Best Dentists in the U.S.

Nationwide dental networks give you a way to access dental benefits no matter where you’re based or traveling. They also offer centralized scheduling and standardized financing, while smaller independent practices offer more continuity with one dentist and more variation in services, hours and fees. General dentists can provide dentures and implants, but a DDS or DMD with an active state license is the baseline. For complex tooth replacement, ask about training and case volume, and avoid pressure to commit to vague costs.

Services provided

Not every practice provides every service in-house. Some handle specific services directly, while others refer out to a specialist for anything outside of run-of-the-mill dental services. Sometimes, these will even require an insurance referral.

• General dentistry: Routine exams, cleanings, X-rays, fillings, crowns and treatment for common gum issues.
• Dental implants: Ask whether the office handles both surgical placement and the final crown or denture, or refers patients to a specialist.
• Dentures: Look for full, partial or implant-supported denture options, plus repairs, relines and follow-up adjustments.
• Emergency services: Check for same-day appointments, after-hours instructions and treatment for pain, broken teeth or lost restorations.
• Specialty referrals: Find out how the practice coordinates care for root canals, complex extractions, periodontal treatment and orthodontics.

Customer service

Customer service boils down to how well you’re treated as well as convenience. How quickly can you get in for an appointment and how easy is it to complete your treatment? Nearby offices, online scheduling, same-day emergency appointments and virtual consults for initial questions can make your exams, fittings, adjustments and follow-up care much easier, especially if you’re getting implants or dentures. If you’ll need to travel to another office or specialist, it’s important to know how far you’ll need to travel for surgery, final placement or repairs.

The cost of dental services typically ranges from $153 to tens of thousands of dollars, depending on what you’re having done. For example, if you’re just getting a dental cleaning and have no issues, you can expect to spend less than $200 out of pocket.

However, if you need a full mouth dental reconstruction, you’re looking at an average of $12,577 to $33,272, with higher prices usually seen in large metro areas or for those with significant experience. Dentures and implants are more expensive than a standard filling, while cosmetic dentistry like veneers can cost more than $1,000 per tooth.

If you have insurance, your plan may cover a portion or all of your dental expenses, depending on how good your coverage is. For anything not covered by insurance, most dentists offer some type of financing, whether it’s in-house or through a third party such as CareCredit. Either way, know that a quote is just that—a quote. Your actual price upon completion may be more or less depending on how much effort your teeth end up needing.

Because your teeth can significantly alter your quality of life, finding the right solution for your denture and implant needs is important. Here are a few things to consider.

Credentials

A general dentist may provide dentures and implants, but not every dentist performs every part of treatment. Your dentist should have an active state license and a DDS or DMD. Ask who will place the implant, create the final crown or denture and manage any complications.

An “implant dentist” isn’t really a separate recognized specialty, so ask about implant training, experience with cases like yours and specialty board certification if applicable. Complex cases might require you to see a prosthodontist, periodontist or oral and maxillofacial surgeon.

Treatment timeline

While it may be tempting to go with a provider offering the shortest treatment timeline possible, that’s not always the best way to go. For example, if you’re getting veneers but also need partial dentures, implants, extractions or gum line contouring, you want enough time for your gums to heal before veneer placement.

There are providers who will do it all in just a few days, but again, if you’ve just had a ton of work done on your gums, you don’t want them inflamed when they go to place veneers.

Follow-up care

Ask how often you’ll need checkups and whether adjustment visits, relines, repairs or replacement parts are included in your quoted cost. Also ask about warranties: find out where follow-ups happen, who handles urgent problems and whether warranty terms are in writing.

If you’re planning on going overseas for cheaper dentures and implants, figuring out follow-up care is even more important. Is your regular dentist willing to work on your dentures or implants if you’ve had them done overseas? Or will you need to do any follow-ups where you originally got them?

Red flags

If a dentist is pressuring you to commit the same day, won’t identify the clinician performing your procedure or gives a price that excludes imaging, extractions, grafting, temporary restorations or follow-up care, walk away. It’s also concerning if your provider can’t explain alternative options, expected risks or why their recommendation fits your needs.