What Is the Average Cost of a Pediatric Dental Visit?

 

A trip to a pediatric dentist will cost you around $30-60 for common procedures like cleaning and fluoride application. These figures are not cheap, especially without insurance. Nonetheless, it should not discourage you from getting your kid the dental care he or she needs, as you can always find a dentist that provides both affordable and high-quality services.

 

How to Pay for Pediatric Dental Care

When looking for a dental care provider for your kid, it is recommended that you find one who specializes in handling young children and teens. More importantly, find one who can offer numerous payment options to help offset the expensive cost of the treatment. Suggested options include:

• Insurance plans like Medicaid and TRICARE
• Credit card
• CareCredit – a special type of credit card intended to pay for healthcare services; ideal for individuals who don’t have insurance.

 

Medicaid, a government-funded insurance, has coverage that varies according to state. In general, they offer to pay for cleanings, restorations, and any procedure for relieving pain and infections.

 

Pediatric Dentists vs. General Dentists

Pediatric dentists, or pedodontists, are dentists who specialize in managing children. Like all other dental specialists, they spend extra years of study. They can do all the procedures a general dentist can, but they tend to be more skilled and experienced in providing dental care to young patients.

 

Among the services offered by pediatric dentists are:

• Clinical examination
• Preventive dental treatment (i.e. sealants, topical fluoride application)
• Counseling regarding diet and oral habits
• Interceptive treatment of potential bite problems
• Treatment of dental traumatic injuries

 

What to Expect in a Typical Pediatric Dental Visit

Here’s what to expect when bringing your kid to a pediatric dentist for the first time:

1. The pediatric dentist will do a clinical exam to determine your kid’s dental care needs. Before proceeding, he or she will explain to you what specific procedures are needed, why and how they’re done, and what to expect afterwards.
2. If your kid is anxious and/or uncooperative, nitrous oxide or laughing gas may have to be administered to calm him or her down. Then, a local anesthesia will be given to avoid any discomfort especially when doing restorations or tooth extraction.
3. Once the treatment is completed, the pediatric dentist will again talk to you to report about the treatment, provide postoperative instructions, prescribe medications, and answer any questions that you might have regarding the procedure.

 

 

Sources:

Dentalinsurance.org: https://www.dentalinsurance.org/blog/index.php/2014/07/how-much-does-a-dental-cleaning-cost-without-insurance/

CareCredit: http://www.carecredit.com/

Medicaid.gov: https://www.medicaid.gov/medicaid/eligibility/