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How much does an average cost of dental cleaning?

By | Date posted: | Last updated: December 14, 2022
cost of dental cleaning

While people are generally cognizant towards their overall health, oral health is often ignored. This is despite the fact that both oral health & overall health are inextricably linked to each other. Among other things, poor oral health leads to accumulation of bacteria, which if it enters the bloodstream can lead to several diseases, some of them even fatal. To take care of your oral health, therefore is imperative. While regular brushing & flossing needs to be an important part of your oral care routine, what is equally important are professional dental cleanings. They offer the following advantages:

  • Keep your teeth healthy
  • Remove plaque
  • Prevent gum disease
  • Prevent bad breath
  • Keep you in good overall health
  • Additionally, your regular cleaning appointments also lead to catching any early signs of oral disease

 

What Is the Recommended Frequency of Dental Cleaning?

It is generally recommended that dental cleaning be undertaken six monthly. However those who are at increased risk for gum disease may need dental cleaning every three months. Your dentist will be in the best position to recommend the exact frequency depending on your oral condition.

Types of Dental Cleaning

Dental Cleaning can take the following forms:

1. Prophylaxis Cleaning

Prophylaxis cleaning is meant for adults who have healthy teeth & gums who need regular cleanings typically twice a year to remove any plaque that may have formed on the tooth’s surface.

2. Deep Cleaning

With deposition of tartar below the gum line, you will need to undertake deep cleaning that includes scaling & root planning. In its absence you could also contend with bone loss.

3. Periodontal Maintenance

This is recommended to fight progression of periodontal disease. This may be performed every 3 months as recommended by your dentist.

Cost of Dental Cleaning

A routine dental cleaning is known to cost anywhere between $75-200 and averages about $125.

A deep cleaning procedure, however, is more expensive and can range between $500-4,000 depending on the amount of deep cleaning required.

If you have dental insurance, your insurance plan could cover 100% of the costs of at least one cleaning a year.

What Are Some of the Factors That Impact the Cost of Dental Cleaning?

Some factors that affect the cost include:

  • The extent of cleaning required as also whether you need regular cleaning or deep cleaning
  • Whether or not you have dental insurance
  • Location of your dentist

 

Are There Any Alternatives to Dental Insurance When It Comes to Teeth Cleaning?

In case you do not have a dental insurance plan that can cover your teeth cleaning costs, you could also look out for any in-house preventive dental care plans that your dental clinic may offer.

What Happens If You Do Not Get Regular Teeth Cleanings?

A big fall out of lack of regular dental cleanings is the formation of plaque that can lead to tooth decay & gum disease. In fact, if the plaque isn’t removed it turns into a hard deposit called tartar that inflames the gums & can lead to gum disease such as gingivitis & periodontitis.

Before we get to the average price of dental cleanings, it will be worthwhile to know what a regular dental cleaning entails.

What Happens at a Dental Cleaning Session?

At a dental cleaning session, the dental hygienist will examine your teeth as well as your gum line. Typically, there is plaque buildup on the tooth surface, which is then cleaned using a scaler. If you are health conscious then you should go under a routine dental exam to make yourself aware of your oral health.

Once the plaque is removed, the teeth are polished. At the end, the dentist will undertake a fluoride treatment where a fluoride gel is applied to the teeth that will keep your teeth healthy. The entire cleaning process takes about 30- 45 minutes. The process is pain-free. All you may feel is a mild discomfort.

In case, on examining the gum line, the dental hygienist finds that there is plaque & tartar deposition below the gum line, he will need to undertake deep cleaning. In this process that involves scaling & root planning, each tooth’s root surface is smoothened and the space between the gums and teeth is tightened.

Of course, in between cleanings you need to take care of your oral health by ensuring you brush your teeth twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste. Your teeth also need to be flossed every day. Additionally the use of a mouthwash is recommended.

Is Dental Cleaning Worth the Cost?

Irrespective of whether you are covered by a dental insurance plan, it is important to remember that dental cleanings are imperative. There is a tendency to regard it as a vanity procedure or sometimes to even think that cleaning is something that you can undertake on your own. The fact remains that regular teeth cleaning remains an important aspect of your overall health and is totally worth the cost. In fact, if you do not undertake regular teeth cleaning you may need to contend with a lot of health issues oral and otherwise that will cost you not only money but also your peace of mind. Prevention, as they say, is always better than care.

If you are living in the nearby area of Pleasanton, then you should contact Dr. Sharda Patel. At dental oasis family dentistry, Dr. Patel will check your overall oral health and will also guide you to make your oral health better. You can schedule a dental appointment for your routine dental exam and for dental cleaning too.

cost of dental cleaning

What is the cost of a dental crown with and without insurance?

By | Date posted: | Last updated: December 5, 2022
cost of dental crown

A dental crown is commonly known as a dental cap, and it is basically required after a root canal treatment to strengthen the root canal-treated tooth. However, it is also useful in various esthetic dental procedures, for example, closing the gaps between teeth, minor crooked teeth, smile designing, etc. Therefore, a dental crown or cap is used for medical and cosmetic purposes, which is considered the main factor in deciding whether the insurance should cover the dental crown or not.

Do all dental crowns have insurance coverage?

No, not every crown comes under insurance coverage. Dental insurance does cover the crowns, but it is based on the procedure and need of the crown. As mentioned earlier, dental crowns can be done to enhance your smile or for some medical reasons. Insurance will not cover your crown if it is done for cosmetic dental procedures. On the other hand, the insurance company will cover the cost of a crown if it is necessary for a medical reason, such as:

  • Providing strength to a weak tooth.
  • Strengthening a tooth that has been fractured or cracked and requires a cap to provide support and restore its function.
  • A large cavity or decayed tooth, where the filling cannot fulfill the purpose.

 

What are the different types of crowns and how much do they cost?

The cost of the crown is determined by its type. Based on the material used, dental crowns are categorized into three types. These are classified as follows.

  • Metal crowns or gold crowns.
  • Porcelain-infused metal crowns or ceramic-infused crowns.
  • All-porcelain crowns or all-ceramic crowns.

 

Among all these crowns, porcelain-infused metal crowns are the most commonly used. However, all three of them have their own advantage, and the dentist will determine which type of crown will be appropriate for a particular condition. In general, all-porcelain crowns are more expensive than other crowns. 

Typically, a dental crown may cost anywhere from $500 to $2000 or even more than this. This range is determined by a number of factors, including whether you have insurance, what all it covers, the costs your dentist charges for dental work, and the number of additional treatments are required to finish your treatment. Apart from this, the city and location where you are getting your treatment done may also affect the cost of the crown. 

Metal Crowns

Metal crowns are made of a single layer of metal and are preferred when there is very little space available for tooth crowning. However, due to the fact that they do not match tooth color and do not look aesthetically pleasing, they are rarely used today. The metal crowns will cost around $600 to $2,500 per crown.

Porcelain-Infused Metal Crowns/Ceramic-Infused Metal Crowns

These crowns are made up of two materials, metal, and porcelain. The inside layer is made up of metal and the outside is made up of porcelain which is white in color. Sometimes, this type of crown is also called PFM (porcelain fused to metal). The average cost of this crown is roughly around $500 to $1500 per tooth.

All Porcelain Crowns or All Ceramic Crowns

These crowns are the most expensive among all the crowns. They are entirely made up of porcelain/ceramic and give an excellent esthetic appearance. When appearance is your first priority, such as for front teeth, all ceramic crowns are the greatest option. 

In addition to esthetic advantages, they are incredibly strong. They will cost around $800 to $3000 per tooth. An example of this type of crown is a zirconia crown. 

Cost of a dental crown with and without insurance

What is the cost of crowns without insurance?

The average cost of metal, PFM, and all-porcelain crowns without insurance are discussed below.    

1. Metal Crowns

The average cost of the metal crown without insurance ranges from $830 to $2465 per tooth with an average price of $1353.

2. Porcelain-Infused Metal Crowns

If you do not have insurance, PFM crowns will cost around $875 to $1400 per tooth with an average price of $1093.

3. All-Porcelain Crowns

These crowns will cost you around $860 to $3000 per tooth with an average price of $1430.

 

What is the cost of crowns with insurance?

Usually, the insurance covers 50% of the crown cost. With insurance, you will have to pay less for the crown. The cost of the different crowns is discussed below.

1. Metal Crowns

If you have insurance, you will have to spend around $519 to $1140 with an average price of $882.

2. Porcelain-Infused Metal Crowns

These crowns will cost you around $282 to $1000 with an average cost of $618.

3. All-Porcelain Crowns

With insurance, these crowns will cost you roughly around $530 to $1875 with an average price of $953.

Dental Crown Cost California

Following are the cost of dental crown in California:

Type of crown Cost with insurance Cost without insurance
Metal Crowns Approx. $900 Approx. $800-$1500
Porcelain-Infused Metal Crowns Approx. $700 Approx. $900-$1500
All-Porcelain Crowns Approx. $900 Approx. $800-$3000

What additional steps and costs are associated with the crown?

Before placing the crown, the dentist will do a thorough dental examination which may include dental x-rays. If the x-ray shows the need for a root canal treatment, you will be charged for the same. In addition, a missing tooth can be replaced by a crown and bridge which requires tooth preparation and impression materials for the fabrication of the bridge. Apart from this, if a tooth is extremely weak and lacks tooth structure an additional procedure is required which is called post and core. This treatment is done before placing the crown. All these procedures will be charged separately. As a result, the final cost of your treatment following the placement of a crown will vary depending on the further treatments required to ensure the tooth’s functionality.

Conclusion

To conclude, having dental insurance will definitely benefit you and prevent you from spending extra money from your pocket. Generally, insurance companies give all the details regarding which dental procedure is covered and which is not. Additionally, they provide the list of dentists or dental offices which are approved for claiming insurance. Some dental crowns come with a warranty. If a dental crown breaks while it is still covered by the manufacturer’s warranty, you may be eligible to receive a replacement crown.

We also accept well-known dental insurances to make your smile beautiful. You can contact us at office@dentaloasispleasanton.com to know more about insurance and dental crown cost. Although dental crowns may appear costly, the strength and longevity they give a weak tooth makes them worth the cost. 

Cost of Dental Crown Dental Crown

Teeth Whitening vs Bleaching: Which one will make your smile whiten?

By | Date posted: | Last updated: November 28, 2022
Teeth Whitening, Teeth Bleaching

Teeth whitening and bleaching are the modalities to make the tooth appear whiter. A whiter tooth is pleasing to everyone. Whiter teeth make the smile brighter and boost the self-confidence of an individual. There are several products available in the market to make your smile whiten. But if you are confused about which to choose, continue reading this article.

What makes your tooth look yellow?

  • There is an association between skin color and tooth color. People with darker skin tones have whiter teeth, whereas individuals with lighter skin tones have dark teeth (less white).
  • Tea and coffee also aid in making the tooth appear yellow.
  • Wines and beverages, like sodas, can also make your teeth look less white.
  • Poor oral hygiene can lead to the deposition of plaque and result in stained teeth.
  • Loss of dental enamel can also result in yellow teeth.
  • Smoking also affects tooth color.

Difference between Teeth Whitening and Bleaching!

Teeth Whitening and bleaching are almost similar terms used for whitening the tooth. There is not much difference between both. The term bleaching is used for products that can make teeth whiter than they naturally are. This holds true for products that contain active components of peroxides like carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide.

On the contrary, whitening refers to the procedure of eliminating stains and debris from the surface of the teeth to revert them to their original color. Cleaning products like toothpaste and mouthwash are included in whitening products. Therefore, these products can clean your teeth but cannot improve their color or make them white.

But, nowadays, many bleaching products that contain active chemicals (peroxides) are advertised as whitening instead of bleaching because it looks more appealing.

This also arise one more question in our head is that are white teeth healthy?

Now let’s discuss about types of tooth whitening/bleaching.

What are the different types of tooth whitening and bleaching?

Dental whitening can be performed using either professional or at-home bleaching methods. That means you can have your teeth whitened by your dentist in a dental office or by yourself at home. Both options show good results. But both use different concentrations of bleaching agent (peroxide) and times to show results. You should also expect temporary sensitivity after bleaching procedures, whether at-home or in-office. Therefore, it is always a good idea to use desensitizing toothpaste for a few weeks after bleaching procedures. Before using any product for bleaching at home, always ensure it is an ADA (American Dental Association) approved.

What are the at-home bleaching methods for whitening teeth?

At-home bleaching methods come in various forms, such as strips, gels, pens, and toothpaste. All these products must be applied on the upper and lower teeth for a few minutes for a few weeks or months as directed by the manufacturer. All these modalities are discussed below:

1. Whitening Strips

These strips contain peroxides in lower concentrations and take a little longer to show the results. They are very easy to use and have to be applied on the upper and lower teeth, keeping it for a few minutes or as instructed by the manufacturer and removed. These strips may be used for a couple of months to achieve the results. They are not so expensive and result in moderate sensitivity.

2. Bleaching gels

Bleaching gels come in syringes, and the user has to put them in a tray either provided by the manufacturer or a custom tray fabricated by the dentist. A custom tray is better as it truly fits your teeth and allows the gel to stay properly on your teeth without leaking. These might take a few weeks to show results, but they are cost-effective. In addition, they cause less sensitivity. 

3. Whitening Pen

A whitened-gel tube with a brush tip is what makes up a whitening pen. The gel is available in various strengths. Each tooth is painted with the gel, giving it 60 seconds to dry before sealing your mouth. Some brands instruct you to rinse your mouth with water or brush your teeth without toothpaste after the suggested treatment period. At the same time, other gels disintegrate after a predetermined amount of time. They are available with or without LED lights and show complete results in around two weeks.

4. Toothpaste

These are generally not recommended as people tend to overuse them, which can show adverse effects. The main ingredients in traditional whitening toothpaste are abrasives and bleaching agents like silica, pyrophosphates, hydrogen peroxide, or carbamide peroxide that remove extrinsic stains and brighten the color of teeth. 

Whitening toothpaste contains chemicals that have unintended negative effects on the enamel as well as the soft tissues, leading to loss of enamel, ulcers, and irritations of the areas around the teeth. Therefore, before using this toothpaste, all usage recommendations should be followed, including how often to use it.

What is in-office bleaching?

In-office bleaching takes 45 minutes to two hours and can whiten your teeth up to eight shades in one sitting. The biggest advantage of this procedure is its excellent results that can be seen immediately after the treatment. This procedure uses the highest percentage of peroxides and is more expensive than at-home bleaching procedures. However, the degree of sensitivity is more in this beaching, which is transient and resolves after a few weeks. Its results last for around one to two years.

When should you choose in-office bleaching and when should you choose at-home bleaching?

If you have a big event like a wedding the next day or want whiter teeth within the same day, plus you do not have any budget constraints, you should choose in-office bleaching. On the other hand, if you have budget issues, do not need the results right away, and can wait at least two to four months to see them, at-home bleaching is the best option to choose.

Conclusion

To conclude, bleaching agents are hydrogen or carbamide peroxide, which makes your teeth a few shades whiter. The teeth whitening kit contains bleaching agents. However, you are not a good candidate for bleaching if you have gum diseases, cavities, receding gums, severe sensitivity, or enamel loss. Because these conditions will make your condition worse and result in increased sensitivity.

Dentists would recommend treating each of these conditions before performing. So, before taking step towards teeth whitening, you can contact Dr. Sharda Patel for the right suggestion and treatment. You can schedule dental appointment or send mail to office@dentaloasispleasanton.com.

Teeth Bleaching Teeth-Whitening

Dental bridge cost without insurance! – How much does it cost?

By | Date posted: | Last updated: November 14, 2022
dental bridge cost without insurance

If you are contending with missing teeth, odds are that a dental bridge is high on your consideration set. Similar to implants, these act as a permanent solution for missing teeth. As its name suggests, a dental bridge acts as a bridge between your natural teeth. It is typically made of crowns on either side of the missing tooth, which supports the false tooth that is cemented in place. To get a dental bridge, therefore, you need healthy teeth on either side of the missing tooth/teeth.

A typical dental bridge has:

  • Abutment teeth
    Crowns are placed on the teeth on either side that work as the anchoring teeth.
  • Pontics
    This refers to the false tooth that fills in the gap and attaches to the crowns.

 

You can also check: Wisdom Tooth Extraction Cost

Why do I need a dental bridge?

With a missing tooth you face multiple issues, including the fact that there is a chance that the neighboring teeth start to shift. This leads to a number of issues such as:

  • Biting and chewing issues.
  • Pain.
  • You could feel self-conscious about your smile.

 

The advantages offered by dental bridges include:

  • Ensuring you can chew properly.
  • Making sure that the natural shape of your face is restored.
  • Ensuring that the remaining teeth do not move in the space created by the missing teeth.
  • Ensuring that there isn’t uneven stress on the bite.
  • They are less invasive compared to an implant.
  • Restoring your beautiful smile.

 

Does everyone qualify for a dental bridge?

While a dental bridge is a popular option for people with missing teeth, there are a number of factors to consider in order to determine whether a bridge will work for you or not.

These include:

  • The number of missing teeth.
  • Are the adjoining teeth strong enough to support the dental bridge?
  • Do you have good oral health? Do you practice good oral hygiene?
  • Do you suffer from some health conditions such as diabetes, cancer or certain autoimmune diseases?

 

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Find the best dentist near you

It is by looking at your overall health history that your dentist can advise you if a dental bridge is indeed the right option for you.

Having answered some basic questions about a Dental Bridge, let us get to issue at hand and analyze the cost involved.

How much does a dental bridge cost without insurance?

Let us first look at some of the factors on which the cost of a bridge depends:

  • The kind of bridge that is required.
  • The material it is made of.
  • Complexity of placement.

 

1. Cost of each type of dental bridges

Type 1 – Maryland Dental Bridges

The big advantage with these bridges is that there is little need to shave enamel from the natural or abutment teeth when these bridges are being attached. In such bridges metal or porcelain frameworks are used.

The average cost of such bridges is between $1,500 to $2,500 for one false tooth.

Type 2 – Cantilever Dental Bridges

They require just one crown on an adjacent tooth to hold the artificial tooth. So, while one tooth is required to be a natural tooth, the other adjacent tooth could even be an implant.

The average cost of such bridges is between $2,000 and $5,000 for one false tooth.

Type 3 – Traditional Bridges

These involve one false tooth that is anchored by crowns on two adjacent teeth. These therefore work best when you have natural teeth on both sides of a missing tooth.

The average cost of such bridges is between $2,000 and $5,000 for one false tooth.

Type 4 – Implant-supported dental bridges

While these are similar to traditional bridges, they differ in the fact that these aren’t supported by crowns placed on adjacent teeth. Instead, they attach to small titanium posts which, in turn, are embedded in the jaw.

The average cost of such bridges is between $5,000 and $15,000 for one three or four teeth supported by two dental implants. 

2. Materials used

Commonly used materials for dental bridges are porcelain & zirconium. These are known for the following:

  • Natural looking appearance.
  • Durability.
  • Strength.

 

Other common choice of material for dental bridges includes metal alloys. Some of the commonly used metal alloys include:

  • Nickel
  • Chromium
  • Palladium
  • Gold

 

However, on account of their metallic appearance, they are often preferred for the back of the mouth where visibility is low.

Additionally, dental bridges could be made of composite or resin too. However, these aren’t widely preferred on account of the fact that they are prone to fractures.

You could also opt for bridges that are made of porcelain that is fused with metal or zirconium.

3. Complexity of placement

Another determinant of the cost is the dental fee, which in turn could depend on a number of factors, including how easy or difficult it is to fit the bridge. Additionally, the cost of dental bridges could go up if you have to avail of services such as any tooth extraction. Also, if you need bone grafting for implant-supported bridges, the cost is even higher.

The skill and expertise as well as the location of the dentist also have an implication on the cost.

How much does a dental bridge cost with insurance?

While most dental insurance companies may claim that they cover 50% of your dental bridge costs, the fact is that if you get into the details the actual coverage may be far less. A lot of it has to do with the associated costs and your annual maximum.

Associated costs in dental bridge

What you need to consider when taking into account the overall price of a dental bridge is also the cost of associated procedures such as an oral exam, tooth x-rays, tooth extraction, cleaning, and more. These associated costs add towards reaching the yearly maximum. You may, therefore, need to pay a significant amount of out-of-pocket expenses.

Other Options

Alternately, you could opt for dental savings plans that may cover up to 50% of the cost without any deductibles. However, here too, you will need to carefully assess whether the savings plan that you have chosen covers only basics or if it also covers the cost of dental bridges and any other restorative procedures.

To sum up

Being a cheaper as well as a less invasive treatment as opposed to implants, the use of dental bridges is widespread.

You can contact us at office@dentaloasispleasanton.com to know more about our dental bridge cost. We accept many dental insurances; to get the detailed information regarding cost, you can schedule a dental appointment too.

Dental Bridge Dental Insurance