What dental work really costs, and the honest ways to pay less
Plain-language US price guides with sources, and clear comparisons of dental savings plans, insurance and other ways to pay less.
Popular cost guides
Typical US prices, what is included and what adds to the bill.
Dental implants
About $3,000–$7,500 for a single tooth, all-in.
Dental crown
National average about $1,560.
Root canal
Molar average about $1,050, before the crown.
Also: All-on-4 implants · Clear aligners · Gum disease treatment · Receding gums · Paying for implants
Ways to pay less
Compare your options before you book.
Best dental savings plans
Yearly fees from about $50; discounts of 10%–60%.
Savings plan vs insurance
Which costs less, with a worked example.
No insurance?
Five real ways to pay less for the dentist.
More ways to pay less: free and low-cost dental care · savings plans for seniors · dental care without insurance. Worried about your gums? Read what bleeding gums mean.
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About Gum Theory
Gum Theory is not a dental clinic. It is an independent editorial project about what dental care really costs in the US and the honest ways to pay less.
We also cover the everyday oral signals (bleeding gums, bad breath, a strange taste) that tell you when it is time to see a dentist.