Is a Prosthodontist More Expensive Than a Dentist? LA’s No-BS Cost Guide
Is a prosthodontist more expensive than a dentist? Let’s cut through the Hollywood hype: Yes, but only by 18-35% on average – and here’s why that premium pays for itself. I’m Dr. Babak, a Santa Monica-based oral surgeon who’s referred 1,200+ patients to prosthodontists. Think of it like this: Would you pay 20% more for a Michelin-star chef versus Burger King? Let’s break down the real costs for LA smile seekers.
Prosthodontist vs Dentist: The Price Tag Showdown
A Venice Beach patient asked me last week: “Why pay extra when my dentist does implants too?” Here’s the raw math:
| Service | General Dentist (Avg LA Cost) | Prosthodontist (Avg LA Cost) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Tooth Implant | $3,800 | $4,600 | +21% |
| Full Dentures | $2,100 | $2,700 | +29% |
| Porcelain Crown | $1,400 | $1,850 | +32% |
| Smile Makeover | $18,000 | $23,500 | +31% |
Source: 2024 CA Dental Fee Survey [^1^]
Why the gap?
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3+ years of prosthodontic residency training (vs general dentistry) [^2^]
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$250k+ in specialized equipment (3D scanners, CEREC mills)
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92% success rate on complex cases vs 74% for general dentists [^3^]
3 Hidden Ways Prosthodontists Save You Money
1. Fewer Redos = Long-Term Savings
A Beverly Hills CEO paid $4k for dentist-made implants. Failed in 8 months. Our prosthodontist partner fixed it for $6k – but total cost became $10k vs $7k upfront.
2. Insurance Hacks You Didn’t Know
68% of PPO plans cover prosthodontics as “medically necessary” if coded right [^4^]. We’ve gotten $18k smile makeovers 80% covered.
3. Time = Money (Especially in LA)
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Dentist: 6 visits for full arch implants
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Prosthodontist: 3 visits + same-day temps you can wear to Malibu parties
When to Choose a Prosthodontist (And When Not To)
✅ Prosthodontist Worth the Splurge For:
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Full mouth reconstruction
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Implant-supported dentures
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TMJ-related smile issues
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Extreme tooth wear from grinding
❌ Save with a General Dentist For:
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Simple single crowns
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Basic dentures
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Non-composite fillings
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Routine cleanings
Pro Tip: Our clinic near Culver City Stairs offers free scans to determine which specialist you need.
LA’s Secret to Affordable Premium Care
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Hybrid Plans
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Prosthodontist designs case
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General dentist handles simple parts
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Saves 15-25% (we do this for 43% of patients)
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Membership Perks
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$199/year gets you:
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15% off all prosthodontic work
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Free emergency repairs
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Priority booking
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Same-Day Tourism Hack
Fly to Tijuana? Please don’t. We price-match Mexican dental quotes + throw in free Uber from LAX.
FAQs: Prosthodontist Costs Demystified
Are prosthodontists covered by insurance?
Yes – if they’re in-network. We’re contracted with 12 major PPOs including Delta Dental.
Can I get financing for cosmetic work?
0% interest for 24 months on cases over $5k. Your $20k smile becomes $833/month – cheaper than a Tesla lease.
Why are Santa Monica prosthodontists pricier?
Our lab fees are 37% higher because we use Beverly Hills ceramists who do veneers for Netflix stars.
Do medi-cal cover prosthodontists?
Rarely. But we accept CareCredit and offer income-based sliding scales.
The LA Verdict: When Premium Pays Off
Is a prosthodontist more expensive than a dentist? Yes – but like choosing between a Honda and Ferrari. For complex cases:
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Prosthodontist: Higher upfront cost, lower long-term risk
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General dentist: Cheaper now, 3x more likely to need rework [^5^]
Dr. Babak’s Rule: If your case involves 4+ teeth or jaw issues – go pro.
Your Move, LA
We’ve made premium accessible:
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Free second opinions (even for other dentists’ work)
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3D scan in 15 mins (no radiation, near Santa Monica Pier)
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0% interest plans – get that red carpet smile while keeping your Ramen budget
Book your free cost comparison consult:
https://ladentalexperts.setmore.com
Citations1 CA Dental Association Fee Survey 20242 American Dental Association Education Guidelines3 Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry Success Rates4 Cigna PPO Coverage Analysis5 ADA Dental Restoration Longevity Study
Related Links
Prosthodontist
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What is the difference between a dentist and an prosthodontics?
Should I go to a prosthodontist?
