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.