

• Metal: $500–$1,500 per tooth 
• Porcelain fused-to-metal (PFM): $600–$1,800 per tooth
• Ceramic (porcelain): $800–$2,000 per tooth 

Tooth extraction costs 

How much you pay for getting a tooth pulled can depend on the size of the tooth, location of the tooth and difficulty of the procedure. A range of prices include:⁶

• Simple tooth extraction: $75–$250 
• Surgical tooth extraction: $180–$550 
• Wisdom tooth extraction: $120–$800

Root canal costs   

Root canal prices can vary based on how severe the infection is, and which tooth is affected. Ballpark estimates for commonly affected teeth are:⁷

• Incisor: $500–$1,000  
• Molar: $800–$1,500

The cost of dentures 

The cost of dentures depends on several factors. These include the quality of the materials, the need for tooth extractions, or the cost of follow-up appointments for fitting adjustments. Here are some ranges of estimated costs for dentures:⁸

• Low-cost dentures: $600–$1,000 for a full set 
• Mid-priced, mid-quality dentures: $1,000–$3,000 for a full set 
• High-quality dentures: $4,000–$8,000 for a full set 

Cost of root planing and scaling  

Scaling and root planing, also called a “deep cleaning,” is a 2-step process to help treat gum disease. Scaling and root planing can cost between $169–$352 per quadrant. A quadrant is 1 of 4 equal sections in the mouth where the dental arches can be divided.⁹

Cost of dental implants  

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots made of titanium alloy. They are implanted in your jawbone to create a sturdy base to support 1 or more artificial teeth, called crowns. Based on the American Dental Association’s Health Policy Institute cost survey, the total cost of an implant, abutment, crown and other necessary procedures ranges from $3,100 to $5,800.³

Whether you have the added security of a dental insurance plan or you’re paying for dental care by yourself, you may still have options to save: 

• Use your HSA or FSA. If you have a health savings account (HAS) or flexible spending account (FSA), you can use it to pay for routine appointments or to cover deductibles, copays or coinsurance for treatment recommended by your dentist.  
• Consider a dental discount plan. Dental discount plans are membership plans similar to those for grocery stores or wholesale clubs. But instead of bargains on groceries or TVs, you get discounted prices on dental services. 
• Check dental schools. Many dental schools offer reduced-cost dental treatment. It gives dental students a chance to gain valuable experience under the close supervision of licensed dentists. 
• For children, check out CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program). CHIP benefits often include dental services for children, although benefits may vary from state to state.  
• Ask your dentist for a payment plan. If you have a provider who’s been your dentist for a while, but your current dental needs are breaking your budget, ask for a payment plan.  

How ever you’re planning on paying for the dental care you need, costs can vary a lot from 1 dentist to the next. Take time to do a little comparison shopping. With just a few phone calls, you may be able to save money. Just be sure to confirm that each dentist you consider is part of your insurance plan’s network or you may end up paying more out of pocket.  

Of course, 1 of the best ways to keep your dentistry costs down is to take good care of your teeth and gums.  

If you’re looking to save money on dental care, Humana can help. We offer a broad range of dental plans with varying levels of coverage, many with affordable monthly premiums. Some of our plans also feature no waiting periods, which means you could get covered in about 5 days. To see plans and prices in your area, check out our Humana dental insurance page.