How Much Does Teeth Cleaning Cost?
Your dentist understands that cost can be a concern for you in maintaining dental health. Because routine professional cleaning is vital to good oral hygiene and your overall health in general, your dentist will work with you to make sure you receive the full benefits of your dental insurance plan, or he or she will suggest available financing options. Whatever you and your dentist decide, the primary goal is always to prevent more serious dental issues, which can result if you delay important procedures.
An important part of your regular dentistry routine should be teeth cleaning at least once a year, but preferably twice a year. Regardless of age, regular cleaning every six months helps you have confidence that you are preventing gum disease, cavities, and other dental issues that can lead to more costly treatments in the future. See below to learn about the different types of teeth cleaning, why each is important, and the average costs associated with each procedure.
Routine Dental Cleaning
Also known as prophylaxis, routine dental cleaning is the most common type of teeth cleaning to help prevent tooth decay and promote good oral health.
A dental hygienist uses an instrument called a scaler to scrape and remove plaque and tartar around your gum line and in between your teeth. The cleaning process is completed with the polishing of your teeth. Once your hygienist is finished, your dentist conducts a full examination of your mouth to determine whether you need additional care beyond cleaning. Depending on what your dentist finds, he or she will recommend a treatment plan for issues such as cavities or problems with your gums.
You should schedule routine teeth cleaning at least once a year, but preferably twice a year, so you can avoid more serious issues you might experience if you delay dental care. Usually, one of your twice-yearly teeth cleaning appointments involves x-rays, which most insurance plans cover. Your dentist uses X-rays to look for potential problems with the tooth roots or structural integrity.
The cost of routine dental cleaning typically ranges from $75 to $200.
Deep Cleaning
If you have gum disease or significant tartar buildup below your gumline, your dentist may recommend deep cleaning, or scaling and root planing. The procedure involves removing plaque and tartar from the roots of your teeth and smoothing the root surfaces to prevent bacterial growth. Deep cleaning can require more than one visit and is typically more expensive.
The cost of deep cleaning typically ranges from $200 to $400 per quadrant.
Periodontal Maintenance
You may need follow-up periodontal maintenance if you have already had deep cleaning or treatment for gum disease. Regular cleaning appointments help you maintain the health of your gums to prevent further advancement of periodontal disease.
Depending on the frequency of visits and the severity of your condition, periodontal maintenance costs can vary, typically ranging from $100 to $300 per visit.
Quality Care That Fits Your Budget
Your dentist is committed to providing quality care that fits your budget. Remember that the estimated cost your dentist provides can vary depending on the work required. The best place to begin is discussing your individual situation and overall needs with your dentist and working together to determine your best treatment options.