Dental Guides: Insurance, Saving Money & Finding a Dentist
Plain-English guides to dental insurance, discount plans, low-cost dental care, dental emergencies and choosing a dentist.
How to afford dental workTwelve practical ways to pay less for dental work, from cash discounts and dental schools to timing insurance benefits and financing wisely.
Dental insurance explainedHow dental insurance really works: the 100-80-50 coverage model, deductibles, annual maximums, waiting periods, PPO vs HMO, and what’s usua…
Dental discount plans vs insuranceHow dental discount (savings) plans work, how they compare with dental insurance, and who should choose which.
Free and low-cost dental careWhere to find free or low-cost dental care: community health centers, dental schools, Medicaid and CHIP, free clinic events, and charity pr…
Emergency dentistWhat to do for a knocked-out tooth, broken tooth, severe toothache or swelling, and when to go to the emergency room instead of the dentist.
How to choose a dentistHow to find a good dentist you can afford: insurance networks, reviews, transparent pricing, emergency availability and questions to ask at…
Root canal vs extractionRoot canal or pull the tooth? Compare costs ($700-$2,000 + crown vs $100-$600 + replacement), recovery, long-term outcomes and when each ma…
Crown vs fillingWhen a filling is enough and when you need a crown, plus costs ($100-$450 vs $800-$2,500), how long each lasts and what insurance pays.
Implant vs bridgeImplant or bridge to replace a missing tooth? Compare cost ($3,000-$6,000 vs $1,500-$5,000), lifespan, treatment time and effect on neighbo…
Does Medicare cover dental?Original Medicare generally doesn’t cover routine dental care like cleanings, fillings or dentures. Here’s what is covered and how seniors …
How to find dentists that accept MedicaidHow to find a dentist that accepts Medicaid for kids and adults: state Medicaid directories, managed-care plans, community health centers a…
Dental implants in MexicoWhy dental implants can cost less in Mexico, typical savings, how to check a clinic, and the risks and follow-up costs to weigh before you …