How Often Should You Visit the Dentist?
For most people, it is recommended to visit the dentist once every six months for a cleaning and routine checkup. These routine visits can help prevent plaque from turning into tartar and catch any other problems early on before they worsen.
Some people need to visit the dentist more often than once every six months. Depending on your age, you may have to visit more or less frequently. If you have pre-existing conditions such as frequent cavities or gum disease, your dentist may recommend that you visit more often than every six months. If you have a high sugar intake or smoke, you might need to see the hygienist more often to maintain optimal oral health.
What is Teeth Cleaning?
At a routine cleaning, the dental hygienist will start by giving you a physical exam of your mouth, checking your teeth and gums for any signs of cavities or inflammation. If you are due for X-rays, the dentist will take them shortly after. Following the physical exam, the dentist will clean and polish your teeth and finish with flossing. The hygienist might also provide a dental sealant and/or fluoride treatment depending on the dentist’s recommendations.
It is important to understand the cost of dental cleanings and insurance coverage. Many factors affect the cost of dental cleanings.
They include, but are not limited to:
- The type of cleaning required: In most cases, routine dental cleanings are less expensive than deep cleanings, periodontal maintenance, or any other specialized procedures.
- Insurance coverage: You may wonder if your cleanings are covered by insurance. Most dental insurance plans do cover routine cleanings (twice a year) as part of preventative dental coverage. Other types of cleanings may require additional coverage, such as deep cleanings and additional services like fluoride treatments, periodontal maintenance, etc.
- Dental office policies: The office may require additional services (X-rays or specialized treatments) that can impact the cost.
What is a Deep Cleaning?
Scaling, root planing, or deep cleaning is recommended for patients with gum disease or massive amounts of tartar buildup below the gum line. This type of cleaning removes tartar and plaque from the roots of the teeth while smoothing the surface in order to prevent any bacterial growth. This may require many visits and is often more expensive than a routine dental cleaning. Without insurance, it may range from $200 to $400.
What is Periodontal Maintenance?
Periodontal maintenance is similar to regular teeth cleaning with the goal of removing any plaque or tartar buildup. Unlike regular teeth cleaning, it is a prescribed treatment to combat periodontal disease. During this appointment, the hygienist will remove tartar from between your teeth, next to your gums, and down the entire length of your teeth. This maintenance is only required after a patient is diagnosed with periodontal disease and is usually recommended every three to four months to maintain healthy gums and eliminate dangerous bacteria from growing. The average cost of periodontal maintenance ranges from $100 to $300, depending on the severity of the case.
After your next cleaning, we are happy to schedule your next appointment in six months. If you ever need to cancel or change an appointment, please give our office a call.
Related Article: What is Teeth Cleaning?