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What’s probably going on
Without insurance, you pay the dentist’s full fee yourself. That fee is set by the office, and it can vary a lot from one office to the next, even in the same town.
That’s the bad news and the good news. The price isn’t fixed, so there’s room to pay less. Most of the savings come from where you go, how you pay, and what you fix first.
If your tooth hurts right now, start with what to do for a toothache right now. Swelling in your face or trouble swallowing or breathing is a reason to get care today, whatever it costs.
7 ways to pay less
1. Try a dental school
Dental schools run clinics where students treat patients under the supervision of licensed dentists. The ADA’s MouthHealthy site says these clinics “may offer dental services at reduced rates.” Dental hygiene schools can be a cheaper place for cleanings.
Care is often slower than at a private office, so ask how many visits your treatment usually takes. Search for a school near you through the American Dental Association or the American Dental Hygienists’ Association.
2. Use a community health center
Federally funded community health centers charge based on your income. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) describes them as places “where you pay what you can afford.” Many offer dental care.
Find one on the Health Resources and Services Administration’s Find a Health Center site, then call to ask whether that location has a dental clinic.
3. Join a dental savings plan
A dental savings plan is not insurance. You pay a yearly membership fee, then pay lower prices yourself at dentists in the plan’s network. There’s usually no deductible, no yearly cap and no waiting period.
It tends to pay off when you need a filling, crown, root canal or extraction soon. It may not pay off if you only need a cleaning or two. See dental savings plans explained for how to check the math.
Networks differ, so if your dentist isn’t in one plan, check another. 1Dental and DentalSave both have dentist searches on their sites.
4. Ask for the cash price and a payment plan
Call the office, say you don’t have insurance, and ask two questions:
- Do you have a discount for paying in full at the visit? The American Dental Association notes that many dentists are willing to give a cash discount when you pay upfront.
- Do you offer a payment plan? Policies vary, so ask whether the office can split a larger bill, and whether there’s interest or a fee.
Some offices also run their own membership plans. MouthHealthy says these typically charge a fixed yearly amount for set services such as cleanings and exams, so ask whether yours has one.
5. Get a written estimate before any work
Ask for a written estimate that lists each procedure and its price. If the office can include the procedure codes, those make it easier to compare. It lets you compare offices, check a savings plan’s fee schedule, and avoid surprises.
If the estimate is long, ask which items are urgent and which can wait.
6. Check Medicaid and CHIP
Children enrolled in Medicaid get dental care, including treatment for pain and infection. The Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) also covers children’s dental care. You can call 1-877-KIDS-NOW (1-877-543-7669) to ask about CHIP in your state.
For adults, it depends on your state. Medicaid.gov says states have “no minimum requirements for adult dental coverage,” so some cover a lot and some cover very little. Call your state Medicaid office to find out.
Medicare covers dental care only in limited medical situations, so it usually won’t pay for a filling or crown.
7. Phase your treatment
You don’t always have to do everything at once. Ask your dentist to rank the work:
- Now: pain, infection, and anything likely to get worse fast.
- Soon: cavities that are growing but not yet near the nerve.
- Later: work that can wait months without much risk.
Spreading the work out spreads the cost. The trade-off is real, though: a small cavity left too long can turn into a root canal or an extraction, which costs more.
What the work usually costs
Prices depend on the treatment, the tooth, the office and where you live. These guides break down what drives the bill:
For a rough number before you call, try the dental cost estimator. Then get the real price in writing from the office.
Deciding between a savings plan and buying insurance? See dental savings plan vs dental insurance.
Other places to look
- Free or low-cost care events. Mission of Mercy events, through the America’s Dentists Care Foundation, offer reduced-cost or free care. Give Kids A Smile events offer free care for children.
- Your local health department. Dial 2-1-1 to ask about dental programs near you.
- Clinical trials. NIDCR notes that some research studies provide limited free or low-cost dental treatment to people who take part.
How to keep the bill down next time
The cheapest dental work is the work you never need.
- Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, for two minutes.
- Clean between your teeth once a day.
- Cut back on sipping sugary or acidic drinks through the day.
- Keep up with checkups, even if you pay for them yourself. A small filling costs far less than a root canal and crown.
- Don’t wait out a tooth that hurts. Pain often means the problem is growing.
A good electric toothbrush makes the daily habits easier. See the best electric toothbrush.
This guide is a draft awaiting review by Ryan Smith, DDS. It explains tooth pain in general and isn't a diagnosis. Medical disclaimer.