Cost of dental treatments can be prohibitive

The Cost of In-Office Dental Treatments in India: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you considering in-office dental treatments, but are worried about the costs? It's important to understand the expenses involved in these procedures, so you can make an informed decision about your oral health. In this blog post, we'll break down the costs of various in-office dental treatments.

These costs can vary widely depending on factors such as geographic location, how experienced and/or renowned your dentist is, the materials used in the procedure and so on. These prices have, however, been reviewed by Dr. Raghu T Narayan, our expert advisor with over 25 years of experience as a dentist, and should give you a reasonably accurate estimate for the most common procedures. In general, these prices are most relevant to consumers in India’s metro cities.

1. Teeth Cleaning 

The majority of people visit the dentist for a simple teeth cleaning procedure. Several dentists advise getting a cleaning every six months, while others advise doing it once a year. In either case, it's a crucial aspect of oral health. In comparison to brushing and flossing at home, the tools a dentist employs to clean your teeth are far more effective.

Average Price Tag: ₹2,000-₹5,000

2. Teeth Whitening 

Teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic dental procedure that can be done in-office. The cost of teeth whitening treatments varies depending on the method used. Basic bleaching typically costs around Rs. 8,000-10,000, while advanced treatments like laser whitening can range from Rs. 20,000-30,000. Keep in mind that teeth whitening procedures are not covered by dental insurance. 

Average Price Tag: ₹15,000-₹25,000

3. Tooth Extractions

One may require a tooth extraction for multiple reasons. These could include crowding, severe tooth decay or gum disease or trauma. While they seem scary, extractions usually only require one sitting and are generally painless thanks to the local anaesthetic your dentist will use to numb the area from which the tooth is extracted.

Average Price Tag: ₹2,000-₹8,000.

4. Veneers

Your dentist may suggest veneers if your teeth are uneven or discoloured. They are really well-liked remedies for typical dental issues. The dental treatment basically consists of a thin cap placed over the front portion of a tooth or set of teeth. Although they can also be used for aesthetic reasons, their primary application is for corrective purposes. The majority of patients find the operation to be simple and painless, and dentists have little trouble performing it. 

Average price tag: ₹10,000 - ₹13,000.

5. Fillings 

Cavities are among the most common oral ailments that affect a vast majority of people in India. The majority of cavities can be treated with a simple filling procedure. The procedure typically takes an hour to complete and is generally painless.

Average price tag: ₹2,000-₹5,000. 

6. Crowns

A crown is the best option if your cavity is too far along or big for a filling. Like the filling, teeth crowning too requires two sittings and aren’t too painful. Your dentist will make a mould of your tooth in order to send it to a lab, which will then make a crown that fits perfectly over the decayed area.

There are "printers" in some offices. They capture pictures and immediately create a crown using a unique x-ray and computer setup! The fitting and securing of the crown will take place on the second visit, which is typically quick and painless.

The cost of dental crowns depends on the type of crown chosen - porcelain, ceramic or metal. On average, dental crowns can cost anywhere from Rs. 5,000-30,000. You may be able to get partial coverage from your insurance provider for dental crowns, but it also depends on your specific plan.

Average price tag: ₹5,000 to ₹30,000.

7. Root Canal

Root canal treatment is a dental procedure used to treat infected or inflamed dental pulp. The cost of root canal treatment varies, depending on the complexity of the treatment required. On average, the cost of a root canal treatment in India can range from Rs. 5,000-15,000 per tooth. Most dental insurance policies cover at least part of the cost of a root canal treatment.

Average price tag: ₹5,000 to ₹15,000.

8. Bonding 

This is an additional technique for fixing broken or damaged teeth. To match your teeth's natural shade, your dentist tints a resin. To truly fix the resin, several layers are required, and each layer is "dried" using a light. After this, the area is cleansed and polished to help it blend in with the tooth naturally. 

Average price tag: ₹5,000-₹10,000 per tooth. 

9. Dentures

Dentures are a type of removable dental prosthesis that are used to replace missing teeth and adjacent tissues. They come in two types - complete dentures (for patients who have lost all their teeth) and partial dentures (for patients who have some remaining teeth). The procedure for getting dentures involves multiple appointments with a dentist or prosthodontist. During the first appointment, the dentist will take impressions of your teeth and gums to create a custom mould for your dentures. After this, you may need several appointments to achieve the final fit and appearance of the dentures. The dentist will also provide instructions on how to care for and clean your dentures, as maintenance is crucial for proper dental hygiene and proper denture function.

Average price tag: ₹20,000-₹35,000. 

10. Dental Implant

Dental implants are a popular alternative to dentures for people with missing teeth. They involve a surgical procedure to insert a titanium implant into the jawbone to support a replacement tooth. Dental implants can be expensive, typically ranging from Rs. 25,000-50,000 per tooth. Insurance coverage for dental implants varies, but generally, it's not fully covered.

Average price tag: ₹25,000 to ₹50,000 per tooth.

11. Braces

Braces are an orthodontic treatment used to correct crooked teeth, improper bites, and other dental problems. The cost of braces varies, depending on the type of braces you choose, the complexity of the treatment, and the duration. On average, the cost of braces ranges from Rs. 50,000-80,000 in India. Most dental insurance policies don't cover the entire cost of braces, but they may offer partial coverage.

Average price tag: ₹50,000 to ₹80,000 per tooth.

 

To summarize:

Procedure Type

Average Price Tag

Teeth Cleaning

₹2,000-₹5,000

Teeth Whitening

₹15,000-₹25,000

Tooth Extractions

₹2,000-₹8,000

Veneers

₹10,000-₹13,000

Fillings

₹2,000-₹5,000

Crowns

₹5,000 to ₹30,000

Root Canal

₹5,000-₹15,000

Bonding

₹5,000-₹10,000

Dentures

₹20,000-₹35,000

Dental Implant

₹25,000-₹50,000

Braces

₹50,000-₹80,000


In summary, the cost of in-office dental treatments varies depending on the procedure and your location. It's important to shop around for a dentist with reasonable prices, but also ensure that they are qualified and experienced in performing the treatment you need. Additionally, consider all the available payment options, such as credit cards and dental insurance. By being informed and proactive about the costs of in-office dental treatments, you can make the best decision for your oral health and your budget.

 

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