Learn How to Get Affordable Rates

It’s no surprise that visiting your dentist (with or without insurance) can sometimes be costly. Whether it’s just for your routine exams and cleanings, or for larger procedures, dental costs can add up. So what can you do about it?

Discuss your financial restrictions with your dental office. Sometimes they can:
-Arrange a payment plan
-Give discount if you are having trouble
If that isn’t an option, or not enough of a financial relief, there are also dental training schools that will do cleanings or procedures for discounted fees or even for free.

Hygienists and dentists both need repetitive practice in order to become licensed. Check your area for dental hygiene schools or dental colleges and see what their clinic hours and availability are. They may be able to help you get in for cleanings or procedures at a more affordable rate.

Don’t Be Afraid to Visit Dentist

We see many patients who are fearful of the consultation and are actively avoiding going to the dentist. Whether it’s because of the perceived pain they will experience, or a bad past experience, about 22% of individuals say that they skip the dentist because of dental anxiety or phobia. If you are afraid of the pain you may experience in the chair, the thing you should know is that many procedures in a dental office get a bad reputation.

Root canals in particular are a commonly referenced procedure that many people make synonymous with pain. The truth is, root canal treatments relieve pain, usually within just one visit!

Another dreaded procedure is wisdom tooth removal. Although sometimes there is jaw pain for a few days afterwards, the discomfort can be easily treated with pain relievers prescribed by your dentist.

Do all dental procedures hurt?

Overall, the procedures themselves should not be painful. Any visit that could involve anything painful would start with numbing the area being treated so that you don’t feel anything. If at any time you do start to feel pain, all you have to do is let your dentist know and they will quickly remedy the problem.

If you need more help getting over your fear and stop avoiding going to the doctor, here are a few recommended tips:

Go to your appointment with someone you trust who is not afraid and ask them to sit with you. Having a calm friend with you can be very reassuring.
You can also bring your own entertainment in order to distract your mind during procedures. Bring some headphones and listen to music, a movie, or an audiobook.
Another thing that you can do is discuss which sedation options are available with your dentist. Options range from nitrous oxide to oral sedatives or even IV sedation. Though not all options may be available or appropriate, knowing what options you do have may help you in deciding where and when to go.
Lastly, discuss your fears with your dental office. The front desk, assistants, hygienists and doctors all care about your fears and will do what they can to help you relax and have a pleasant experience. If they don’t seem to show any concern for your fears, then maybe that means it is not the right office for you.

Routine Visits: 2-4 Times Annually

Making time for the dentist can feel inconvenient, but just like other healthy habits, it’s a small sacrifice for long-term benefits. Think of it like:

Hitting the gym even when you’re tired
Skipping a cocktail at happy hour
Choosing a salad instead of fries

These choices may not always be convenient—but they’re worth it.

Here’s why regular dental visits matter:

You only need 2–4 visits per year.
Depending on your maintenance program, that’s just a few hours annually.
Skipping cleanings can lead to bigger issues.
Avoid:
- Embarrassment from your smile
- Difficulty chewing certain foods
- Missed social or professional opportunities
Oral health impacts your overall health.
This is especially important if you have conditions like:
- Diabetes
- Heart disease