Dental prices in New York City aren't posted like a menu, and they vary by borough, practice type and whether you're in-network. Below is a 2026 price list for the procedures New Yorkers ask about most, followed by how insurance actually changes what you pay. Use the calculator to add up your treatment plan.
NYC dental price list (2026)
| Procedure | Manhattan | Brooklyn / Queens | Insurance usually covers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Comprehensive exam + X-rays | $200–$450 | $150–$350 | 100% (preventive) |
| Adult cleaning | $150–$300 | $110–$220 | 100%, 2× per year |
| Deep cleaning (per quadrant) | $300–$500 | $250–$400 | 80% |
| Composite (white) filling | $250–$450 | $180–$350 | 80% |
| Root canal – front tooth | $1,100–$1,600 | $900–$1,400 | 80% (some plans 50%) |
| Root canal – molar | $1,600–$2,200 | $1,300–$2,000 | 80% (some plans 50%) |
| Porcelain / zirconia crown | $1,600–$2,500 | $1,200–$2,100 | 50% |
| Simple extraction | $200–$400 | $150–$300 | 80% |
| Surgical / wisdom tooth | $450–$900 | $350–$750 | 80% |
| Single implant (post + abutment + crown) | $4,800–$6,500 | $3,800–$5,500 | 50% on some plans |
| In-office whitening | $600–$1,000 | $400–$750 | Not covered |
| Night guard | $600–$1,000 | $400–$800 | Sometimes 50% |
| Full denture (per arch) | $1,800–$3,500 | $1,400–$2,800 | 50% |
Planning bigger work? See our detailed guides to root canal costs in NYC and dental implant costs in NYC, each with its own calculator.
Why dental costs vary so much in NYC
- Borough and rent. Midtown and Upper East Side offices carry the highest overhead. Bay Ridge, Bensonhurst, Flushing and much of the Bronx are noticeably cheaper.
- General dentist vs. specialist. A molar root canal by an endodontist can cost $400–$600 more than one done by your general dentist, but may be worth it for complex anatomy.
- Materials and lab. Same-day CEREC crowns, high-end ceramic labs and 3D-guided implant surgery add cost.
- In-network fees. PPO networks negotiate prices typically 15–30% below a practice's cash fee, even before insurance pays anything.
How dental insurance actually works (the 100/80/50 rule)
Most employer PPO plans follow the same structure:
- Preventive (exams, cleanings, X-rays): covered 100%, no deductible.
- Basic (fillings, extractions, often root canals): 80% after a $50 deductible.
- Major (crowns, bridges, dentures, implants): 50% after the deductible.
- Annual maximum: usually $1,000–$2,000. Once the plan has paid that, you pay 100%.
That annual maximum is the catch. A root canal plus crown on one molar costs around $3,300 in Brooklyn; with a $1,500 maximum you'll still pay roughly $1,500–$1,800 out of pocket. If you need major work, it can make sense to split treatment across two plan years.
Dental costs in Brooklyn
Brooklyn has more dental offices per resident than any other borough, which keeps prices competitive. Typical 2026 cash prices: cleaning $110–$220, exam with X-rays $150–$350, filling $180–$350, root canal $900–$2,000 and implant $3,800–$5,500. Many Brooklyn practices offer in-house membership plans ($300–$450/year) covering two cleanings, exams, X-rays and 15–20% off other work, often a better deal than individual insurance if you're healthy.
Low-cost dental care options in NYC
- Dental schools: NYU College of Dentistry (Manhattan) and Columbia College of Dental Medicine (Washington Heights), supervised student care at about half the private price. Appointments take longer.
- NYC Health + Hospitals dental clinics with sliding-scale fees.
- Federally qualified health centers in every borough offer income-based pricing.
- Medicaid in New York covers adult dental care including cleanings, fillings, root canals and many crowns.
- Dental savings plans ($120–$200/year) give roughly 15–50% off at participating dentists, no waiting periods or annual maximum.
Tips to keep dental bills down
- Don't skip the two free cleanings your plan covers. They prevent the $2,000 problems.
- Ask whether a filling or onlay could replace a full crown.
- Get a second opinion on any treatment plan over $3,000.
- Ask about a cash discount. Many NYC offices give 5–10% for payment at the time of service.
- Use FSA/HSA funds for dental work; it's a qualified medical expense.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a dental cleaning cost in NYC without insurance?
A standard adult cleaning costs $120–$300 in NYC, or $250–$550 when combined with an exam and bitewing X-rays. A deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) costs $250–$450 per quadrant.
How much does a root canal cost in Brooklyn?
In Brooklyn a front-tooth root canal costs about $900–$1,400 and a molar $1,300–$2,000 at a general dentist. An endodontist typically charges 15–30% more. The crown you'll usually need afterward is extra ($1,200–$2,200).
How much does a dental implant cost in Brooklyn?
A single implant with abutment and crown costs about $3,800–$6,000 in Brooklyn. Bone grafts ($400–$1,200) and extractions are extra.
What's the average annual dental cost for an adult?
With no major work, expect $500–$1,000 a year in NYC for two checkups and cleanings plus X-rays. With a PPO plan, preventive care is usually 100% covered and you pay only premiums.
Where can I get cheap dental care in NYC?
NYU College of Dentistry and Columbia's dental school clinics charge roughly 40–60% less than private practices. NYC Health + Hospitals and federally qualified health centers offer sliding-scale fees based on income.
Does dental insurance cover crowns and implants?
Most PPOs cover crowns at 50% after the deductible, up to the annual maximum (commonly $1,000–$2,000). Implants are covered by some plans at 50%, often with a waiting period of 6–12 months.
Sources & methodology
Prices are compiled from published provider price lists, government fee schedules and quotes, then adjusted for 2026. See how we price.