What is the Most Expensive Dental Procedure?

When it comes to dental treatments, some procedures can be quite costly. Dental implants and veneers are often the priciest, and insurance may not cover certain expensive treatments such as wisdom tooth extraction, sinus lift surgery, bone augmentation, removal of cysts or tumors, repair of a cleft palate or cleft lip, or the installation of dental implants. Cosmetic dental treatment is usually not covered by insurance, so you will have to pay for it out of pocket. Porcelain veneers are usually the most expensive type of aesthetic treatment. Patients who have had them done will tell you that they are worth every penny.

Veneers provide a dramatically whiter and straighter smile in just a couple of appointments, and when it comes to your confidence and self-esteem, the treatment is invaluable.

Dental Implants

are considered to offer the best “return on investment”. Implants fuse with the jawbone and work just like a natural tooth would. In most cases, you can expect your implants to last for life. The initial cost may be higher than that of alternative treatments such as bridges or dentures, but you will save several visits in the future and hundreds of dollars in new dental treatments when old restorations wear out. Wisdom tooth extraction is one of the most common types of oral surgery that people need, but it's not the only one.

Sinus stretches or jaw surgery may be necessary steps in treatments such as implant therapy or orthodontic cases. When surgery is needed, so are the appropriate operating environment and sedation services. Taken together, these procedures can add up to a big dental bill if you don't have insurance. Ask about alternatives (such as mini-implants or local anesthesia instead of general anesthesia) and you could save hundreds of dollars if you don't have coverage. These are the average costs of the most common procedures, according to an analysis by the American Dental Association.