Dental Treatment Cost in Germany [2024 English Guide]

Key takeaways

• Health insurance providers cover the cost of medically necessary dental treatments only.
• Public health insurance doesn’t cover the costs of dental treatments that are not considered standard care.
• Supplementary dental insurance has a 4 to 5-year reimbursement limit period. During this period, dental insurance companies limit the amount they’ll cover.

This is how you do it

• Before starting treatment, get a dental treatment cost estimate from your dentist. Then, check with your dental insurance company to see what costs they’ll cover.
• We recommend getting dental insurance if you smoke, have dental problems, or are 35 and above.
• We found Deutsche Familienversicherung AG* (Exclusiv 100), Barmenia* (Mehr Zahn 100 + Mehr Zahnvorsorge Bonus), and Feather* (Advanced) among the best dental insurance plans in Germany as of Aug 2024. Feather is an insurance agent and sells Barmenia’s dental insurance plans.
• We have removed Ottonova* from our list due to its falling customer rating. You can read the reviews on Trustpilot.

Table of Contents

Does health insurance cover dental treatment costs in Germany?

Yes, public health insurance covers the cost of medically necessary dental treatments. However, medically necessary treatment is usually not enough or desired.

The dental costs you pay yourself quickly add up to hundreds or thousands of euros. Thus, it’s recommended that you get a supplemental dental insurance policy sooner rather than later. 

On the other hand, good private health insurance plans cover up to 90% of the dental costs. So, you usually don’t need additional dental insurance.

Here is a summary of typical dental treatment costs and how much health insurance covers.

Dental Treatment	Cost
Professional cleaning	80 € and 120 € per professional cleaning. Public health insurance companies like TK cover 40 € per annum for professional cleaning.
Tooth extraction	Public health insurance covers the complete cost of tooth extraction. However, you pay around 200 € to 300 € for treatments under general anesthesia and 100 € to 200 € for treatments under nitrous oxide.
Tooth filling	Public health insurance covers amalgam and plastic tooth filling, but you pay for the ceramic tooth filling. Ceramic tooth filling costs around 550 € per tooth.
Root canal	Root canal treatment costs between 200 € and 1000 € per tooth. The public insurer covers the cost only if the tooth can be saved. However, you must still pay part of the costs out of your own pocket.
Dental implant	Public health insurance doesn’t cover the costs of dental implants. A dental implant costs between 1400 € and 2200 € per tooth.
Periodontitis	The treatment cost varies depending on the treatment method and the extent of damage. You can expect to pay between 100€ and 500€. Public health insurance covers the cost of basic treatments only. Modern treatment methods like Laser or Vector therapy are not covered.
Bleaching	Home bleaching costs around 200€ to 500€. In-office bleaching costs around 30€ to 70 euros per tooth. A power bleach with a lamp is around 600€ to 800 euros. Public health insurance doesn’t cover the costs, as bleaching is purely cosmetic treatment.

Is it worth getting supplementary dental insurance in Germany?

Yes, getting supplementary dental insurance is worth it in Germany for the following reasons.

• Dental insurance plans come with a 4 to 5-year reimbursement limit period. During this period, the dental insurance company reimburses up to a fixed maximum amount, and you cover the rest.
• Statistically, people who are 35 or above are prone to some kind of dental health problems.
• Dental insurance companies don’t cover existing dental problems. So, get a dental insurance policy before you catch one.
• Getting dental insurance is tough if you have existing dental problems.
• Public or private health insurance companies don’t offer comprehensive dental coverage.
• Dental treatment costs can quickly add up to hundreds or thousands of euros. 

In short, we recommend that people who smoke or are 35 and above get a supplementary dental insurance plan.

In our research, we found

• Deutsche Familienversicherung AG* (Exclusiv 100),
• Barmenia* (Mehr Zahn 100 + Mehr Zahnvorsorge Bonus),
• and Feather* (Advanced)

among the best dental insurance plans in Germany as of 2024. You can read how we found the best dental insurance plans here.

NOTE: Feather is an insurance agent and sells Barmenia’s dental insurance policies. The benefit of taking insurance from Feather is that you can file claims and get customer support in English.

Tooth Filling in Germany

The cost of tooth filling in Germany depends on the following factors

• The material used for the tooth filling.
• Which tooth has the problem?
• How complex is the dental treatment?
• The costs also vary from dentist to dentist. Hence, we recommend you get a second opinion before signing up for expensive dental services. 

Your health insurance covers the cost of tooth fillings using certain materials only. If you opt for better and more expensive materials, you must bear the cost—unless you have supplementary dental insurance.

Let’s check how much each filling costs in Germany.

#1 Ceramic tooth filling

Cost:

• Total cost: up to 550 € per tooth.
• Contribution by public health insurance: up to 50 € per tooth
• Cost you bear: up to 500 € per tooth

Advantages

• Ceramic filling can last for up to 15 years
• Ceramic filling is recommended to patients because of its fewer side effects.
• It’s more aesthetic than Amalgam and gold fillings.

Disadvantages

• At least two dentist visits are required for ceramic filling.
• It’s more expensive than other types of tooth fillings available in Germany.
• Your health insurance doesn’t cover the cost of ceramic filling. The health insurance company will reimburse part of the dental treatment costs. 

#2 Amalgam tooth filling

Cost:

• Total cost: 20 € to 50 € per tooth.
• Covered by public health insurance.

Advantages

• It’s cheap, and your health insurance company covers the costs
• It’s one of the longest-lasting tooth fillings available today. It can last up to 15 years.

Disadvantages

• Amalgam fillings are made of a mixture of metals with a dark metallic look. They’re not aesthetic; people can see the filling when you smile or talk.
• Some people are concerned about the presence of mercury (a highly toxic metal) in amalgam fillings. However, according to the ADA (American Dental Association), amalgam fillings are safe.

#3 Composite Tooth Fillings

Cost

• Total cost: 30 € to 80 € per tooth
• Public health insurance covers the cost of dental treatment for certain conditions. So, before accepting the treatment, you must confirm what costs your insurer covers.

Advantages

• Composite fillings are more aesthetic as they match the color of your teeth.
• Composite fillings are easy to use and can restore many tooth shapes and sizes. Hence, they are favored for filling cavities and repairing damaged teeth.
• It’s quick and easy to fill the teeth with composite fillings. Hence, it’s a more convenient option for patients.

Disadvantages

• Composite fillings must be replaced more often than amalgam and ceramic fillings.
• They are not as strong and durable as amalgam fillings. Hence, dentists don’t recommend using it in high-stress areas, such as the molars.

Root Canal in Germany

Root canal treatment is usually expensive as it takes several sessions to do it. A typical root canal looks like this.

• First, the dentist opens a path to your infected pulp and removes it completely.
• The dentist then disinfects the cleaned root canals and seals them with root-filling material. This prevents bacteria from penetrating the tooth again.
• Lastly, a crown is placed on the tooth to strengthen it further.

How much does a root canal cost in Germany?

The cost of the root canal depends on

• how badly the tooth is infected,
• the filling used to seal the root canals,
• and the type of crown used.

On average, root canal treatment costs vary between 200 € and 1,000 €.

Does public health insurance cover root canal costs in Germany?

Yes, public health insurance covers the cost of a root canal if the dentist confirms that the tooth can be saved. 

Special conditions apply to molars’ root canal treatment. The public insurer covers the cost if you meet one of the following conditions:

• The molar is in a complete row of teeth without a gap.
• The treatment saves the last molar.
• The treatment preserves the existing dentures.

These are general guidelines. However, public insurance companies also cover the costs if there are other reasons for saving the tooth. 

So, ask your dentist for a cost estimate. And check with your statutory health insurance provider about what costs they’ll cover.

NOTE: If the dentist determines that it’s not worth saving the tooth, the health insurance company will not pay for the root canal. You can still opt for a root canal. But you must cover the costs yourself.

You may have to pay part of the cost of the root canal treatment even when the statutory health insurance company covers the cost. This is because public insurance providers cover the cost of standard treatment only.

However, the dentist might need additional sessions to achieve the best results. And you’ll bear the cost of those additional sessions.

Dental Implants in Germany

How much does a dental implant cost in Germany?

The dental implant cost depends on the following factors.

• Number of implants.
• Material of the implants (Titanium or Ceramic).
• Amount of work required for the dental implant.
• Dentist’s fee.
• Preparation costs (eg, treating periodontitis, strengthening jaw bone, etc., before the implant)

A typical dental implant costs between €1,400 and €2,200 per tooth.

Does public health insurance cover dental implants in Germany?

Public health insurance doesn’t consider dental implants a standard treatment, so it doesn’t cover their costs. Instead, the insurer pays a fixed subsidy. 

The health insurance provider calculates the fixed subsidy based on the cost of alternative dental care available.

For example, suppose you have a missing tooth. The following dental treatments are available: bridge, dental prosthesis, and implant. You decide to go with an implant.

In this case, your health insurance company will provide a fixed subsidy, i.e., half the cost of a bridge or prosthesis. And you have to pay the rest of the treatment costs.

In exceptional cases where other treatments are not possible, the statutory health insurance company may cover the costs. So, you should always contact the health insurance company before the treatment and check what costs they cover. 

How much does a professional dental cleaning cost in Germany?

In Germany, professional teeth cleaning costs between 80 € and 150 € (as of 2024). Dentists recommend getting it every six months. 

So you’ll spend around 160 € to 300 € per annum on professional dental cleaning. However, public health insurance companies like TK reimburse 40 € per annum for it.

How much private health insurance will reimburse depends on your tariff. Usually, private health insurance offers better coverage than public insurers. So, you can expect them to reimburse more than 40 €.

Supplementary dental insurance from Deutsche Familienversicherung AG* covers up to 200 € per annum for professional teeth cleaning in addition to your health insurance coverage.

What is the cost of tooth extraction in Germany?

The cost of tooth extraction depends on the following factors. 

• Which imaging procedure (x-ray, CT scan, etc.) is used to prepare for the tooth extraction? 
• Dentists usually recommend professional teeth cleaning before the procedure. So, add it’s costs.
• The type of anesthesia – local anesthesia, general anesthesia, or nitrous oxide (laughing gas).
• Do you need an implant or dentures after the tooth removal?

Public health insurance covers the complete cost of tooth extraction under local anesthesia.

However, you must pay out of your pocket if you desire treatment under different types of anesthesia. Assuming that the treatment under different anesthesia is not medically required.

Here is how much the treatment costs. 

• Treatment cost under general anesthesia increases by 200€ to 300€ per hour. If the treatment lasts longer, the amount increases by €100 to €150 per hour.
• Treatment cost for nitrous oxide increases by 100 € to 200 € per hour.

Suppose you need an implant. The public insurer doesn’t cover implant costs. You receive a fixed subsidy from the health insurance company and pay the rest from your pocket.

NOTE: Many dental plans limit reimbursement for Anesthesia costs. However, good dental insurance doesn’t have any limits, such as Deutsche Familienversicherung AG* (Exclusiv 100), Barmenia* (Mehr Zahn 100 + Mehr Zahnvorsorge Bonus), and Feather* (Advanced).

Cost of bleaching in Germany

Bleaching is considered a cosmetic treatment. Thus, your health insurance doesn’t cover its costs.

Bleaching cost varies from dentist to dentist and the treatment method.

• Home bleaching: You do it yourself at home. It’ll cost you between 200€ and 500€.
• In-office bleaching: You bleach your teeth at the dentist. It’s a more expensive option, costing between 30€ and 70€ per tooth.
• A power bleach with a lamp costs around 600€ to 800€.

Good dental plans reimburse up to 200€ of bleaching costs every two to three years.

Periodontal treatment in Germany

Periodontitis is an infectious disease caused by bacteria that leads to inflammation of the periodontium. You don’t notice it in its early stage. This is why a regular dental checkup is vital.

Treating periodontitis is easier, less painful, and cheaper in its early stages. If it advances, not only does it cause pain, but you also pay a lot more for its treatment.

How much does periodontitis treatment cost in Germany?

The cost of periodontal treatment depends on the following factors.

• Damage severity
• Number of affected teeth
• Treatment method
• Number of sessions to treat periodontitis

Here are the typical steps of a periodontal treatment.

Method	Costs
Pretreatments, such as professional cleaning, tartar removal, etc.	100€ to 300€ (partly covered by public insurance)
Germination test to check which germ or bacteria is responsible for the inflammation.	60€ to 150€ (not covered in public health insurance)
Laser treatment per tooth	10€ to 25€ (not covered in public health insurance)
Aftercare, such as regular checkups	50€ to 200€ (not covered in public health insurance)

In short, you can expect to pay between 150€ and 600€ for periodontal treatment.

What periodontal treatment costs does public health insurance cover?

Public health insurance covers

• Pretreatment costs—Partly. For example, TK reimburses 40€ for the professional cleaning, and you bear the rest.
• Standard treatment only. Treatments like laser therapy are not covered.
• Germination tests and aftercare are not covered by public insurance.

Public health insurers reimburse periodontal treatment costs once every two years.

How do dentists calculate dental costs in Germany?

Dentists in Germany calculate the dental treatment costs per the GOZ and GÖA fee schedule.

What is GOZ?

GOZ (Gebührenordnung für Zahnärzte) is the fee schedule for dentists in Germany. It regulates the costs of dental services charged by dentists.

If a dental service cannot be billed using the GOZ and GÖA fee schedule, dentists can bill it as they see fit. Dental insurance providers reimburse only the dental costs billed per GOZ and GÖA fee schedule.

How are the dental costs calculated per the GOZ fee schedule?

Here is how the dental costs are calculated per the GOZ fee schedule.

Dental cost = Score x Point Value (5.62421 cents) x Factor (1 to 3.5) x Nr of teeth

Where

• Score is a number assigned to each dental service listed in the GOZ fee schedule. For example, the score assigned to “Professional dental cleaning” is 28.
• Point value is 5.62421 cents [1] as of 2024.
• Factor varies from 1 to 3.5. The dentist determines the factor based on the difficulty of the treatment.

So, professional dental cleaning costs vary between 47.24 € (28 * 5.624 * 1 * 30) and 165.34 € (28 * 5.624 * 3.5 * 30).

Dental costs can vary greatly depending on which factor the dentist uses to calculate them. Dental insurance companies limit the reimbursement to the maximum GOZ factor.

NOTE: Dentists can use a factor higher than 3.5 to calculate the dental costs. However, dentist must inform the patient in writing with reason before the treatment.

What is the maximum GOZ factor in Germany?

Dental services are divided into three categories, each with a separate maximum GOZ factor.

• Personal services: Up to 3.5 factor
• Laboratory service: Up to 1.3 factor
• Medical/Technical services: Up to 2.5 factor

Can you deduct dental treatment costs from taxes in Germany?

Yes, you can deduct dental treatment costs from your income tax return in Germany. However, you can deduct the dental costs if they fulfill the following requirements. 

• The dental treatment was medically necessary.
• The dental treatment cost exceeds the reasonable burden (Zumutbare Belastung).
• The dental costs are not reimbursed by health insurance or supplementary dental insurance.

The amount the tax office considers a reasonable burden depends on your

• income,
• marital status,
• and the number of children.

You can learn more about it in our guide on deducting dental costs from taxes.

What dental costs are covered by supplementary dental insurance?

Dental insurance policies are add-ons to health insurance. They cover the following dental costs.

• Dental insurance providers reimburse dental costs per the GOZ and GÖA fee schedule. However, insurers limit the maximum “factor” they consider for reimbursement. The dental insurance plans we found best limit the reimbursement to the highest GOZ factor.
• Many dental treatments are not listed in the GOZ schedule. Dentists can charge whatever fee they want for such treatments. Of course, they must discuss it with the patient first. Many dental insurance companies reject such claims or reimburse 70% to 80% of the costs.
• If public health insurance doesn’t contribute to the treatment cost, dental insurers reimburse 70% to 80% of the costs.

NOTE: No dental insurance plan covers unlimited dental costs. Many customers mistake 100% reimbursement of dental costs for unlimited cost reimbursement.

You can read what 100% cost reimbursement means here.

Is supplementary dental insurance worth it in Germany?

Yes, supplementary dental insurance is worth it.

Studies show that 90% of adults suffer from some kind of dental problem. Treatment costs can quickly go from 100 € to a few thousand, depending on the issue.

Moreover, health insurance companies don’t cover all the dental costs. That is why it’s recommended that you get additional dental insurance to cover expensive dental treatments.

Good dental insurance plans cover up to 100% of treatment costs. Moreover, coverage is not limited to standard care but also includes the cost of high-quality materials and the latest technologies. 

In our research, we found

• Deutsche Familienversicherung AG* (Exclusiv 100),
• Barmenia* (Mehr Zahn 100 + Mehr Zahnvorsorge Bonus),
• and Feather* (Advanced)

among the best dental insurance plans in Germany as of 2024. You can read how we found the best dental insurance plans here.

NOTE: Feather is an insurance agent and sells Barmenia’s dental insurance policies. The benefit of taking insurance from Feather is that you can file claims and get customer support in English.

Read our guide on the best dental insurance in Germany to learn more.

References

• https://www.tk.de/techniker/leistungen-und-mitgliedschaft/informationen-versicherte/leistungen/zaehne/zahnbehandlungen/kosten-zahnfuellungen-2002386
• https://drdavey.com/the-pros-and-cons-of-different-types-of-dental-fillings
• https://www.da-direkt.de/zahnzusatzversicherung/ratgeber/wurzelbehandlung-kosten
• https://www.tk.de/techniker/leistungen-und-mitgliedschaft/informationen-versicherte/leistungen/zaehne/zahnbehandlungen/uebernimmt-tk-kosten-fuer-wurzelbehandlung-2002388
• https://www.dentolo.de/ratgeber/zahnimplantat-kosten/
• https://www.muenchener-verein.de/ratgeber/zahngesundheit/zahnextraktion-zahnziehen-kosten-schmerzen-risiken/