What is Dental Coverage and Who Needs It?
Many medical insurance plans do not cover dental services. To help minimize the out-of-pocket costs of dental care, many people choose to buy dental insurance. This benefit has many similarities to medical insurance, such as monthly premium payments, coverage networks, and out-of-pocket cost reductions for treatments.
Dental insurance cost will vary depending on your location, the number of people covered, and the plan type. Part of your cost is the monthly premiums that you pay. Depending on the types of services you get, you may also need to pay a percentage of the amount billed for those dental procedures. Your plan's coverage will determine how much you pay for any exams or dental work that you receive.
What is dental insurance?
Dental insurance is health insurance for your oral care. Dental coverage helps you reduce the amount that you spend on preventive care and treatments. For example, you may pay a percentage of the full price to get a root canal or filling, depending on your plan.
When looking for dental coverage, consider what the plans cover and what you need for coverage. If you have healthy teeth, preventive dental care and basic treatment coverage may provide you with adequate coverage for the time being. You can decide what the best type of coverage is for your dental needs and budget.
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Get a Quote For Dental CoverageWhat's covered under dental insurance plans?
Each dental plan is different. However, most plans often provide coverage for basic dental services: typically, two dental visits per year for cleanings, X-rays, and fillings for each insured family member.
Some dental plans may add to basic services to cover root canal therapy, crowns, and treatment of gum disease. Tooth extractions and biopsies administered for the purpose of improving dental health may also be covered by dental insurance. (By contrast, oral surgeries performed in connection with medical treatment of a medical condition are more likely to be covered by health insurance.)
After a waiting period, some dental plans may also begin to pay a portion of the cost for periodontics, bridges, and dentures.
How much do dental services cost?
The cost of dental care varies by region, dental practice, the metals used (when applicable) and the teeth being treated. National estimates show the following average costs for common dental procedures.
| Service | Price Range |
| Teeth Cleaning | $75-$200 |
| Tooth Filling | $150-$450 |
| Tooth Crown | $500-$3,000 |
| Root Canal | $300-2,000 |
| Dental Implants (per tooth) | $3,000-$4,500 |
| Full Mouth Periodontal Treatment | $4,000-$10,000 |
Benefits of having dental insurance
Accoding to Healthcare.gov, approximately 70.5% of people under 65 years old had dental insurance in 2019, and for good reason. Dental insurance helps make the cost of dental care affordable for more people, especially those who may not be able to pay cash for exams and dental work. If you're worried about how to pay for dental care with no money, dental insurance may actually be able to help you.
Because many plans cover preventative exams, X-rays, and cleanings, it's easier to keep up with oral health maintenance. Routine cleanings remove plaque and tartar that could lead to periodontal disease and tooth loss. Regular exams identify signs of problems when they are less expensive to fix. Preventive care can keep the teeth and gums healthier, but even in those with healthy teeth, accidents or other issues can occur.
With dental insurance, the costs for major dental work, such as dentures or emergency treatment for knocked-out teeth, may be shareable so that burden doesn't fall completely on your shoulders. You only have to pay monthly premiums to get these benefits.
