Desperately Need Dental? Get Free or Cheap Treatment Like This
You should never have to be afraid to smile. Even if your teeth are rotting and you have no money to repair them, you can find cheap or free dental treatment to help.
Unfortunately, 13% of adults skip going to the dentist because they can’t afford dental care. And sadly, Medicaid doesn’t cover dental for adults. Don’t become part of this statistic.
Learn what the average cost of dental procedures is, and how you can get them cheaper!
How Much Does the Dentist Cost?
Depending on what kind of dental procedures you need, the average cost of going to the dentist will vary. This section will break down the typical costs of standard dental care and procedures, from basic regular cleanings to extensive surgeries.
- Oral exam and cleaning: A routine check-up and cleaning can cost up to $200.
- Oral X-ray: If you need X-rays, the cost can jump to $300 or more.
- LANAP: Severe gum disease that affects nearly half of adults over the age of 30, and treating it can cost between $500 and $4,000 to treat, depending on how bad the damage is. The most effective course of action to take is with LANAP, but root scaling and antibiotics are also effective routes.
- Fillings: 92% of us get cavities at some point in our lives, require dental fillings. Fillings can cost between $75 and $200, based on the tooth’s location and the filling material used.
- Root canal: Root canals with a crown are standard procedures that repair teeth infected at their root. The cost of a root canal and crown can be as much as $2,700.
- Tooth extraction: Removing a tooth can cost between $75 and $4,000, depending on how damaged it is and whether or not you need anesthesia. This procedure may be necessary for infected or broken teeth.
- Implants: Dental implants can cost anywhere between $1,750 and $8,270 a tooth.
- Braces: Although braces cost, $5,500 on average, the cost can go as high as $10,000, depending on what materials you need.
Your Teeth Are Rotting But Have No Money? Hope Is Not Lost
If you’re unsure how to pay for dental costs and where you can get help, you don’t have to lose hope.
There are a few low-cost resources that can help you get your confidence back and have you smiling again at a price you can afford.
Free Dental Treatment Options
If your teeth are rotting and you have absolutely no money, you should try these options to save your health.
Free Medical Clinics
Access to public clinics offering free or low-cost dental services to qualifying individuals is available through theHealth Resources and Services Administration.
Income restrictions will apply, and certain services may not be available in your area.
TheNeedyMeds database is also a great resource to find free or low-cost clinics in your area, with more than 4,000 clinics listed, many of which offer services through federal and state funding.
Nonprofits
Many charities offer financial aid for dental work, like the cost of braces, that your dental insurance won’t cover.
Here is a list of charitable organizations to consider:
- Smiles Change Lives: Smiles Change Lives is an organization that offers financial aid for braces to young people in need. While this charity will not fully cover your costs, it can reduce the expense significantly. With this program, eligibility requirements must be met, including that the patient must be 21 or younger, and wait times can be lengthy.
- Dental Lifeline Network: TheDental Lifeline Network offers financial aid for dentures. This nonprofit group helps cover denture costs for disabled and elderly individuals as well as those with specific medical needs. These clinics offer a range of comprehensive services available in each state.
- United Way: United Way has locations worldwide, offering free clinics. You can contact your local United Way office to find out about available programs in your region.
Dental Grants
A dental grant may entirely or partially cover expensive dental procedures, but you must meet several qualifications to be eligible. There is also a waiting period, which can last months. When applying, read the requirements carefully to make sure that you qualify.
Female domestic abuse survivors can qualify for the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry’sGive Back a Smile, which covers the entire cost associated with repairing dental injury for eligible women.
The Cosmetic Dentistry Grants Program offers financial assistance to cover dental implants for qualifying applicants.
Cheap Dental Treatment Options
From dental schools to discount dental plans, one of these options may help you or your loved ones get the affordable dental care they deserve.
Dental School
Public clinics and dental schools often partner with government assistance programs offering discounted dental services to people in need. In these programs, dental students may perform this dental work under supervision from licensed dentists at a fraction of the regular cost of the procedure.
You can get a list of dental schools offering such programs through theAmerican Dental Education Association.
Dental Discount Plans
Dental discount plans can help you and your family save money on dental care.
Dental discount plans are not dental insurance. However, members can save 15 - 50%on dental procedures, treatments, and maintenance, when they use one of the providers in the plan’s network of participating dentists.
Discount dental plans work by creating a network of dentists who accept discounted payments from plan members. You show your membership card to a participating dental provider and receive a discounted rate directly from the dentist.
Most dental insurance plans fail to meet the needs of the average American and can be very expensive. Discount dental plans offer people an affordable alternative. Unlike dental insurance, you pay a monthly or annual n annual fee that gives you access to more than 100,000 dentists across the country who will perform dental services at a significantly discounted rate.
The price of discount dental plans varies by provider but, on average, will cost between $100 and $200 a year, depending on your situation.
For example, a Carefree Dental Card offers programs that start at just $15.95 a month for individuals and $19.95 a month for families, which will cover everyone in your household. You can save 15 - 50%* per visit, in most instances on most dental procedures with the card.
Get Cheaper Dental Care with Carefree Dental
We believe that everyone deserves to have a smile they’re proud to show. But, dental treatment can be very expensive. That’s why we’re offering a dental discount plan for you and your family.
For only $15.95/month for individuals and $19.95/month for families you can save 15-50%* off your dental bill at participating providers, per visit in most instances.
You can get discounts on every dental treatment offered by participating providers, such as fillings, braces, implants, and dentures.
Get the best deal in dental and sign up for Carefree Dental!
*Actual costs and savings vary by provider, service, and geographical area.
The Carefree Dental blog is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The text and pictures within the content are intended for information purposes only. Readers should consult with a licensed dentist or healthcare professional before seeking treatment.
The Carefree Dental Card is not insurance and Carefree Dental is not an insurance provider.
