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CostHelper.com > Health & Personal Care > Teeth Cleaning
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Teeth Cleaning Cost |
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How Much Does Teeth Cleaning Cost? |
 | Typically: $50-$135 |
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 | Deep Cleaning: $400-$1,600 |
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| The main goal of professional teeth cleaning is to prevent gum disease, which is the primary cause of tooth loss in adults over age 40. The US Food & Drug Administration gives an overview of gum disease and how to fight it. | | |
| Typical costs: | - The charge for a standard teeth cleaning and dental exam ranges from $50 -$135. Often dental insurance will cover some or all of this cost for a specific number of cleanings each year.
- The more extensive deep cleaning process called scaling and root planing is done by quadrants (upper right, upper left, lower right, lower left) at a cost of about $100 -$400 per quadrant depending on the severity of the problem or $400 -$1,600 for the entire mouth. Most dental insurance includes these procedures.
What should be included: | - In a standard cleaning, a dental hygienist (working under a dentist's supervision) removes soft plaque and hard tartar (mineralized plaque that builds up on the teeth and can only be removed with professional instruments) from above and below the gum line on all the teeth. The process requires one office visit and usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes.
- Scaling and root planing is a deep-cleaning, non-surgical procedure generally done when the depths of the pockets around the teeth are deeper than 3 millimeters--an early sign of gum disease. Under local anesthetic, plaque and tartar above and below the gum line are scraped away (scaling) and rough spots on the root are smoothed (planing) to remove bacteria and give a clean surface for the gums to reattach to the teeth. This is done using a local anesthetic and generally requires two to four office visits, each lasting around 45 minutes to an hour. The American Dental Association gives an overview of scaling and root planing.
Additional costs: | - Periodic X-rays ($13 -$135) are needed to see if any problems are developing inside the teeth, and are generally required before cleaning the teeth of a new patient. These are often covered by dental insurance.
- A full mouth debridement (cleaning away excess buildup so the gums and bones are visible and can be evaluated) at $75 -$150 or more may be needed for new patients who have not had dental treatment for quite awhile. Dental insurance may not cover debridement.
Discounts: | - Dental college clinics may offer reduced rates for services by supervised students or faculty; check DentalSite.com for school locations.
- Some dental groups pay partial fees for low-income patients; the American Dental Association lists state associations.
Shopping for teeth cleaning: | |
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Material on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult your physician or pharmacist regarding medications or medical procedures.
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Article updated November 2007 |
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What People Are Paying - Recent Comments |
Page 3 of 3 - << Previous 1 2 3
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| Routine exam, xray and cleaning |
| Amount: $89.00 |
| Posted by: R Carter in New Boston, MI. | Posted: July 12th, 2010 09:07AM |
| The procedure lasted about 45 minutes and included cleaning, cancer screening, x-rays and quick exam by the dentist. I got an ad in my local sales paper for a dentist in the area offering this price for new patients. Only one ad can be used per household so my husband could not take advantage. Great services and polite staff. Dentist answered all my questions afterwards and no judgment for not flossing every day like I have received in the past from other dentists. I have used sales specials like this before and been happy with results. I take good care of my teeth since I don't have dental insurance (brush 2x per day flossing most of the time, etc). Check for specials for new patients in local ads by dentists to save a bundle if you don't have dental insurance. A cousin of mine is a dentist (I cannot afford him though) and he said that if you take great care of your teeth and do not have other health issues, you really only need the routine cleaning, xrays and exam once a year not every 6 months. |
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| Teeth Cleaning |
| Amount: $210.00 |
| Posted by: Will M in Jacksonville, IL. | Posted: July 27th, 2010 09:07AM |
| Had my teeth cleaned, 4 bitewing x-rays, and minor dental exam. Last year it was $140.00, this year $210.00. I complained about it and they offered a 10% discount for next 6 months cleaning. I still think even a $50.00 increase is prohibitive and I will be looking. |
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| Posted by: D Cole in south Bend, IN. | Posted: July 29th, 2010 04:07AM |
| Type: full mouth |
| I went to local dentist hygentist school. Indiana University South Bend. Yes it takes 4 hours start to finish. Its the best cleaning you will ever have also included x rays |
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| Posted by: Yerac in Ft Myers, FL. | Posted: August 24th, 2010 07:08AM |
| Type: Deep Cleaning |
Which I was not aware I needed, I had changed dentist to get reg cleanings done.. have had no problem with other dentist just needed to get the free cleanings on my Insurance.. Wrong move..
I have been going reg to a dentist for 20 years.. and this new Peridontal cleaning and also told needed posible root canal and new caps.. Claening was for every three months and a cost to me, not covered by insurand comletly.. I thu a fit and refused to pay for something I did not need..and low and behold they tried to pull same deal on my husband at his visit.. Both of us have been going to dentist for years .. and now this was also told no matter where we go they will insist on deep cleaning..Is this True (I am really fed up to the teeth pardon the Pun)The Health care in this country if for the birds..all they care about is the fast buck and how much stuff can we add on to this visit.. |
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| general teeth cleaning |
| Amount: $95.00 |
| Posted by: gilbertee in Chatsworth, CA. | Posted: August 27th, 2010 12:08PM |
| Type: cleaning |
| I have to contact my dentist receptionist. At first, I was told it was going to be 75.00 back in April of 2010. When I went two days ago, I didnt even check the charge and she charged me 95.00 just for general cleaning??? I will call. She said next time my teeth cleaning will be covered by my insurance. I need to go to the dentist 4 times a year because of the condition of my teeth. My contract with delta dental only covers 2 cleanings a year! What is next? |
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| Deep Cleaning/Scaling Root Planing/Arestin |
| Amount: $755.00 |
| Posted by: Clean Teeth in Encino, CA. | Posted: September 2nd, 2010 11:09AM |
| Type: Cleaning/SRP/Arestin/Xrays |
| I have a dental HMO from my employer, Anthem Blue Cross. Was not expecting to pay this much. But after reading some of the other posts its very legitimate. Have not been to a dentist in 3 years and was told I needed deep cleaning/ scaling and root planing. Had it done in 2 visits just finished the last one. Was not bad at all. The Arestin antibiotic was needed in 5 areas due to pockets measuring over 5mm in depth. I was a little hesitant about this new drug I had never heard of and supposedly not covered by insurance. They charged me $80 for each pocket and I had 5. The Xrays were covered by insurance and the deep cleaning was $360 with the insurance coverage. The Arestin is probably not covered by insurance. But I feel it is completely worth it. After having the first treatment a few days later I noticed how quickly I was healing. You only get one set of healthy teeth and I felt this was well worth the cost considering how expensive others have paid and the price tag with no insurance, yikes! |
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| Cleaning, exam, x-rays plus flouride treatment |
| Amount: $252.00 |
| Posted by: mmike in Boston, MA. | Posted: September 30th, 2010 08:09AM |
| Type: cleaning/exam/x-rays/flouride |
$100 for the cleaning
$50 for the exam
$88 for the x-rays
$14 for the flouride
took 45 min total
Seems like a rip-off to me |
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| Scaling, Deep Cleaning |
| Amount: $1,083.00 |
| Posted by: Patricia Scott in Annapolis, MD. | Posted: October 27th, 2010 09:10AM |
| Type: Periodental gum disease |
| I felt rail-roaded into spending this cash at an Annapolis, MD dentist office. I hadn't been to a dentist in five years. I had one pocket measured at 7 and one pocket measured at 6. The rest were 2's and 3's. I originally went into the office to get a broken moler looked at. This dentist told me I would need a root canal or tooth extraction, but their office didn't do those procedures. Why would this dentist let me come in to begin with when they knew my complaint and they knew they wouldn't be able to help me? |
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| SRP's (deep cleaning) |
| Amount: $388.00 |
| Posted by: RDH in Las Vegas, NV. | Posted: October 28th, 2010 08:10PM |
| The cost of deep cleanings have actually come down. I have been a dental hygienist for almost 30 years with a bachelor's degree in this field and every office I work in seems to charge less and less for the same treatment. Five years ago we charged $250/quad. Two years ago it was $162/quad. Now we charge $97/quad for the exact same work! Seems to me it's the only profession that has changed with the economical times and the saturation of the field. |
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| teet cleaning & oral exam |
| Amount: $114.00 |
| Posted by: pisces007 in Grand Rapids, MI. | Posted: November 4th, 2010 05:11AM |
| Type: Routine |
| For this neck of the woods it is above average but well worth, the care is phenomenal, the work excellent. My daughter is getting braces at this office. It's a one stop dental mall! ;) No xrays taken.Dr. Lee Zuidema, DDS |
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| Teeth cleaning |
| Amount: $15.00 |
| Posted by: Tess in Denver, CO. | Posted: November 10th, 2010 03:11PM |
| Type: Routine cleaning with exam and x-rays |
| I was informed about a School for Dental Hygientist. It was a very through,informative and gentle procedure done by a student. Her teacher double checked everything and a dentist consult was also performed. One does need to be patient as everything did take 4 hours. The price was terrific! I just had another cleaning at the dentist office and it was $85, but only took an hour as x-rays and exam had been done previously. I plan to go to the school next time. |
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| Deep Gum Cleaning |
| Amount: $100.00 |
| Posted by: Nina V in La Verne, CA. | Posted: January 6th, 2011 01:01AM |
| Type: deep gum cleaning |
| My mother suggested I go to her dentist and was told I needed to have one of my teeth refilled and to have my gums cleaned because they were so bad, I was told with my insurance (Met Life) that it would be 8-9 hundred! I thought that was high so I went 4 weeks later (yesterday 1/4/11) to my husbands dentist who said that instead it was my wisdom tooth that needed to be refilled but it would be cheaper to just pull it and that I needed my gums to be cleaned badly. When he came back and told me it was going to cost $100 for EVERYTHING I was shocked! It took about an hour for the gum cleaning and my entire mouth had to be numbed since I was in so much pain, after it took him about 30 seconds to pull my wisdom tooth. I also found out the previous dentist charged my insurance for a deep cleaning. If you live in Southern California, visit Dr. Tudosi in La Verne, best dentist ever! |
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| Deep Gum Cleaning |
| Amount: $707.50 |
| Posted by: No Insurance in San Antonio, TX in San Antonio, TX. | Posted: February 10th, 2011 09:02AM |
| Type: Deep Gum Cleaning |
| My mother is 70 years old and visited her dentist for partial dentures (upper/lower). She had to first get two (2) crowns replaced and teeth cleaned. The dental hygenist and dentist recommended the deep cleaning for her receding gum lines and to remove build up in effort to improve on the conditions of her remaining teeth and longevity of the partial dentures. It was scheudled for one day appt. Reading the blogs, I am wondering if this should have been scheudled as two (2) appts. She does not have dental insurance. Dentist only offered 5% discount for full pay at $707.50. |
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| Deep cleaning |
| Amount: $540.00 |
| Posted by: Linh in Oakland, CA. | Posted: February 10th, 2011 08:02PM |
| Type: Scaling/rooting and irrigat |
| I haven't been to the dentist in about 10 years and I had 4mm pockets on all 4 quadrants. With Liberty Dental Insurance I paid $60 for scaling and rooting per quadrant and $75 peridex/irrigation for each quadrant, so with insurance I paid about $540. I don't know if I was ripped off with the peridex, but the dentist highly recommended that I got peridex, which they put on with a syringe. I didn't get any numbing shots (don't know if that would have made it more expensive) and it didn't hurt much. |
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| Yearly Teeth Cleaning, Exam |
| Amount: $261.00 |
| Posted by: AM in Stratford, CT. | Posted: February 22nd, 2011 10:02AM |
| Type: Exam, Prophy, Probing, Full Mouth Xrays |
I no longer have dental insurance so I have dreaded going back to see the dentist. I called the office and found out the cost of services ahead of time and was informed that the cost is the same if you have insurance or if you pay out of pocket.
Break down of Cost:
Full mouth xrays* (16 digital films) $143
*patient has the right to refuse xrays
Exam, Prophy (cleaning) and Probing $136
Total visit took about an hour. I feel the money spent was justified. I have had cleanings that felt rushed and this time it was very thorough and I was pleased with the outcome |
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| New patient exam, x-rays, debrisment and pollishing |
| Amount: $511.00 |
| Posted by: Outraged Americans in Melbourne, FL. | Posted: April 20th, 2011 08:04AM |
| Type: cash |
| My husband hadn't been to a dentist in years and needed dental work prior to having heart surgery. We were told $150. for new patient exam and x-rays and $86 for hygienist. Once there, he was told he needed full mouth debrisment for $175. and go back for polishing. Got a bill for $86. for 2nd visit. We thought the $175 was high for cleaning when told $86 for new patient cleaning. $86 for a 15 minute polish job seems exorbitant. Doesn't the dental profession know how bad the economy is? People can't afford health care or dental health care. Do they feel they are exempt from feeling the crunch like everyone else is? My husband, age 71, was told it would cost $20,000 plus to get his mouth in perfect shape. He can't afford to buy the hygienist a new car; he doesn't expect to live more than 5-10 years. People need to go to the dentist, not the cleaners! Shame on the dental professionals! |
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| Doing a procedures without asking you first. |
| Amount: $250.00 |
| Posted by: D of Tiverton in Middletown, RI. | Posted: April 23rd, 2011 07:04PM |
| Type: X-Rays |
Had ex-rays done and while the technician was doing them I realized that she was taking many more pictures that I usually remembered. I mentioned it to her and she said she was doing a full mouth ex-ray. I learned what this meant when the told me the bill upon leaving the office. With cleaning and full ex-rays it came to $250.00.
Shouldn't a dentis or technician for that matter TELL you of a new of different procedure that will be more costly then your customary fees.
The $250 bill was a shock as I am retired and on a fixed income. I was very unhappy about this.
In the future I am going to tell them to tell me exactly what they are preparing to do, and, if I cannot afford it I am not going to let them do it. I will find another Dentist or find an alternate solution to be problem. |
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| Dentist visit |
| Amount: $295.00 |
| Posted by: Enraged from McCordsville in McCordsville, IN. | Posted: June 16th, 2011 08:06AM |
| Type: cleaning/xrays/assessment |
the most p*ss poor professionalism i've ever experienced, after the cleaning he step's in the room takes a gander into my newly cleansed mouth, and spews out a few numbers, starting from $5,000, and progressing to $10,000 and from there for no reason at all shoots out $20,000 for the work that he wants to do....excluding pulling the 4 wisdom teeth that are currently driving me apesh*t crazy.
And to boot! He informed me that the work in question probably wouldnt last, or be the least bit successful, so..i'm faced with a choice, pay what would be atleast a year's worth of college for something that has no justification and wont alleviate my immediate pain...ooooorrr shop around and maybe ask my neighbor(another certified dentist whom i've known for years) to lend a helping hand.. |
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| Posted by: FIESTYVERMIN in RATCLIFF, AR. | Posted: June 21st, 2011 07:06PM |
| Type: CLEANING AND INITIAL EXAM |
| I BELONG TO A CLINIC THAT FOR LOWER INCOMES OFFERS A 50% DISCOUNT ON THEIR DENTAL SERVICES. I HAVE BEEN HAVING SOME TOOTH PAIN IN A TOOTH THAT WAS FILLED 30 YEARS AGO. I WENT IN I AM NOT SURE WHAT ALL THEY XRAYED I KNOW IT WAS A FULL SET AND WAS EXTREMELY SHOCKED WHEN THEY TOLD ME 74 DOLLARS. THE CLEANING WILL BE ANOTHER 26 WHICH I FEEL IS A PRETTY GOOD PRICE. THE XRAYS I THOUGHT WERE EXTREME PRICING BUT AFTER RESEARCH I FIND THAT ITS ACTUALLY PRETTY GOOD. SO I HAVE NO NEED TO BE UPSET. GREAT WEBSITE AND KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK |
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| Deep Cleaning |
| Amount: $0.00 |
| Posted by: a user in Ft Myers, FL. | Posted: July 10th, 2011 01:07PM |
| Went to new detal service and had exam xrays.. was told possible Rooy canal to go get evaluation.. something came up and was unable to get evaluation.. called new dentis for regular cleaning.. when I got there and Hyginst was thus I found I had a deep cleaning not fully coverd under plan I had.. I have also heard tha deep cleang should be preped with antibiotics? anywone know.. andya needless to say i shall not return to this Dental office.. |
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| Deep teeth cleaning |
| Amount: $900.00 |
| Posted by: Furious! in Escondido, CA. | Posted: July 18th, 2011 09:07AM |
| Type: Deep Cleaning |
Without insurance I paid $900 for deep cleaning after being told I would loose my teeth if I didn't have the procedure. Well, now it is six months later and I have such awful toothaches from where the roots have been exposed that it is going to cost a fortune to do root canals.
I have always taken care of my teeth and only had 2 cavities which the dentist filled.
I feel like I was scammed by the deep cleaning which has caused more serious problems. I recommend getting at least one other opinion and perhaps two before letting anyone deep clean your teeth. After searching the net I have discovered that I am not the only one who feels his way. |
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| rotating regular and periodontal cleanings |
| Amount: $120.00 |
| Posted by: deelane in Wichita, KS. | Posted: August 22nd, 2011 11:08AM |
| Type: dental cleaning |
| Have been having my teeth cleaned for a several years on a rotating basis (every 3 months) by both my dentist and by the periodontist he recommended, due to recurrent periodontal problems. (The periodontist is supposed to be doing a deeper cleaning than the normal one done at the dental office, but there doesn't seem to be a significant difference in my opinion.) For whatever reason, they won't prescribe antibiotics to clear gum infections. Anyway, cleanings run me an average of $120 per visit, and most insurance companies cover just 2 cleanings per year. So I dropped my dental insurance because the cost of premiums plus deductibles plus very limited coverage did not make it cost-effective. I had a deep cleaning several years ago and it ran about $1500, most of it covered by the dental insurance I had with my employer. Am now retired, income halved, need upper and lower bridgework ASAP. Quoted $2400. Scary. Unable to afford implants recommended by periodontist. Suggestions??? |
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| American dentists are only for the rich |
| Amount: $300.00 |
| Posted by: BVP in Charlotte, NC. | Posted: September 7th, 2011 09:09AM |
| Type: Filling, Debridement, Cleaning |
| I believe American doctors/dentists take patients for granted. They think that the services they provide are the best in the world but rest all places provide similar or better facilities for way lesser prices. God bless America! and its patients. PS for patients: If you get a chance, please visit a country like India, Singapore, Philippines and other places where you get the best doctors at relatively throwaway prices. |
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| Dental Costs |
| Amount: $263.00 |
| Posted by: Roy R in Spokane, WA. | Posted: September 13th, 2011 08:09PM |
| I had a dental cleaning $175 (no insurance) and then a dental exam with 4 x-rays that in all totaled $263 after a 5% discount for paying upfront. The dental hygentist thought I had a tooth problem so thus the x-rays and the dental exam followed after the cleaning. I'm not complaining here, just advising everyone to keep your teeth as long as possible and spend the money needed to keep yourself healthy. I do think it's sad that people can fly to foreign countries and get their dental work done for a fraction of the cost here in America. Dental work has gotten unbeleivably expensive and I understand why the need exists to seek out dentistry in other countries with doctors no less who were trained here in America. |
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| Posted by: a user in harrisburg, . | Posted: September 15th, 2011 11:09AM |
| will a double cap save the pocket between my teeth? |
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| Posted by: Amber829 in Sanford, NC. | Posted: September 29th, 2011 02:09PM |
| Type: dental cleaning, x-rays, & exam |
| I went to the dentist for a routine visit consisting of cleaning, x-rays, and exam. I was there less than 30 minutes. It was not the most thorough cleaning. I opted out of the panoramic x-rays which would have increased the total cost to $355.00. |
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| Teeth Cleaning |
| Amount: $30.00 |
| Posted by: Elaine in South Bend, IN. | Posted: November 10th, 2011 07:11AM |
| Type: Top & Bottom |
| Go to IUSB wonderful program. I do not not have dental insurance. I want my kids to have nice teeth and you can afford to go there. Wonderful students and good pricing. |
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| Routine Cleaning |
| Amount: $140.00 |
| Posted by: GA-DAWG57 in Athens, GA. | Posted: December 16th, 2011 04:12PM |
| Type: Routine Cleaning |
| I think this is entirely too much for a routine cleaning. My dental insurance was used up earlier in the year when the periodontist did minor gum surgery for $3900.00. This had to come out of my pocket. For some reason, the periodontist and dentist have me alternating between the two of them for cleanings every three months. Seems rather odd and I plan to investiage. |
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| Dental Costs |
| Amount: $320.00 |
| Posted by: vickykl in Roseville, CA. | Posted: January 25th, 2012 02:01PM |
| Type: Routine annual with x-rays |
| Took my 15 year old son to get his teeth cleaned. By the time they were done with cleaning, exam and x-rays it cost me $320. Then they found a "small" cavity and that cost me another $300 to fill. And then they wonder why I haven\'t had MY teeth cleaned in 4 years? |
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| Deep Cleaning |
| Amount: $319.00 |
| Posted by: pmpknp1e in Fremont, CA. | Posted: January 30th, 2012 04:01PM |
| Went in for routine exam, x-rays, cleaning - completely covered by insurance, but was told I needed a deep cleaning. Cost was about $1300-1400 for full mouth, after insurance my portion was $319. Looking at other posts, this seems like a normal price |
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