Understanding the Cost of Dental Care: What You Should Know

At Herbert Family Dentistry, we are committed to providing our valued community members the best possible dental care in Lafayette, LA, regardless of your insurance coverage. We work closely with everyday people to provide various financial dental care solutions. We hope the following information about the cost of dental care and ways to minimize it proves helpful.

Cost of Dental Care in Louisiana

It may come as a surprise, but Louisiana residents reportedly pay the sixth-lowest average amount of money for quality dental care. Although our Texas neighbors pay the least in the country, the difference is only $30. It’s also important to understand that approximately 40 percent of dental health costs come from working families’ pockets. Problems that require anesthesia, oral surgery, and other complex procedures tend to cost more and require higher co-payments or financing. Although solutions differ based on personal health, health habits, severity, and other factors, these are typically the top-to-bottom average most to least expensive treatments.

Dental Implants: Depending on the materials, products, and peripheral issues, dental implants can cost thousands. Additional oral surgery can add to the cost.
Porcelain Veneers: We recommend attractive and durable porcelain veneers that help brighten your smile for decades. Veneers can run upwards of $2,000 or more, but high-quality products are considered the most cost-effective in the long run.
Filling Cavities: The cost of filling cavities runs several hundred dollars. Children usually need four or more cavities filled, and adults typically need at least one procedure.
Wisdom Teeth Removals: Approximately 1 in 6 people require wisdom teeth removed. Depending on whether the procedure involves a complete bone impaction or complications, the cost can run well over $1,000 to have each wisdom tooth extracted.
Root Canal Treatments: Over 15 million people have root canals performed yearly. On average, root canals cost around $1,500 or more. Often, due to hard impacts that crack or break teeth, the procedure usually requires a crown to replace the broken tooth.
Dental Crowns: Depending on the type and quality, crowns can cost under $1,000 to more than $3,000. It’s essential to discuss affordability, how a crown looks, and durability, among other issues, with a dentist.

Other standard oral health procedures include periodontal therapy, bridges, dentures, and implants. Insurance usually covers most dental costs, leaving families with co-pays, deductibles, or a percentage of out-of-pocket expenses. Payment plans and flexible financing can make oral health affordable for those without dental coverage.

How to Lower Your Dental Care Costs

As a Lafayette family dentistry practice, we urge residents to conduct due financial diligence to reduce expenses.

There are various approaches to easing your family’s dental costs. Consider comparing dental insurance policies to find the right one for you and your family. These are essential questions to ask when choosing a plan.

Is there a maximum yearly benefit?
Is my dentist in the participating provider network?
What is the difference between a Preferred Provider Organization and a Health Maintenance Organization?
How long does it take for coverage to start?
What does the plan exclude, if anything?
Are there any enrollment or processing fees?

It’s not uncommon for dental plans to include a specific dollar amount deductible. Weigh the monthly expense against other costs and your family’s needs. Sometimes, the lowest premium doesn’t save money in the long run.

Along with selecting the right policy for your family’s needs, we encourage our patients to take preventive measures to reduce treatments. Brushing your teeth twice daily and flossing at least once daily removes plaque that can lead to cavities and gum disease. Sugary beverages, cigarettes, and alcohol often lead to oral health conditions. Discuss alternatives with our dental team if you have these or other unhealthy habits.

Let Us Help Support and Care for Your Teeth, Gums, and Oral Health at Hebert Family Dentistry

If you are concerned about the cost of a routine checkup or cleaning or are struggling with a tooth problem, contact Hebert Family Dentistry in Lafayette. Our team diligently works with good people to find financial solutions and ensure you get the dental treatment and care you deserve.