Dental exams are recommended every 6 months to allow a hygienist to clean your teeth and for a dentist to check on the overall health of your teeth. Oftentimes, insurance will cover this cost – at no cost to the patient. However, if you do not have dental insurance or if you are planning on paying out of pocket, you may be concerned about the cost.
The average cost of a dental exam can vary from dentist to dentist, but generally the cost is around $130 – $175 for a cleaning and exam. The cost covers everything needed for a hygienist to clean your teeth, and for the dentist to make sure your oral health is in top shape. If a dentist finds any problems, including possible cavities, you will need to pay for any x-rays. X-rays can cost anywhere from $85 – $250, depending what type of x-ray(s) you need. Later, if you have a cavity and it needs filled, you will also be expected to cover the cost of placing any fillings.
During a routine dental exam, the dentist and/or hygienist will ask you if you have any problem areas and how you feel your overall oral health is. They will check your teeth thoroughly for any cavities, tooth decay, or gum disease. The dentist will also examine the soft tissue in your mouth for any signs of oral cancer. A hygienist will usually clean your teeth, by lightly scraping away any stains or deposits on your teeth, polish your teeth with special tools, and assess your need for fluoride. During your cleaning, they will also scrape just below the gum line to remove any built-up plaque that can cause gum disease, cavities, or bad breath.
Routine dental exams are imperative to everyone’s oral health. Even if you feel as though you thoroughly brush your teeth, you should still schedule a visit with the dentist at least every 6 – 12 months, so they can examine your teeth for any problem areas and give your teeth a more in-depth cleaning.
