Demystifying Dental Procedures

Walking into a dentist's office can feel overwhelming, especially when you hear terms like "root canal," "crown," or "periodontal scaling." Understanding what these procedures involve and what they cost can help you make informed decisions about your dental care.

Preventive Procedures

Dental Cleaning (Prophylaxis)

What it is: Professional removal of plaque and tartar from teeth.

Why you need it: Prevents cavities and gum disease.

How often: Every 6 months (or as recommended)

Typical cost: $75-200

With membership plan: Usually included in monthly fee

Duration: 30-60 minutes

Dental Exam

What it is: Comprehensive checkup including visual inspection, X-rays, and oral cancer screening.

Why you need it: Early detection of problems saves money and pain.

How often: Every 6-12 months

Typical cost: $50-150

With membership plan: Usually included

X-Rays (Radiographs)

What it is: Images of teeth and bone structure.

Types:

  • Bitewing (checking for cavities): $25-75
  • Panoramic (full mouth): $100-200
  • Periapical (individual tooth): $20-50

With membership plan: Often included or heavily discounted

Basic Restorative Procedures

Dental Filling

What it is: Repairing a cavity by removing decay and filling the space.

Materials:

  • Amalgam (silver): $100-200
  • Composite (tooth-colored): $150-300
  • Gold: $250-450

With membership plan: 20-40% discount

Duration: 30-60 minutes

Anesthesia: Local (numbing)

Tooth Extraction

What it is: Removing a tooth that can't be saved.

Types:

  • Simple extraction: $75-300
  • Surgical extraction: $150-650
  • Wisdom tooth removal: $225-600 per tooth

With membership plan: 25-35% discount

Recovery: 1-2 weeks

Major Restorative Procedures

Dental Crown

What it is: A cap that covers and protects a damaged tooth.

Materials:

  • Porcelain-fused-to-metal: $800-1,500
  • All-ceramic: $1,000-2,000
  • Gold: $800-1,500

With membership plan: 20-30% discount

Duration: 2 visits (or same-day with CAD/CAM)

Lifespan: 10-15 years with good care

Root Canal

What it is: Removing infected pulp from inside a tooth.

Why needed: Saves a tooth that would otherwise need extraction.

Typical cost: $700-1,500 (front tooth) to $900-1,800 (back tooth)

With membership plan: 20-30% discount

Duration: 1-2 hours

Recovery: 1-2 days of mild discomfort

Alternative: Extraction ($75-300) + implant ($3,000-6,000) = much more expensive

Dental Bridge

What it is: Replacing one or more missing teeth with artificial teeth anchored to adjacent teeth.

Typical cost: $1,500-5,000 (depending on number of teeth)

With membership plan: 20-30% discount

Lifespan: 10-15 years

Periodontal (Gum) Procedures

Deep Cleaning (Scaling and Root Planing)

What it is: Removing plaque and tartar from below the gumline.

Why needed: Treats gum disea