There are a lot of different dentistry services that a dentist can provide. Whether you have a specific service in mind or you have needs that need to be met (like pain, discomfort, or bleeding), you’ll want to visit a dentist as soon as you can to ensure your ongoing oral health.
Below is information about costs and insurance coverage, along with some of the most common services provided by dentists in Michigan. If you have any specific questions, feel free to reach out to Kelly Road Dental. We’d be happy to answer any questions you may have.
The cost to get your teeth done in Michigan varies greatly depending on the services you require and your insurance coverage. For instance, your insurance may offer two cleanings a year with little to no co-pay, but they may have a deductible for other services. Insurance providers also may not cover certain procedures at all. The co-pay for different plans is also different, and each procedure may have different percentages of coverage from plan to plan and company to company.
Along with the co-pay, you’ll need to consider the out-of-pocket costs for procedures that aren’t covered. These will range greatly depending on the services needed, the dental office, the location of the office, and other factors.
Often, insurance will cover general services (after your deductible is reached). Cosmetic services may vary, with many plans not covering cosmetic services at all.
With all of this in mind, it’s impossible to say exactly how much you can expect to pay to go to the dentist without knowing the service, provider, insurance coverage, location, deductible, and other factors.
General dentistry is the field of dentistry that focuses on common preventative and restorative procedures. These services are generally covered (at least in part) by your insurance. There are a lot of different procedures that fall under the umbrella of general dentistry, with some of them including:
The most common dentistry services are cleanings and checkups. These are preventative services that a patient should visit their dentist for every six months. Cleanings involve the dentist or hygienist using special tools to remove plaque and tartar buildup and bacteria. The checkup portion involves a visual exam and the use of special tools to check for gum disease, cavities, and other issues. Your dentist also may take x-rays to check on your teeth and jawbone.
Dental fillings are another common procedure and are generally performed to treat cavities. If your teeth have decayed due to bacteria (plaque), a cavity will form. Your dentist will clean out the cavity and then place a filling to ensure the integrity of the tooth, prevent further damage, and ensure the overall security of the tooth.
A Deep cleaning (also known “as scaling and root planing”) is a procedure that involves the dentist clearing away plaque and tartar that has spread below the gum line. This procedure is more advanced than a general cleaning and—if the entire mouth requires a deep cleaning—may be broken up into multiple sessions. A general anesthetic is used to ensure there is no pain felt during the procedure, although a patient should expect a little discomfort and pressure.
If the root of your tooth has become infected, you’ll need to undergo root canal treatment. Also known as a “root canal,” this procedure involves a dentist drilling into the tooth of a patient and removing the infected pulp. The tooth is then cleaned, and a filling is placed. Generally, with good oral healthcare, this treatment can be avoided.
In order to avoid tooth decay, dental sealants may be a good option. While this procedure is generally performed on children, adults can also have sealants placed. Sealants are a thin, plastic coating that is placed on the patient’s teeth to protect them from bacteria and prevent tooth decay.
If a tooth needs to be extracted, falls out, or is knocked out and cannot be re-inserted, your dentist will want to provide a replacement. This may include a dental implant, dental bridge, or—for a missing row of teeth—dentures. Your dentist will determine which is right to meet your needs and budget.
Cosmetic dentistry is the field of dentistry that focuses on aesthetic restorations. These procedures are generally elective and aren’t required for oral health. With that said, there can be an overlap between the two, and cosmetic services may help provide security, strength, and protection.
Cosmetic dentistry services can be expensive and are generally not covered by insurance. You’ll need to check with your insurance provider to see if the service you are considering is covered, and to what extent. Some of the most common cosmetic procedures include:
If you would like to improve the appearance of your smile, set an appointment with Dr. David Bryk for a consultation. He will take a look at your teeth and gums to better determine the best course of action to improve your smile. This may be as simple as a single service or it may include a variety of different services to ensure the best smile possible.
Contact us today if you would like to learn more about how we can help to improve your smile.
If you have any questions about cost, reach out to Kelly Road Dental. We’ll do our best to provide you with information regarding costs (you may need to speak with your insurance provider to better understand your co-pay). We look forward to speaking with you and providing you with top-quality general or cosmetic services.
