Brushing your teeth is a vital part of your everyday routine, but that doesn’t mean you can skip professional dental cleanings. Dental cleanings provide the kind of in-depth debris and plaque removal that you just can’t get at home. A simple procedure like cleaning can help prevent yellow teeth stains, gum disease, and many other oral issues.
Typically, dentists recommend getting these cleanings every six months, but that’s not feasible for everyone. One of the reasons why people may not get the care they need as often as they need it is the cost.
Dental insurance coverage is separate from most health insurance plans. Because of that, nearly half of the entire country has gone without dental coverage in the past 12 months. This has left millions of people without the care they need.
So exactly how much can you expect to pay in dental cleaning costs? And if you do get insurance, what might your monthly bill be? Here’s everything you need to know about teeth cleaning costs.
Routine dental cleanings are a staple of good oral health care. It’s recommended that you visit a dental hygienist twice a year for a comprehensive dental exam and other routine dental procedures.
Your provider will start your regular cleaning by examining your teeth for signs of dental problems like tooth decay, gum disease, or other abnormalities. They’ll also use a tool to scrape away plaque and tartar, which can otherwise progress and lead to infections of the gums or decay on the tooth surface. Providers might X-ray your mouth as well to check for shifts in the bone structure there.
Next, providers will use a gritty toothpaste to clean and polish the teeth to make them look more attractive. They’ll then give you a professional flossing service to remove food debris in between the teeth before finishing with fluoride treatment at times.
If they find something like a cavity, they might be able to supply additional services in the office that same day. Otherwise, you’ll need to make a cleaning appointment for another day to come back in and get a subsequent treatment.
Insurance requires you to pay a monthly fee every month to “insure” you in the event that you need dental care. Some plans also mandate that you pay an annual premium to continue receiving coverage.
What can be even more frustrating is that you need to pay these monthly fees even if you don’t receive any dental treatment in that time period. Most insurance plans range from $20–$50 a month. Typically, the more you pay per month, the better the coverage you’ll get.
For example, suppose that you get a dental plan that costs $50 a month. In that case, you can expect that the provider will cover an extremely high percentage of the total cost of procedures.
This can be significant for emergency procedures like tooth extraction, a filling, or a root canal. But if you pay lower monthly prices, you can expect a smaller percentage of these services to be covered.
When it comes to teeth cleaning costs, most insurance plans will cover the full price of at least one yearly deep cleaning and checkup. This usually includes x-rays or other coinciding procedures you might need during your visit.
But remember that these services aren’t really “free.” You’re still paying monthly fees or a deductible, even during months when you don’t get dental care.
If you don’t have insurance, the good news is that deep cleanings are usually the least expensive procedure compared to most other dentistry services. The bad news is that they can still run you a lot of money. The average cost of a teeth cleaning, exam, and checkup out of pocket is $90 to $200.
The rate you pay for dental services is dependent on a few things. For one, the area and location determine local rates in your community, so places like large cities often run a higher price tag than suburban areas. Additionally, the expertise of your dentist can net a higher price.
Not to mention, if you have excessive build-up because it’s been a while since you’ve been to the dentist, your final bill might have up to another $100 tacked onto the end. And if you’re a new patient, initial exams, x-rays, and fluoride treatment can cost upwards of $400.
This is to say, needing to pay out of pocket for routine cleanings twice a year can be inaccessible without insurance coverage. But you don’t need to let price be a barrier between you and the care you need.
Even without insurance, dental cleanings tend to be more affordable than more complex dental procedures. This doesn’t mean, of course, that everyone can afford them.
One of the issues is that going for a cleaning often involves other procedures as well. New patients have to pay for a comprehensive exam in addition to X-rays. Even returning patients may need to get an exam or new X-rays every year or so because their dentist will need updated information.
The average cost you can expect for regular dental cleanings if you don’t have insurance ranges between $75 and $200. If you opt for a deeper cleaning, which could be necessary if your dentist finds signs of gum disease, you can expect to pay between $150 and $350. If you request anesthetics, that number could rise even higher.
Your dentist may also recommend additional services, like fluoride treatments, as preventive measures. Those could hike up the price, too.
The exact rate you pay for dental services depends on a few factors. For one, the area and location determine local rates in your community, so places like large cities often run a higher price tag than suburban areas. Additionally, the expertise of your dentist can net a higher price.
For another, suppose that you have excessive buildup because it’s been a while since you’ve been to the dentist. In this instance, your final bill might have up to another $100 tacked onto the end.
This is to say, needing to pay out of pocket for routine cleanings twice a year can be inaccessible without insurance coverage. But you don’t need to let price be a barrier between you and the care you need.
If you don’t have dental coverage, that’s okay. There are still low-cost options for you to get into a dentist’s office without needing to take out a second mortgage on your home.
All of those talented dentists out there had to start somewhere, and chances are high that it was at a college or university. Dental schools allow dental students to practice their craft on real patients under the supervision of a medical professional.
Since the students can’t get paid for this work, you usually only need to pay for the equipment and materials used. While there is the risk of poor care since these students are so new, bear in mind that they are monitored by professionals the entire time. This is a great way to get a routine cleaning without needing to break the bank.
Dental networks work similarly to traditional dental insurance. The main difference is that you pay a low membership fee for a discount on services.
The major drawbacks here are that you can only go to participating dental providers and for emergency services like tooth extraction or root canal. You might still owe a large amount of money after everything is said and done.
One of the best ways to save money without dental insurance is to prevent the need to go to the dentist in the first place. While professional cleanings and exams are naturally important to prevent periodontal disease and other problems down the line, good oral hygiene starts right at home.
Brushing twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush helps remove plaque and tartar buildup to reduce the risk of cavities and decay. Flossing is just as important at least once a day to remove food debris in between the teeth at the gumline.
Learn the answers to common questions about the costs of dental cleanings.
The first factor that you have to consider is what type of dental cleaning you need to get. A standard cleaning removes tartar, plaque, and surface stains. It’s the most common option.
If you’re looking to help treat gum disease, however, a deep cleaning, also called scaling or root planing, is a potentially better option. It removes tartar and plaque from under the gum line and on the tooth roots. With a routine cleaning, the removal only occurs above the gum line.
If you need a regular cleaning, the costs can range between $75 and $200, while a deep cleaning can be between $150 and $300. But those numbers don’t include other essential services you may require.
As a new patient, you can’t walk into the clinic and request a dental cleaning without first getting an exam. The exam also requires an X-ray to give the dentist a clear overview of your oral health. If you don’t have insurance, this means you could end up paying close to $500 as a first-time patient.
If you’ve never had a cleaning before or if it’s been years since you had one, your dentist may recommend that you get a deep cleaning. Deep cleanings are always more expensive, especially if you ask for anesthetics.
Even if you’re not a new patient, your dentist will require that you get X-rays at least once a year. If you’d like to get two dental cleanings a year, you know that one will include the added cost of X-rays.
People often assume that brushing and flossing every day is enough to prevent the development of cavities and gum disease. That’s not the case, however; your home care options aren’t nearly as thorough or powerful as what you’ll get at the dentist.
For one thing, you can’t remove tartar at home. When plaque hardens, it becomes tartar, which brushing alone won’t get rid of. This buildup of tartar increases your chance of developing gum disease. The only way to fight tartar is to have it professionally removed.
Aside from reducing the risk of developing gum disease, which could lead to serious health issues that extend beyond your oral health, getting dental cleanings also helps reduce bad breath. Cleanings remove the microbes that cause halitosis, which tend to be present in plaque and tartar.
Dental cleanings also provide aesthetic benefits. Plaque can make your teeth appear yellow, so a cleaning that removes plaque can leave you with the kind of pearly whites you’ll want to show off.
Something else to consider is that dental cleanings actually save you money in the long run. They’re preventive services that help you avoid the serious costs of treating advanced gum disease, tooth decay, and other oral health concerns.
Dental deep cleaning is a longer and more involved process than a regular dental cleaning. You can expect to pay between $150 and $350, but if you need anesthesia, the price will be significantly higher. In instances where there are already signs of gum disease, the only way to painlessly offer deep cleaning is with an anesthetic.
Sometimes, people hesitate to get dental cleanings because they’re afraid it will hurt. Your dental cleaning shouldn’t cause pain, especially if you’re getting a routine cleaning. If you do feel discomfort, it could point to an issue like inflammation or even tooth decay. Both can make your teeth more sensitive.
Additionally, allowing too much time to pass between cleanings leads to plaque and tartar buildup, which could make your gums more sensitive. It can also mean needing a deep cleaning.
You can feel discomfort during a deep dental cleaning, which is why you’ll likely need at least a topical anesthetic to numb your gums. After the procedure, you may experience some swelling and sensitivity for a few days. To avoid dealing with pain, as well as with the added cost of a deep dental cleaning, it’s best to opt for regular cleanings twice a year.
Dental cleaning is a basic service that is recommended twice a year to maintain the health and functioning of your teeth. Not only can these work to prevent problems down the road, but a bi-yearly exam can also shed light on potential problems early on.
The crux of the issue, however, is whether you can afford the procedures. If you have insurance, you can usually obtain full coverage for dental cleanings. Without it, however, you could be facing a couple hundred dollars twice a year — not including X-rays or other add-ons.
You don’t need to let another year pass without getting the dental care you deserve.
Sources:
Dental Check-Up | Cleveland Clinic
Periodontitis - Symptoms and causes | The Mayo Clinic
Plaque vs. Tartar: Differences, Treatment, Prevention | Healthline
