How Much Does a Dental Exam Cost Without Insurance? | Mira Health
How Much Does a Dental Exam Cost Without Insurance?
If you don’t have insurance, you can expect to pay an average of $400 as a new patient. Prices also vary from state to state.
Blanche Palasi
Blanche Palasi is a 2024 PharmD. Candidate currently attending St. John's University. A Queens native, she is passionate about helping patients identify and navigate social determinants of health.
If you’re looking to visit your dentist for a routine dental exam but don’t have insurance, you can expect to pay an average of $400 as a new patient. With 74 million Americans lacking dental coverage, various options are available to offset these costs. Prices may vary based on your state, which dental procedure you need, and the overall condition of your dental health.
Common Dental Procedures and Their Respective Costs Without Insurance
A dental check-up typically includes an oral examination, a full mouth X-ray, and comprehensive teeth cleaning. Prices vary primarily by geographical location and state. Resources like Delta Dental and FEP Dental allow you to use your zip code to estimate the cost of dental services in your area. The following lists show the price range of these individual procedures by state according to these dental pricing tools.
Average Dental Check-Up Total Cost by State
| State | Average Cost Without Insurance |
|---|---|
| New York | $700-963 |
| Texas | $418-575 |
| California | $468-717 |
| Florida | $390-535 |
| Pennsylvania | $417-577 |
| New Jersey | $379-473 |
Average Oral Exam Cost by State
| State | Average Cost Without Insurance |
|---|---|
| New York | $225 |
| Texas | $128 |
| California | $166 |
| Florida | $118 |
| Pennsylvania | $98 |
| New Jersey | $128 |
Average Teeth Cleaning Cost by State
| State | Average Cost Without Insurance |
|---|---|
| New York | $250 |
| Texas | $120 |
| California | $150 |
| Florida | $111 |
| Pennsylvania | $130 |
| New Jersey | $125 |
Average Full X-Ray Cost by State
| State | Average Cost Without Insurance |
|---|---|
| New York | $350 |
| Texas | $245 |
| California | $269 |
| Florida | $227 |
| Pennsylvania | $226 |
| New Jersey | $183 |
Different Types of Dental Exams
Dentists use three different types of dental exams to assess your oral health. These tests share similarities but differ in their thoroughness, urgency, regularity, and cost.
Comprehensive Exam
A comprehensive exam is the most thorough dental test. Comprehensive exams are a full assessment of a patient’s dental health. These exams are typically given to new patients or if you haven’t been to the dentist in a long time. If you are a regular patient in your dentist’s office, the American Dental Association (ADA) also recommends having a comprehensive exam every three years.
Periodic Exam
Similar to a comprehensive exam, periodic exams include a teeth cleaning and a full mouth X-ray. This is the most common oral exam and should be completed every six months.
Limited Exam
Limited exams are emergency exams targeted at a specific oral problem. These are not routine check-ups and are only used to address an acute issue. Your dentist will analyze your teeth visually and with an X-ray to identify problem areas.
Factors that Influence the Cost of Dental Exams
In addition to location, the cost of routine dental exams can be influenced by multiple factors. If you haven’t been to your dentist in a while, you may need additional procedures with your regular check-up. Your dental hygiene and how often you see your dentist can also determine how much you pay.
Common Additional Dental Procedures
If you need additional procedures to supplement your dental exam, you may be charged for those services. Below are some other common dental procedures your dentist may recommend.
Average Cost of Common Dental Procedures
| Dental Procedure | Average Cost Without Insurance |
|---|---|
| Cavity Filling | $ 200 - 600 |
| Tooth Extraction | $ 75 - 250 per tooth |
| Wisdom Teeth Removal | $ 120 - 800 per tooth |
| Root Canal | $ 600 - 1400 |
| Dental Crown | $ 500 - 3000 |
Regularity of Dental Exams
Your overall dental health can influence your total oral exam cost. Dentists recommend having dental check-ups every six months to maintain good oral hygiene and prevent further dental complications.
Insurance Status and Payment Plans
If you are enrolled in Medicaid, all states offer dental care for individuals under the age of 21. For adults, Medicaid dental benefits vary by state.
Options if You are Uninsured
If you are uninsured and are due for an oral exam, many clinics in each state offer free and low-cost services. These organizations use federal and state funding to provide affordable dental care.
Dental School Clinic
Another option if you’re looking for an affordable oral exam is to visit a dental school clinic.
Dental Exam Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The following section will address some questions you may have about getting an oral exam.
Why do I need to get an oral exam?
Oral exams are an essential part of preventative dental care. Routine check-ups can identify cavities, tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental problems before they progress.
Do I need to prepare for a dental exam?
If you have certain heart conditions or are at high risk of infection, your dentist might prescribe you antibiotics to take before your oral exam.
Can I get an oral exam if I am pregnant?
It is important to continue maintaining good oral health during pregnancy including getting routine oral exams.
Bottom Line
Oral exams can be complicated, confusing, and expensive. Typical oral exams consist of teeth cleaning and mouth X-ray, and your dentist might recommend additional procedures to aid your dental health.