What the cost of treatment is made of, and how to read a treatment plan
“How much will the treatment cost?” is one of the most common questions when people come to the clinic. An exact figure is hard to give before an examination: the cost depends on the state of your teeth, the extent of treatment needed, the materials chosen and any additional procedures. After the diagnostics the dentist draws up a treatment plan, explains its stages and gives you a sense of the cost — so that you know in advance what treatment is needed and what the final sum is made of.
Author: Ksenia Torbek, Implant surgeon Why the price list says “from”
What looks at first like the same problem may call for very different amounts of work. A small cavity and deep damage to a tooth are treated differently: in one case a filling is enough, in another root canal treatment and subsequent restoration may be needed.
The dentist determines the exact extent of treatment after an examination and any necessary diagnostics. That is why the price list gives a price “from” — the lowest price for the procedure, which can change with the clinical situation.
What the cost is made of
The final cost of treatment may include:
- the consultation and examination;
- any necessary diagnostics — a periapical, panoramic or 3D scan;
- anaesthesia;
- the main treatment procedure;
- use of the microscope, where it is needed;
- additional materials and steps;
- restoring the tooth;
- laboratory work in the case of prosthetics.
Not all of these items are needed in every case. The dentist decides on them individually, depending on the diagnosis and the method of treatment chosen.
How to read a treatment plan
After the diagnostics the dentist explains what problems were found, what is recommended and in what order. If treatment consists of several stages, you get an approximate idea of the cost of each one.
It is worth bearing in mind that the plan and the cost may be adjusted during treatment if, after an old filling is removed, a tooth is opened up or further diagnostics are carried out, a situation comes to light that could not have been fully assessed in advance. In that case the dentist will explain the changes and the options that follow.
What can help keep costs down
Timely preventive check-ups make it possible to find a problem at an early stage, when treatment is usually simpler and calls for less intervention.
If you are entitled to the Tervisekassa benefit, part of the dental services it covers may be paid for by the Fund. The amount of the benefit and the patient's own share depend on the patient's category and the type of service.
If a large amount of treatment is needed, it can also be divided into stages, in line with the medical indications and the agreed plan.
This article is for information only. The exact cost of treatment is determined after an examination and diagnostics, and is set out in the treatment plan.
Articles explain the general picture; the decision is always individual. Come in for a consultation — the dentist will examine you, take a scan and explain the options with an estimate.
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