How Dental Plans Can Save Seniors Thousands in Dental Work
- Silver Crest Insurance
- Jul 30
- 2 min read
As we age, maintaining our oral health becomes more important—and unfortunately, more expensive. From routine cleanings to unexpected dental procedures, the costs can add up quickly, especially for retirees living on a fixed income. That’s why having a dental insurance plan isn’t just a good idea—it’s often a financial lifesaver.

Here’s how a well-chosen dental plan can save seniors thousands of dollars and provide peace of mind well into retirement.
Dental Costs Add Up—Fast
Let’s start with the basics. Common dental procedures and their average out-of-pocket costs without insurance:
Procedure | Average Cost (No Insurance) |
Routine Cleaning | $100–$200 |
X-rays | $50–$300 |
Fillings | $150–$450 per tooth |
Crowns | $1,000–$2,500 each |
Root Canal | $700–$1,500 per tooth |
Dentures (full set) | $1,500–$3,500+ |
Implants | $3,000–$5,000 per tooth |
Now imagine needing multiple procedures over a few years. It’s not uncommon for seniors to face dental bills totaling $5,000–$10,000 or more—and that’s without factoring in emergencies.
Medicare Doesn't Cover Most Dental Work
One of the biggest surprises for many retirees is that Original Medicare (Parts A & B) does not cover routine dental care, including:
Exams
Cleanings
Fillings
Dentures
Crowns or implants
Without supplemental dental coverage, you’re left to pay for these entirely out of pocket.
How a Dental Plan Saves You Money
Dental insurance helps cover both routine care and more serious procedures. Depending on your plan, you could save:
100% on preventive care (cleanings, exams, X-rays)
50–80% on fillings, extractions, and basic work
Up to 50% on major services like crowns, dentures, or bridges
A good dental plan can easily pay for itself with just one or two covered visits per year.
Why Seniors Need Dental Care More Than Ever
Aging often comes with new oral health challenges:
Thinning enamel and increased risk of decay
Dry mouth due to medications
Bone loss in the jaw
Higher risk of gum disease
Routine dental visits help prevent small issues from becoming big, expensive problems—but seniors are more likely to delay care if they’re worried about cost.
Real-Life Savings Example
Let’s say a senior needs:
2 cleanings per year
1 filling
1 crown
Without insurance, this could cost $2,000–$2,500 out of pocket.
With a solid dental insurance plan through Silver Crest:
Preventive care: $0 (fully covered)
Filling: $60–$100
Crown: $500–$800
Total savings: $1,200+ in just one year
Over several years, the savings can add up to thousands.
Choosing the Right Dental Plan
Not all dental plans are the same. At Silver Crest Insurance, we help you:
Choose plans that work well with Medicare
Compare premiums vs. coverage limits
Understand waiting periods and annual maximums
Pick a plan that fits your health and budget needs
We work with top carriers that specialize in Dental, Vision & Hearing (DVH) coverage for seniors.
Ready to Save on Dental Costs?
If you're nearing retirement—or already there—it’s not too late to protect your smile and your wallet.
Contact Silver Crest Insurance today for a free quote or personalized help choosing the right dental plan.
Let us help you stay healthy, happy, and smiling—without breaking the bank.