How Much Does Teeth Cleaning Cost?
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.
- Location of the dental office: Often, the cost is higher in metropolitan areas than in rural areas.
- 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 preventive 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.
Professional cleanings are extremely important to your oral health. Your dentist may recommend other treatments along with a regular cleaning based on your oral health status. Below are examples of different types of teeth cleanings, why each is important, and the average cost associated with them.
Routine Dental Cleaning: Teeth cleanings are essential to keep your teeth and gums healthy for years to come. After the physical exam, the dental hygienist will remove any plaque or tartar that has built up over time. They will then brush your teeth with an electric brush to polish and clean. The hygienist will then floss between each tooth and rinse your mouth to remove any remaining debris. On average, the cost ranges from $75 to $200 without insurance.
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.
Periodontal Maintenance: Periodontal maintenance is similar to a regular teeth cleaning with the goal of removing tartar and plaque 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.
Overall, the final costs of any dental service vary depending on your oral needs. Before confirming your first appointment, we recommend checking with your insurance provider to confirm that your procedure or cleaning is covered. We are happy to discuss this cost in depth before your visit. Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns; we are happy to assist.
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