Maintaining routine professional dental cleanings is one of the most important steps in sustaining optimal oral health and preventing gum disease. If you or your loved one hasn’t had a professional dental cleaning in some time, you may be wondering what the procedure includes, where to go, and how much it will cost. Below are more details about a standard professional dental cleaning and what you can expect in terms of typical costs.
Routine Dental Visit and Cleaning
A routine dental visit is an efficient process that is key to maintaining optimal oral health. A standard dental checkup for new patients typically includes the following steps:
- X-rays of the teeth and mouth to evaluate bone health and identify possible cavities or tooth decay. This step is standard for new patients and for those who have not been seen in over a year.
- A review of your medical and oral health history.
- A comprehensive oral exam of the teeth, mouth, gums, and surrounding tissues. During this exam, the hygienist and dentist will evaluate each tooth individually, review the X-ray results, and note any areas of concern. If the dentist identifies any issues, they may recommend more frequent cleanings, additional procedures, or follow-up appointments.
- A professional cleaning, during which a certified dental hygienist uses specialized handheld tools to remove sticky plaque and hardened tartar that has accumulated along the gumline.
Additional Cleaning Procedures
If it has been some time since a patient’s last professional cleaning, the dentist may recommend a deep cleaning procedure. Scaling and root planing is a common non-surgical deep cleaning procedure in which plaque and tartar collected below the gumline are carefully removed. If the gums have pulled away from the teeth and pockets have formed, the surface of the tooth roots is smoothed, a process called planing, to encourage the gums to reattach. Depending on the extent of the cleaning needed, the scaling and root planing process may require two to four visits.
How Much Does a Dental Cleaning Cost?
A typical exam and dental cleaning costs approximately $75-$300, varying by location and dental office. If the appointment includes X-rays, the cost may increase by $100-$300. Additional procedures such as scaling and root planing may add $500-$4,000 to the total cost, depending on the extent of treatment needed.
Covering the Costs of a Dental Cleaning
In general, most dental insurance plans cover 100% of a preventive dental cleaning and exam at least once per year and may cover some or all of the cost of a deeper cleaning procedure.
If you need a dental cleaning and do not have insurance, there are several affordable options to explore:
- Discount offers for new patients: Some dental offices offer promotions for new patients scheduling an exam and cleaning appointment. Contact dental offices in your area and ask about any available discounts.
- Dental school clinics: Many dental schools operate clinics that offer discounted cleaning appointments. Contact nearby universities or colleges with dental school programs to ask about pricing for professional cleanings.
Related Article: What is Teeth Scaling?