Common Dental Procedures Their Costs
Dental Exams and Teeth Cleaning
Dental exams and teeth cleaning often go hand-in-hand during a dental visit. A dentist or hygienist will check on the general health of your oral cavity. This includes your teeth, gums, and tongue.
In Louisiana, this treatment costs between $58 and $101.
Pediatric Dentistry
Pediatric dentistry focuses on children's oral health from infancy through the teen years. Treatments aim to maintain and improve dental health through a combination of services.
These include treating any existing dental issues in children. But pediatric dentistry also emphasizes education and preventative care. Proper brushing, flossing, nutrition, and dental sealants can help prevent issues like cavities.
Establishing these good habits early on is key. The goal is to set up a comprehensive routine focused on prevention. This helps ensure a healthy smile for years to come.
Pediatric dental treatments in Louisiana typically cost $75, varying based on the specific service and age of the child.
Cavity Fillings
Cavity fillings are used to treat minor tooth decay. Fillings prevent bacteria, food, and other debris from entering the tooth and progressing this decay. They can also repair teeth that are broken or worn down.
Root Canals
Root canals are necessary when the innermost layer of you tooth, the dental pulp, is severely damaged. This procedure involves cleaning out the infected pulp and sealing the tooth.
Costs in Louisiana range from $874 to $1,211.
Gingivitis Treatment
Gingivitis treatments can involve scaling and root planing. This involves scraping tartar buildup along the gums and smoothing the teeth’s surfaces.
Treatment can also involve regular dental checkups and readjusting poorly fitted dental devices like braces or dentures.
In Louisiana, the cost is between $291 and $218.
Periodontal Therapy
Periodontal therapy treats gum disease, from mild gingivitis to severe periodontitis. The goal is to thoroughly clean around teeth and stop disease progression. This helps maintain natural teeth and gum health.
In early stages, careful plaque and tartar removal may be enough. Advanced disease may need surgical interventions to restore bone and tissue support. Ongoing care is important to halt further gum damage.
Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is a kind of cosmetic treatment for discolored teeth. It involves hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide.
Wisdom Tooth Removal
Wisdom teeth removal is necessary when the wisdom tooth doesn’t have space to erupt properly. An improper eruption can lead to infection or an impacted tooth. This means the tooth grows in partially.
Fluoride Treatment
Fluoride treatments help prevent tooth decay. These treatments can be done professionally or at home. They’re also available in toothpaste, foams, gels, and mouthwashes.
A professional fluoride treatment in Louisiana costs between $44 and $41, depending on whether varnish is used or not.
X-Rays
Dental X-rays give dentists and hygienists a comprehensive look at your oral cavity’s health. They can check your teeth, roots, jaw placement, and facial bone structure. These are necessary to give you a comprehensive treatment plan.
Dental X-ray costs in Louisiana range from $147 to $146, based on the type and number of X-rays needed.
Sleep Apnea Treatment
Sleep apnea treatments come in different forms. Dentists can recommend weight loss, using a wedge pillow, breathing strips, or mouthguards.
PAP therapy is another common sleep apnea treatment. Some people may need surgery to treat their condition.
Tooth Sealants
Tooth sealants prevent food particles, bacteria, acid, and other substances from damaging the tooth and causing cavities. They’re commonly applied to permanent teeth that haven’t had cavities yet.
In Louisiana, the cost for tooth sealant treatments is roughly $61 per tooth, depending on the tooth's condition and the extent of preparation needed.
Fluoride's Role in Louisiana's Dental Health
Fluoride Statistics in Louisiana
Fluoride, essential for dental health, is widely used in Louisiana. Here's a snapshot of its impact:
- Access to Fluoridated Water: In Louisiana, 39% of the population had access to fluoridated water in 2018. This plays a crucial role in improving dental health across the state.
- The percentage of Louisiana's population with access to fluoridated water increased by 10.6 percentage points from 2008 to 2018.
- National Standing: Louisiana is ranked #45 out of 50 in the U.S. for fluoridated water access.
- Louisiana's rank for access to fluoridated water has remained relatively the same from 2012 to 2018.
- Community Impact: About 1,627,351 people in Louisiana were served by community water systems (CWS) with fluoridated water in 2018.
The Benefit of Fluoride in Dental Care
Fluoride in drinking water helps prevent tooth decay. This can reduce the need for extensive dental work. Regular dental check-ups and fluoride treatments are important for good oral health.
