Good oral hygiene is critical in maintaining good oral health. This includes twice-daily brushing, daily flossing, and routine visits to the dentist. During these visits to the dentist, patients will receive an examination and professional cleaning. Professional teeth cleaning is important for the removal of plaque and tartar, and for the prevention of gum disease. When gum disease remains untreated, it can result in serious issues such as bone and tooth loss.
Dental Cleaning Cost
Patients are often curious about the cost of a dental cleaning. A teeth cleaning at the dental office costs between $75-$200 on average. There are various factors that can impact this cost, including the geographical location, dentist's experience, insurance coverage, and other factors.
A dental cleaning at the office also includes an exam by the dentist and periodic dental X-rays. When including these additional services, the cost for the appointment can range from $100-$300 or more. Again, these rates can vary, depending on the type and number of X-rays the dentist is obtaining. Dental x-rays are typically taken on an annual basis, but can be obtained more frequently if needed.
Insurance
In most cases, dental insurance will cover the entire cost of the teeth cleaning and examination. Most dental insurance plans cover cleanings and exams every six months, but this can vary. In some cases, the insurance plan has a maximum amount that can be applied to a cleaning. Patients who have gum disease or other oral health issues may qualify for more frequent cleanings or a deep cleaning.
Deep Cleaning
A deep cleaning differs from a standard dental cleaning. This process is also called scaling and root planing. This procedure is more expensive and ranges in cost from $500-$4,000 or more. A deep cleaning is typically completed over the course of a few appointments. The dental professional may also use antibiotic injections to expedite the healing process. There are various factors that can impact the cost of a deep cleaning.
Procedure
The procedure for a routine dental cleaning will typically include an exam and X-rays. Additional services such as fluoride treatments and whitening may also be offered, but will likely increase the cost. Patients who have early signs of gum disease may be encouraged to receive more frequent cleanings. The dental professional may recommend cleanings every three or four months versus the normal cleanings completed every six months.
During a regular dental cleaning, the dental hygienist will begin with the removal of soft plaque and hard tartar. They will use special handheld instruments to thoroughly clean the gum line. This will be followed by polishing the teeth and flossing. It typically takes about 30-60 minutes to complete the cleaning. The dentist will complete the exam and check the work of the hygienist at the end of the appointment.
Dental School Discounts
Patients who are looking for a discount on their cleaning may check with local dental schools. In many cases, the dental schools have a clinic that offers cleanings and exams at a discounted rate. While the work is completed by a student, their work is supervised by a dentist. Cleanings at a dental school may take longer than in a regular dental office, so be sure to plan ahead.
Call the office today to schedule an appointment for your next dental cleaning. Our team is happy to provide a cost estimate for your cleaning and exam, as well as answer any questions you have related to the cleaning process.