What common dental treatments cost in Spain

Key rules

• Quotes: Get two or three itemised written quotes before agreeing to any treatment.
• IVA: Normal dental treatment carries no IVA, but purely cosmetic work may be charged 21%.
• Free first visit: A free first visit is often tied to accepting a cleaning or treatment.
• Cheapest price: A price far below market, or pressure to decide fast, is a warning sign.

Typical private prices

Use these as a rough guide for private clinics. They are typical 2025 levels, and prices rise each year.

A crown is usually an extra cost after a root canal. Retreating a root canal costs more. Specialist endodontists and clinics that use a microscope also charge more. Back teeth cost more to fill than front teeth.

First visit and X-rays

Many clinics and chains offer a free first visit, often bundled with X-rays and a treatment plan. The offer is often conditional on accepting treatment or a cleaning. Where a check-up (revisión) is charged, it is typically EUR 20 to EUR 60. X-rays add roughly EUR 10 to EUR 40, and a panoramic X-ray costs more.

Why prices differ

• City. Madrid, Barcelona, Bilbao and San Sebastián are usually the most expensive. Smaller cities and parts of the south and interior are cheaper. The gap can be tens of percent. Two clinics in the same city can differ as much as two cities do.
• Chain or independent. Low-cost chains often charge 20 to 40 percent less on routine items. Watch for added extras, cheaper materials or labs, rotating dentists and offers with conditions. Independent clinics may cost more but offer continuity and a plan fitted to you.
• Materials and lab. The crown material and where the lab is change the price.

IVA

Treatment by a qualified dentist is exempt from IVA, so you should not see it added. Prostheses and orthodontic appliances supplied by dentists or dental technicians are also exempt. Purely cosmetic work with no health purpose, such as simple whitening, may be charged 21%. Products sold separately by third parties are taxed at the normal rate. This applies in mainland Spain and the Balearics. The Canary Islands, Ceuta and Melilla use different indirect taxes. For a borderline cosmetic case, ask the clinic why it charges IVA.

How to judge whether a quote is fair

1. Get two or three itemised written quotes for the same treatment. Each should list tooth numbers, materials and brands.
2. Compare each per-tooth price with the ranges above and with price guides from consumer groups and the dental councils.
3. Check what is included: X-rays, anaesthesia, follow-up visits and warranty.
4. Be wary of prices far below market and of pressure to decide fast.
5. Check that the clinic is registered and note the dentist's colegiado number, which shows membership of the professional council.

The cheapest quote is not always the best. The questions below cover the most common doubts.

Frequently asked questions

Is a first dental visit really free in Spain?

Often yes, many clinics and chains offer a free first visit, but it is usually tied to accepting a treatment plan or a cleaning.

Do I pay IVA (VAT) on dental treatment in Spain?

No, treatment by a qualified dentist is exempt from IVA, and so are prostheses and orthodontic appliances they supply. Purely cosmetic treatments with no therapeutic purpose, such as simple whitening, may be charged 21%.

How much cheaper are low-cost dental chains than independent clinics?

Low-cost chains often advertise routine treatment 20 to 40 percent below independent clinics. Extras can be added, cheaper materials or labs may be used, and dentists may rotate. Compare itemised written quotes rather than headline prices.

Does the city I live in change what I pay for a crown or filling?

Yes, prices can differ by tens of percent for the same treatment. Madrid, Barcelona, Bilbao and San Sebastián are usually the most expensive, while smaller cities and parts of the south and interior are cheaper. Two clinics in the same city can differ as much as two cities, so get several quotes.

How can I tell if a dental quote is fair?

Get two or three itemised written quotes for the same treatment, with tooth numbers, materials and brands. Check what each includes, such as X-rays, anaesthesia, follow-ups and warranty. Be wary of prices far below market, and check the dentist's colegiado (professional council) number.