Can I pay cash for dental work?

Asked by: Esteban Gusikowski DVM  |  Last update: February 7, 2025
Score: 4.8/5 (18 votes)

While most dental offices do accept cash, some may have specific policies in place or prefer alternative forms of payment such as credit cards or checks. It's always a good idea to call ahead and confirm their accepted payment methods. Using cash to pay for dental services does have its advantages.

Do dental offices accept cash?

Patients who pay up front occasionally expect a cash discount and many dentists are willing to extend that courtesy if the payment is made by cash or personal check.

Can you pay cash instead of using dental insurance?

If you're just sticking to routine care, paying cash could actually save you money—especially if your dentist offers discounts for self-pay patients. That said, insurance can be a lifesaver for pricier procedures like crowns or root canals.

Can you pay out of pocket at the dentist?

How To Get Dental Work Done Without Insurance. Approximately 74 million Americans have no dental insurance and have to pay their dental costs out of pocket. And since most people think the cost of a dentist without insurance is beyond their reach, many people have been opting out of their bi-annual dentist visits.

How can I fix my teeth if I don't have money?

Free Dental Clinics
  1. Nonprofit clinics. Some cities have dental clinics that specifically serve people with low incomes, no insurance, or who otherwise can't afford care.
  2. Donated services. Some state or national charities use donated labor and materials to give free care. ...
  3. Private dentists.

How to save money on your dental care

38 related questions found

How much does it cost to fix teeth without insurance?

The cost of fillings without insurance has a much larger range, from $200 to $400. Root canals vary depending on which tooth needs work but can cost anywhere from $700 to $2,100. Without insurance, the average cost of a crown is around $1,093.

Can I pay cash for dental implants?

Implants 4 Life offers numerous implant financing options to help cover the cost of treatment. Our 2 offices in Southern California accept major credit cards, cash, as well as dental and medical payment options, and we can arrange a payment plan that spreads your payments out over time.

How much does it cost to fill a cavity?

Key takeaways: The cost of a cavity filling can range from $100 for amalgam material to about $1,050 for porcelain. The average cost for a composite resin dental filling — the most popular type of cavity filling — is $191.

What is the most expensive dental procedure?

Dental implants and veneers are considered the most expensive teeth procedures in this area. Additionally, root canal procedure price may also surpass the price of these procedures based on the number of canals.

How do you pay for dental work when you can't afford it?

7 ways to find free or low-cost dental care
  1. Ask your dentist. Some dental offices have dental membership savings plans. ...
  2. The Health Insurance Marketplace. ...
  3. Federally Qualified Health Centers. ...
  4. Your local dental school. ...
  5. Nonprofit organizations focused on dental health. ...
  6. Government programs for children. ...
  7. Give Kids A Smile®

Why do dentists make you pay upfront?

Potential clients do not want hefty bills hanging over their heads while in the dental chair. Requiring upfront payments is an excellent way to keep your clients happy. It offers them peace of mind, reassuring them that they will not receive a bill after the appointment.

What to do if you need to go to the dentist but have no insurance?

Free or Government Clinics

You could also look online to see if any government clinics are offering dental services for free near you. Many dentists and dental professionals volunteer throughout the year to provide their services at no cost to those in need.

Do dentists let you make payments?

Yes, many dentists offer payment plans to help patients spread the cost of treatment over time.

What is the difference between a dental office and a dental clinic?

A dental clinic ordinarily provides basic dental services, such as checkups, fillings and root canals. Patients seeking cosmetic treatments may need to go to a dental office. A dental clinic may be more likely to provide emergency after-hours care, while dental offices may be more inclined to keep traditional hours.

Does Aspen Dental take cash?

At Aspen Dental, we aim to make paying for your dental care as hassle-free as possible. That's why we offer a variety of flexible dental financing options to make receiving care easy for you. We accept multiple forms of payment as well, including cash, personal checks and all major credit cards.

What is the cheapest way to fix a cavity?

Metal (aka silver amalgam) fillings

Because metal amalgam fillings have a noticeably different color from the teeth, they are often the cheapest option. Amalgam fillings may cost from $50 to $200 for 1–2 teeth or $150 to $400 for 3 or more teeth.

Is it cheaper to pull a tooth or fill a cavity?

Generally, fillings might be less expensive compared to extractions, which could require additional follow-up care.

Will a dentist accept cash?

While most dental offices do accept cash, some may have specific policies in place or prefer alternative forms of payment such as credit cards or checks. It's always a good idea to call ahead and confirm their accepted payment methods. Using cash to pay for dental services does have its advantages.

How do you get dental implants when you can't afford it?

To help patients with and without insurance, most dentists will offer in-house financing for dental implants. All you have to do is ask. You can also cover the cost of dental implants with 3rd party, no-interest financing companies like Lending Club and Care Credit.

Will insurance pay for dental implants?

If your dental implant is medically necessary, your dental insurance plan may cover some of the costs. You can also use a health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA) to pay for medically necessary dental implants.

How much is the average teeth cleaning without insurance?

What's the average cost of teeth cleaning in Los Angeles, CA? The average cost of basic teeth cleaning without insurance ranges from $90 to $200.

What is the cheapest option to fix teeth?

Dentures: The Traditional and Economical Choice

Dentures have been around for centuries and remain one of the most affordable methods for replacing missing teeth. They can be used to replace one or multiple missing teeth, whether you've lost them due to decay, gum disease, or injury.

Does Medicare cover dental?

In most cases, Medicare doesn't cover dental services like routine cleanings, fillings, tooth extractions, or items like dentures.