How Much Does Dental Cleaning Cost?
What is Teeth Cleaning?
A routine dental cleaning is a standard process with a few varying steps. The dental hygienist will begin by examining your teeth and mouth for any signs of cavities or inflammation. If you are due for X-rays, they will also start with them before the cleaning process begins. Following the physical exam and X-rays, the dentist will clean, brush, and floss your teeth and may also apply a dental sealant and/or fluoride depending on the dentist’s recommendations.
Typical Dental Cleaning Cost
It is very important to understand the cost of dental cleanings and what your insurance will cover. There are many factors that 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 of a dental cleaning is higher in metropolitan areas than in rural areas.
Insurance coverage: Most dental insurance plans 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 and periodontal maintenance.
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. Below are examples of different types of teeth cleanings, why each is important, and the average cost associated with each.
Routine Dental Cleaning:
Routine dental cleanings are essential to keep your teeth and gums healthy for years to come. Following a physical exam of your teeth and mouth, 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 them. The hygienist will then floss between each tooth and rinse your mouth to remove any remaining debris. On average, the cost ranges from $75–$200 without insurance.
Deep Cleaning: Scaling, root planing, or deep cleaning is recommended for patients with gum disease or significant 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 bacteria from growing. This may require multiple visits and is often more expensive than a routine dental cleaning. Without insurance, it may range from $200–$400.
Periodontal Maintenance: Periodontal maintenance is similar to a regular teeth cleaning with the goal of removing tartar and plaque buildup. Unlike a 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 tooth. 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 prevent dangerous bacteria from growing. The average cost of periodontal maintenance ranges from $100–$300 depending on the severity of the case.
If you have any questions about the cost of your cleanings, treatments, or wonder what your insurance will cover, please do not hesitate to give the office a call. Routine dental cleanings are essential to a healthy mouth and teeth. Please call to schedule a visit with the dentist today.
Related Article: What is Teeth Scaling?
