The Best Dentists in Belle Vernon, PA

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.

These procedures can cost anywhere between $40 and $180.

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.

This procedure can cost between $140 and $410.

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.

This procedure can cost between $140 and $1,300.

Gingivitis Treatment

Gingivitis treatments can involve scaling and root planing. This invovles scraping tartar buildup along the gums and smoothing the teeth’s surfaces.

Treatment can also involves regular dental checkups and readjusting poorly fitted dental devices like braces or dentures.

Gingivitis treatments can cost between $30 and $300.

Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening is a kind of cosmetic treatment for discolored teeth. It involves hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide.

This treatment can cost between $120 and $440.

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.

This treatment can cost between $130 and $610.

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 can cost between $20 and $50.

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.

This procedure can cost between $20 and $160.

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.

Mouthguards can cost between $120 and $670.

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.

This treatment can cost between $40 and $70 per tooth.

Fluoride's Role in Pennsylvania's Dental Health

Fluoride Statistics in Pennsylvania

Fluoride, essential for dental health, is widely used in Pennsylvania. Here's a snapshot of its impact:

• Access to Fluoridated Water: In Pennsylvania, 55.7% of the population had access to fluoridated water in 2018. This plays a crucial role in improving dental health across the state.
  • Pennsylvania's percentage of population with access to fluoridated water has remained relatively steady over the past decade, with a slight increase from 54.3% in 2008 to 55.7% in 2018.
• National Standing: Pennsylvania is ranked #41 out of 50 in the U.S. for fluoridated water access, reflecting its commitment to public dental health.
  • Pennsylvania's rank for access to fluoridated water has remained relatively consistent from 2012 to 2018, indicating that the state has not seen a significant change in its ranking.
• Community Impact: About 5,203,809 people in Pennsylvania 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.